Picnics are a time of fun, food, and friendship. Watermelons are cut open, wicker baskets appear, sun screen is slathered on and the fragrance of hamburgers frying on a grill wafts through the garden.
Picnics are meant to be a time to relax but many people stress over having the perfect foods and all the other necessities like bug sprays and sun cream Here’s a quick list of items that are essential to have at a picnic.
Sun Cream
Depending on the time of day, sun cream will probably be needed at your picnic to avoid sunburn. Although it all depends on what your weather is like and how hot it gets in your area. I would suggest getting a sun cream with an SPF of at least 40. Make sure and eat in the shade too to avoid getting sunburn.
Food
The food itself is the heart and soul of your picnic. Don’t wear yourself out trying to make gourmet meals. Just keep it simple.
Besides, food seems to taste better when it’s eaten outdoors. Here are some suggestions for simple meals.
Main Dish – Pasta salad, sandwiches, lettuce salad with meat and cheese, good ol’ burgers and dogs
Side Dish – Chips, potato salad, fruit salad
Veggie – Raw veggies, salad
Dessert – Brownies, cookies, fruit salad, chocolate mousse, watermelon
For drinks, water bottles would be ideal or if you have kids, juice cartons and still water and fruit juices for kids.
For further ideas on picnic food ideas you can search online like me take one request from each family member to start you off! Our recent recipe for banana and coffee mini cakes would work well for a picnic too!
If your gathering with friends don’t forget the cocktails! Who says we can’t take them with us on our outdoor dining adventures. For a Pink Gin Fizz cocktail you could adapt on a picnic blanket this one HERE from Flawless Food looks divine!
Bug spray
Get a good bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away! I suggest using Burt’s Bees Natural Insect Repellent.
Seats
For back garden picnics you can spread out a blanket if you don’t have any outdoor seating. If you are eating at a park, there are usually picnic tables you can use although most places don’t have that many of them. If a picnic table is not available, use an old blanket. Don’t use a nice blanket because food is bound to be spilled.
Entertainment
Besides eating at a picnic there’s always time to relax and play a game. If you have kids, play a round of hide and seek or tag. Rounders is another great family game, if there is enough open space. Footballs are also another of our family must haves for picnics!
Picnics are a time to relax and enjoy life. Enjoy your food and enjoy your friends and family,
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