Who doesn't hear the word "picnic" and think of a warm summer day near a pond, with a blanket spread on the ground and tasty treats being pulled from a basket? Whatever your ideal picnic looks like, follow this advice to ensure your picnic parties go off without a hitch!
Sandwiches and fruit just taste better outside, don't you think?
Traditional:
Ham and cheese sandwiches, pasta salad, baby carrots, sliced apples (sprinkled with lemon juice so they don't go brown), chocolate chip cookies, water
With a Twist: Melon and prosciutto skewers, tomato and cucumber salad with feta, goat cheese and crackers, mascarpone and strawberries, cucumber water or La Croix
Skewers are great for bbqs because they cook quickly and you can easily tell if the meats are cooked all the way through.
Traditional:
Skewers (chicken, grape tomato, onion, and bell peppers), veggie burgers (don't forget the buns, condiments, lettuce, and tomato), potato salad, fruit salad, potato chips, brownies, lemonade
With a Twist: Mahi-mahi skewers with pineapple, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, grilled zucchini, blue cheese coleslaw, watermelon salad, grilled pears with honey, water and wine (be sure to check local regulations)
Choose easy finger foods, especially for a romantic meal. Don't forget the candles and the bottle opener!
Traditional:
Cheese and crackers, olives and salami, spinach dip and French bread, bottle of white wine (be sure to check local regulations), chocolate-dipped strawberries
With a Twist: Bruschetta, mini caprese sandwiches with basil, mini peppers, olives, chocolate-dipped marshmallows on sticks, homemade sangria
Don't forget the napkins, wet wipes, storage for leftovers, trash bags ... and wireless speakers for music!
- Don't partially cook meat before the picnic.
- You can't go overboard with ice and cold packs for meat, fish, and poultry, plus anything with mayo.
- Stash the cooler in the shade.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure everything is cooked properly.
- Put leftovers in the fridge immediately, and toss anything that's gotten warm.
- Choose resealable plastic containers over foil, cling film, or plastic baggies.
- Use real cutlery, plates and reusable straws.
- Even better, go with finger foods that don't need cutlery!
- Put your reusable water bottles to use, no matter what drinks you bring.
- Remember that even orange peels or other food waste should be cleaned up.
- Keep food covered.
- Avoid picnic areas near wet ground.
- Don't set up within 50 feet of a garbage can.
- Tote some citronella candles or citrus fruits to repel insects.
- Seal fruits, sodas, and other sweet items in tubs or under lids.
Picnics are fun, but you want to enjoy the great outdoors at home, too. If your yard isn't meeting your relaxation or entertaining needs, let's talk about finding you a home that does!