Picnics are a definitely a part of having a sizzling summer. I also feel that they are essential is summer memory making! It can be your local park, somewhere exotic, or in your own back yard. It’s your contagious excitement and eager participation (planning games etc.) that will make it fabulous!
Your Checklist:
A traditional picnic basket is cute but generally not too practical for larger groups. Think outside the box: plastic rectangular laundry baskets work really well for transporting goods and most of your food will probably need to go into a cooler.
Chairs or a picnic blanket if there are no picnic tables available; a table cloth if you will have a table.
Depending on your menu: plates, bowls, cutlery, serving utensils, cups, napkins, a dish towel, wipes (especially with little ones!) and a garbage bag!
Don’t forget things like sunscreen, hats, and insect repellant. If you will be swimming, don’t forget your swim bag essentials.
Bring some entertainment for littles: balls, Frisbee, bubbles etc.
Plan some games in advance: tag, three legged race (I was a champion!), red rover, hide and seek, What time is it Mr.Wolf?, capture the flag (a camp fav!) or red light / green light.
The Food:
Take-Out: My husband proposed to me while we were on a picnic at Webster’s Falls. It was a KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) picnic and every year since then we have went back for our picnic. There are twice as many of us now as there were back then 🙂
You can BBQ hotdogs or burgers – make sure to pack the grill, propane, tongs, buns, meat and condiments.
Sandwiches are pretty easy…go with PB & J or mix it up and do some cold grilled chicken breasts with Swiss cheese, oven-roasted beef with Havarti or a lovely lobster roll (barefoot contessa has a yummy-looking recipe for that!)
Or you can go with a cold selection: salads, meat trays and cheeses….this is one of my favorites! Let me share with you some of my favorite picnic items:
- Garlic Sausage or Kielbasa and cold chicken
- Sliced cheeses
- Cheater Potato Salad (boiled potatoes, Caesar dressing and chopped green onions) which is excellent hot, cold or room temperature!
- Cucumber Salad
Well…I just went on Google to see about some great recipes that I saw earlier and came across Healthy Picnic. In comparison, my little thoughts are awfully incomplete. If you are looking for anything picnic related, I suggest you visit there! Wow, this post was a bust! Sorry.
Did you have any great thoughts on picnics? Favorite fare, games or venues?
I haven't yet checked out the other picnic post, but I thought this one was great! Lots of terrific ideas. I totally agree that the cute picnic baskets are way too small and loved the idea of a laundry basket. And what a sweet way to celebrate anniversaries – especially when your kids are young and babysitting is so expensive. 🙂 Plus it sets such a great example for your kids! Thanks again for some great suggestions 🙂