How To Plan A Picnic In 11 Easy Steps

Picnics can be adapted to fit any budget and are great for getting outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. They are also a good way to spend time with your family. They can also be tailored to the tastes of your guests and you, so that they will have a memorable experience.

You can start planning your picnic with these 11 expert tips.

1. Think outside the park

Think bigger. A grassy patch is great for walking the dog or getting some fresh air. But for a picnic to be remembered, you need something more. Lakesides and riverbanks, or anywhere near water, can provide lush and unexpected surroundings. You can also take a drive in the countryside, to the mountains or somewhere else close by.

2. Choose a theme

The theme doesn’t need to be complicated you can choose a color or a specific type of food (like French, Italian or American) or the mood you wish to create (either reflective, celebratory or adventurous). Chan advises that once you’ve decided on a theme, all of your decisions, from the menu to the decor, should be consistent. This will ensure that your picnic is cohesive and well-planned.

3. Plan a suitable menu

Wendy Weston is a picnic expert from New York City and the founder of Perfect Picnic. She recommends choosing foods that are fresh and seasonal, like fruits, salads and prepared food. These foods should be able to withstand being outside for a while. This includes meats and cheeses olives jam baguettes and any sandwiches you have made ahead.

The Meat and Cheese Tin includes a variety of cheeses including gouda and pepper jack, as well as olive oil and salt and water crackers.

The Wine Market Tote includes a variety of items including pears, apples and roasted almonds. Also included are sourdough bagsuettes, olives with garlic, bruschetta spreads with fire-roasted tomatoes, artichoke hearts roasted in half, etc. These two items are great on their own, or with other favorites.

4. Think about it, but don’t get too excited

You’ll see a lot of photos on social media showing elaborate picnics, complete with silverware and china. But you don’t have to follow suit. Weston says, “I try to stay true to my picnic roots and buck trends.” I say leave the fancy things at home, and just bring a nice plastic tumbler and melamine plates. Luxury is great, but it’s hard to bring fine glassware with you on a picnic. “Don’t worry about a casual atmosphere it’s still just a picnic.”

5. Pack Smart

You can’t go wrong with a basket like our Canasta Wicker if you want to bring back the old-school picnic charm.

The Charleston Picnic Basket comes with everything you need for a picnic (plates and silverware, corkscrews, bottle stops, cheese boards, knives, and a cooler bag) and is designed to serve four people.

Weston suggests soft-sided coolers and bags to save space. They are lighter and easier to carry. Both the Frontier Picnic Utility Cooler and Wine Country Tote are ideal choices.

6. Borrow some wheels

Weston’s best insider tip for a picnic after spending years hauling picnic supplies by hand to Central Park is to buy a wagon. If you don’t own one, ask the neighbor kid to lend you one. You can use an old-fashioned little red wagon or a collapsible garden wagon to transport all of your picnic necessities. This will save you back pain and help you get from A to B. She says: “I’ve learned the hard-way, and a wagon is so much easier!”

7. Layers for comfort and warmth

Pack plenty of home comforts for your guests. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and lots of pillows. Before you lay out all of your pillows and blankets, place a tarp on the ground. Weston explains that tarps are used under all of our projects. We like to make a large area where people can relax and lounge, so we lay down a canvas tarp purchased at the hardware store before we do anything else. Then we add more layers on top!”

8. Water is heavy.

Every picnic needs drinks, whether it’s a cold glass of lemonade for your guests or a few glasses of pinot . Picnic n’ Chill’s Chin says to also bring lots of water.

She warns that “being out in the heat all day” can cause dehydration and suggests bringing more than you think you’ll need. She suggests bringing an extra bag of ice or two, and a small bucket that you can fill up with ice. This will keep drinks cold for everyone. Another great option is pre-frozen bottles of water. They keep your food cool early in the morning and provide you with extra cold water as they melt.

9. Desserts that are single-served are a great option

Weston prefers to bring cookies, brownies, and fresh fruits, such as berries, when she helps plan events. She brings cookies and brownies as well as fresh fruit, like strawberries to events that she plans. Chan adds donuts cupcakes and macarons as her favorite desserts.

Unicorn sparkle treats cupcakes have chocolate and buttercream inside, covered with “unicorn frosting”.

Cheryl’s Sweet Summer Mini Treats Tin contains delicious oatmeal raisin cookies, sugar, key lime buttercream, and lemon burst.

10. Add a few finishing touches

Chin and Chan suggest bringing along a sign, banner or letterboard to make your picnic more memorable. They say that this will make your picnic seem more personal and special.

Try a colorful Parasol for an alternative to the umbrella. Weston says that they look fantastic in pictures and add a unique element to any picnic.

She adds, “Topiaries and potted plants are also great additions to picnics.” These plants can add to the lush, outdoor feeling. They also bring unexpected colors and smells.

Weston explains that if you choose a few beautiful, lovely extras for your picnic, it will make the event memorable and special.

11. Most importantly,

“Don’t push yourself too hard!” Weston. “A picnic shouldn’t just be a moment to Instagram.”

Avoid overdoing it with technology, fancy tents, elaborate candelabras, or food that is difficult to prepare or pack.

She says, “Leave the phone at home and enjoy your picnic with friends and family. You can relax and enjoy delicious food while creating memories.”

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