As the spring air gets balmier, the birds return to their nests and the sun’s warmth lures you outside at lunchtime, let yourself enjoy the season’s benefits by creating an arsenal of simple and impromptu picnic ideas. Whether the picnic consists of a couple of coworkers noshing on the company’s front lawn, a mom and her kids snacking outside of the elementary school, or a newlywed couple savoring a noontime date, the concept of frequent picnics is a valuable habit to create!
Basics
Every picnic starts out with a tried and true method of transporting the food to the site. While the media has forever etched the image of a picnic that includes a red checkered tablecloth and a vintage, double-sided, “Toto” wicker basket into the collective American mind, expand your vision to include whatever type of food container you’re most comfortable with. Options to explore include:
Traditional wicker picnic basket: for a romantic and effective method of transporting picnic ware, the wicker basket works well. However, the insulation qualities of some baskets may not be competitive with those of more updated picnic systems. For a lovely selection of vintage-styled yet technologically modern wicker baskets, check out www.wehavepicnicbaskets.com.
- Picnic Backpacks: The ease of using the back to bear the weight of one’s picnic has led to the popularity of the picnic backpack. These bags are typically insulated, washable, and include pockets and retaining straps to corral plates, bottles, glasses and other picnic utensils. When selecting a picnic backpack, consider buying the largest size that you can comfortably carry. A larger size will allow more flexibility, and because the weight is distributed on your back, (and not totally on your arms as a wicker basket does), one is able to handle a heavier load.
- Insulated Coolers: While this type of transportation system generally provides the best means of refrigeration, the bulkiness and heaviness of a cooler may prohibit one’s flexibility. However, if the size of your group is large and the cooler is wheeled, this type of container may be a viable option for you.
- Picnic Amenities: In addition to the food and food service items, do not forget to plan for the seating of the picnic guests and a surface on which to dine. The options for satisfying these requirements run the gamut from sitting cross-legged on a waterproof picnic blanket spread on the ground to utilizing a picnic table in the park’s pavilion. If you are not certain of the facilities that will be available at your picnic destination, cover your bases by carrying several folding or collapsible camping chairs in your vehicle. Add in a large, washable tablecloth or blanket and several 33 gallon trash bags, and most situations will be answered.
- Locations with a permanent table and chairs available: utilize the tablecloth to cover the dining surface. If the seats are soiled or wet, sit on the trash bags. Use the trash bags to clean up afterwards.
- Locations without permanent table and chairs available: place the trash bags on the ground to create a waterproof area and cover them with the tablecloth. Place the food on the tablecloth and opt to sit on the tablecloth of use the folding camp chairs.
Janice Benoit - I'm Janice Benoit and I live in suburban Chicago. I have worked in most facets of the hospitality industry -- from hotel front desk to ...
