How To Prepare The Perfect Picnic

Nothing quite says summer like a picnic! It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a romantic picnic for two or planning a fun-filled outing for the entire family, picnics are a wonderful and inexpensive way to enjoy the summer weather with family and friends. The key to a successful picnic is a little bit of planning and creativity. The best part about planning a picnic is that it can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish. Keep reading for these simple but effective tips that will make your next picnic the best one yet.

Preparation

A perfect picnic starts with preparation. The last thing you want is to be stressed out during your outing. First think about what type of picnic you’re going to plan. Planning an elegant quiet picnic will require different preparation than a family style outing. Gather supplies that you will need such as sunblock, bug repellent, a picnic basket or cooler, picnic blanket, plates, flatware, and napkins. Don’t forget to pack a trash bag to make clean-up easy when you’re all done. 

Menu

After you’ve gathered your basic picnic supplies it’s time to begin thinking about the menu. Sandwiches, pasta salads, chips, and fresh fruits are all popular picnic options. But don’t be afraid to think outside of the box while planning your menu, picnics can be a perfect excuse to try out new recipes to surprise your loved ones with. Pinterest is filled with easy and delicious recipes perfect for a picnic. Be sure to keep convenience in mind while packing for your picnic. Reusable containers make it easy to pack, store, and clean up. Food safety should also be front of mind. Some dishes might be okay to pack in a basket while others will require refrigeration and should be stored in a cooler or with ice packs to prevent the food from spoiling.

Drinks

Don’t forget the drinks! It’s important to stay hydrated while out in the summer weather. Beat the heat with frozen water bottles or juice boxes that can gradually melt throughout your outing. If you’re bringing a bottle of wine or a little bubbly for the adults don’t forget a corkscrew.

Location

Choosing the right location is key to a perfect picnic. One of the great things about picnics is that you can plan your outdoor feast just about anywhere. If you want to stay close to home consider planning a picnic in your backyard or your local park. If you want to venture further out the beach, mountains or lake make for an ideal picnic backdrop. Once you’ve picked a location look for a shady area that will keep you cool in the summer heat. Don’t forget to check the weather before heading out for your outing.

Fun Extras

Picnics are all about spending time with friends and loved ones while making lasting memories. Think beyond the meal and consider packing games and activities to share with each other. Something as simple as a bluetooth speaker and a football or frisby to toss around can add such a special touch to your picnic. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the amazing memories being made.

There you have it, planning a picnic doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a little thought and preparation you can plan an amazing picnic that will be remembered for years to come!