Planning a Picnic

First select the location.  Parks are great but some museums have areas that allow picnics giving your group something to do afterwards.  No matter where you plan your picnic, ask your guests to bring a blanket and their favorite dish to share.  You provide the music, ice and desert.  This is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and good friends on a summer afternoon. 

 

If you don’t want to do the potluck meal, make up a simple menu and ask each guest to choose what they would rather bring.  Good choices are easy to eat finger foods like sandwiches and roll ups, fried chicken, fruit, cheese, breads, chips, olives, raw veggies and some salads.  Keep it light, cool and easy to eat.  Remember anything with eggs or mayo needs to be kept cold and don’t leave it sitting out for more than an hour or two.  Also, make sure your guest know how many people are expected so they can bring enough of their dish to go around.

 

There are a few “Must Haves” for outdoor picnics.  By making a list and making sure these are included, it cuts down on any stress that may arise from these items being left at home.  The items are:

An extra blanket just in case someone forgets theirs

Different types of music.  You want to try pleasing everyone but nice soothing music seems to fit everyone best.

Lighting if you are planning on going on into the late evening or night hours.

Plastic or paper dishes, cups and napkins

Plastic silverware

A real knife for cutting and serving

Salt, pepper and sugar

Ice

Bug spray and citronella candles

And don’t forget to bring plastic bags (for cleanup), dish cloths and paper towels.

 

Whether you spend the after meal time touring a museum, playing ball at the park or just being lazy, remember the whole event is to have fun and enjoy the people you are with.  So keep it simple and as stress free as possible.