How to Have the Perfect Picnic – 4 Aspects One Must Know
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| Jun 23, 2021
One of the most fascinating and beautiful aspects of our planet is the constant changing of seasons. And while some may love the cool winter weather, it’s safe to say that a vast majority of us enjoy taking it easy in the sun during the warmer months.
Whether that’s on a beach, in a forest, or just at the local park, there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors and the activities that come along with them. That said, having some food and preparing a picnic to go along with your adventurous or eventful summer days is a must!
The best part is that picnics are generally fun from start to finish because you get to design the whole experience to match your desired preferences. It’s the ultimate gift for you and the people closest to you, and a perfect way to spend some family bonding time over the summer holidays.
Nevertheless, this all means you will have to keep a few things in mind when planning. Don’t worry though, because we’ve got your back!
In this article, we will show you exactly how and what to plan for and hopefully give you a bit of inspiration along the way.
4 Aspects of Having a Picnic
Let’s not overcomplicate things, picnics don’t require stressful amounts of planning or food prepping. But, if you’re one of those people who like things to run extra smoothly, then the following prompts for planning a perfect picnic are just what you need!
Don’t let the stress of preparing and organizing the perfect picnic ruin the experience altogether, that’s no fun at all.
1. Choosing the Perfect Setting
The first thing you’ll need to decide on is the setting. If you want to feel stress-free and relaxed, you’ll have to pick the right location. You can go to a park, the beach, the forest, or even on a boat. It’s entirely up to you and the people who will be coming along.
The best way to narrow it down, though, is to get in touch with everyone who’s going to be making an appearance at the picnic. Make sure that they are comfortable with the area.
Some people might have seasonal allergies or phobias that may not allow them to have fun in certain settings. Besides, you wouldn’t do not want anybody to be unhappy.
2. Food Prep, Storage & Utensils
Another matter that needs to be addressed when thinking of where to picnic is how you’re going to transport the food. Getting the correct coolers and containers is not only going to preserve food, but it’s also going to help relieve you from stress by keeping things running smoothly without any extra effort or surprises.
If there are a lot of bugs or just pests, in general, you may need to bring food covers as well as aluminum foil, Ziploc bags, or plastic wrap.
Another important aspect of this is the picnic paper plates and disposable cutlery. Which we can probably all agree are necessary for eating! Moreover, though this isn’t exclusively linked to food utensils, it’s a MUST to have napkins available at your perfect picnic as well.
3. Miscellaneous Cleaning Items
Picking up where we left off in the last section on the subject of napkins, it’s also important to bring other items along to clean up, both yourself and your area. Picnic food isn’t always the easiest or cleanest when it comes to cooking and eating, and while it’s not always a problem, sometimes, the mess can get out of hand and prevent you from enjoying yourself on a day out in nature.
This is why it’s necessary to keep a few different items on hand when planning a perfect picnic, such as garbage bags, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and moist towelettes. No matter which way you cut it, these items are necessary, especially when it comes to finishing the day and clearing up the public space. You want to leave the park or beach the way you found it and set an example for others -especially children!
4. Picnic Perfect Food & Drink
Now, here’s the best part of having a picnic – the food! But, what exactly should you make or bring to make it both easy and enjoyable?
Some of the best ways to enjoy picnics are to grill out, and having a mini portable charcoal or gas BBQ can help expand the variety of food along with keeping a lot of people happy and with full tummies for the remaining afternoon activities.
If you’re able to bring a portable grill to your picnic some of the all-time favorite dishes to cook include hamburgers, marinated chicken, hotdogs, brats, and even potatoes.
If you can’t bring a grill, you can always stock a cooler full of pre-made sandwiches or wraps and healthy veggie snacks. Sliced peppers, carrots, celery, and broccoli go well with anything from sour cream dips to humus. Not only will these be scrummy, but they are also extremely nutritious.
Lastly, pack some of your favorite drinks, whether you enjoy soda, sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea. Make sure there are enough options for everyone, and it’s always good to have a case of water available as you don’t want anyone to become dehydrated.
Conclusion
The summer months are fast approaching, which brings with them beach days, family time, hikes, and anything that can be considered an outdoor activity.
Picnics are a great way to enjoy a day in the sun surrounded by family and loved ones. Therefore, don’t let the thought of planning put you off arranging a perfect picnic-filled afternoon for all to enjoy.
Picnics don’t have to be stressful. Just make sure to plan a few things, run the location past all guests, and, most importantly, pack enough food and drinks for everyone.
