Know what is a wonderful way to spend a day? Eating tasty little bites while lounging on the grass under a bright blue sky. THAT is a pique-nique (a meal of small bites of food eaten outdoors), or as we know it – a picnic. And April 23rd is National Picnic Day. Organizing a picnic may seem a little overwhelming – having to drag all the food, drinks, blankets, cutlery, and so on to your chosen picnic spot - but it really can be done without too much trouble or planning. Picnics can happen anywhere and be anything, from super casual to elegant to romantic. You just need to gather a few things to ensure your time is relaxing and enjoyable.
- A picnic blanket or table cloth
- A picnic basket and/or cooler to transport food and drink.
- Eating utensils, plates, napkins, and maybe even wipes. Opt for reusable, or better yet, bring foods that can be eaten out of hand.
- Sunscreen and insect repellant. And don’t forget the hand wipes.
- Garbage bags for trash
- Portable music like a guitar or ukulele, a portable stereo or digital music player.
- Some outdoor games: Frisbee, checkers, cards, croquet, or board games.
- Consider bringing a portable grill depending on the menu.
- And of course, some fabulous food and drinks– that’s the whole point, right?
We’ve gathered some picnic food inspiration to make your National Picnic Day delicious. When thinking of your menu, try to include:
Finger foods, like sandwiches, fried chicken, and wraps
- Cheese, chips, crackers, and a dip or two
- Chocolates, cookies, brownies, bars, sheet cakes
- Fruits and vegetables cut or skewered for easy snacking
- Lots of water and other beverages
- Condiments for whatever food you decide to cook. Salad dressing, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise are a good place to start.
- Salt and pepper or other necessary seasonings
Ready to go? Leave your frustrations behind and get outside and enjoy some sunshine and beautiful scenery!
For more food inspiration, check out our Picnic board on Pinterest.