How to Have the Perfect Picnic
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The movies make outdoor picnics look so easy, fun, and romantic. But, if you don’t know how to plan the perfect picnic, you will discover it is much harder than it looks. Unless you are planning to just take a blanket and grab a pizza and some bottled drinks, you need to do some planning to pull it off. (Note – pizza, drinks, and a blanket is one of my family’s favorite types of picnics.) If you want the kind of picnic spread you see in the movies, here’s what you need to do.
Find the Right Location
During the pandemic, location is more important than ever (if you want to go beyond having a fancy picnic in your backyard). For example, some state parks are restricted and other public parks are overcrowded. Bathrooms may also be closed.
Beyond these pandemic-related issues, there are other things you need to consider about your picnic location, such as distance. Yes, a hike to a beautiful lookout point sounds lovely, but is it realistic? How far will you have to carry your picnic supplies from your car to the picnic spot? Are there tables at the location? Will you need to bring your own or take a blanket?
Invest in the Right Picnic Gear
If you want to have a perfect picnic, then you need to invest in the right picnic gear. It will be much easier if you have separate picnic supplies rather than having to assemble an assortment from your kitchen. For example, a picnic basket or an insulated picnic backpack that includes plastic plates, utensils, and glasses is great to have on hand. If you do not have a picnic basket, a cooler is a good idea since you can keep food insulated and they have handles for carrying or pulling.
Additionally, you need to have multiple storage containers for the food you take on your picnic. If you are taking any food that needs to remain chilled, invest in food containers with attachable ice packs. These also work great for kids’ school lunches or work lunches.
Hydration Tips
In addition to having the right gear to transport your food, you need the right gear for hydration. Insulated water bottles are always a great idea – especially if you plan to hike to your picnic spot. If you plan on enjoying some adult beverages during your picnic, consider purchasing an insulated wine canteen. There are canteens available that will hold an entire bottle and retain the temperature for 24 hours.
Plan the Picnic Menu
When planning a picnic menu, you want to aim for as many finger foods as possible. That’s why sandwiches and charcuterie boards are popular for picnics. However, you want to avoid anything sticky or messy because you are eating with your hands.
You should also plan for how many. If you pack too much food for the picnic, it is going to be harder to carry to the picnic spot (and you will have more wasted food to throw away and carry back home).
Speaking of packing your picnic, this is great advice from Taste of Home: “Pack your basket in reverse order to make it easy to get at the items you need when you arrive at your picnic site. Place nonperishable food on the bottom, then serving items and tableware, and finally the tablecloth on top.”
Also, check out this list of 101 Delightful Picnic Food Ideas.
Must-Haves for Outdoor Picnics
A large, waterproof blanket
A basket, cooler, or tote
Food and drinks
Hand sanitizer
Napkins or paper towels
A trash bag
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Bottle opener or corkscrew
Extra cutlery (especially a knife for opening stuff and spreading on condiments)
Wireless Bluetooth speaker
First aid kit
