Planning the perfect picnic can be challenging as you have two goals to achieve. One, you need to appease everyone coming to the outing and two, you have to counter the unpredictable weather. We've got a few tricks up our sleeves that can help you host the ideal outdoor meet up with friends and family.
Travel essentials include a wicker basket, picnic cutlery, tasty treats, and a comfy picnic blanket for seating. This article gives you a look inside the ultimate spread for an outing under the sun.
Let's have a look:
The Best Picnic Food
We recommend packing a light lunch or supper for your picnic. Otherwise, you might attract critters or experience spoiled perishables in the basket. Always prepare a menu that suits the weather. For instance, one must avoid heavy condiments that might not work for hot days.
If you're looking for recommendations, here are some tasty alfresco meals for the summer:
- Egg and chicken sandwiches
- Sausage rolls
- Salad wraps
- Sweet and savoury pies
- A stuffed baguette
- Potatoe salad with a nice vinaigrette
- Empanadas
- Baked goods (like bread, muffins and bundt cake)
Apart from this, stock up on water and refreshing drinks to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Sustainable Tip: Take a party pack of reusable straws or a multi-sized personal straw case to minimise plastic waste.
Remember to Bring the Picnic Cutlery and Utensils
There's a high chance you won't find a shop around the corner or utility store near your picnic spot. It's why one must pack picnic cutlery like spoons, knives, forks, and bottle openers. Also, serving utensils like plates and bowls. Try bringing lightweight utensils from home instead of disposable plastic products. That's because the latter will cause clutter in green spaces and harm the planet due to its non-compostable construction.
Besides this, you should pack napkins and a handy sanitiser. These are travel essentials you shouldn't forget.
Sustainable Tip: Ditch metallic and plastic cutlery for a resusable bamboo cutlery set here of twelve. The break-resistant, compostable, BPA-free products are a must-have item for travel parties. These products allow you to have fun without leaving carbon footprints on sandy beaches or grasslands.
Be Smart about the Container Choice
If you want to create a quintessential ambiance, you can opt for a big vintage wicker basket or a wooden one. These containers might offer aesthetic appeal, but they can't maintain the temperature inside the picnic basket.
That said, you can stock non-perishable items like picnic cutlery, bread, and thermos (for tea). On the other hand, you can keep edible items or beverage bottles inside a cooler as they need a controlled environment. Alternatively, use containers with a thermal lining to keep freshly baked pies and cooked meals warm when you're on the road.
Pack a Few Items to Keep Everyone Entertained
Your backpack or picnic basket should contain a few board games, a pack of cards, or a small ball for a recreational pre-lunch or post-lunch game. Bluetooth speakers and a fun playlist are digitally linked travel essentials the new generation can't go without. Always know who wants to play what and whether the games are suitable for any children that came with you on a family trip.
Stash Some Weather Proof Items
Invest in a big picnic blanket that's properly lined on the sides to ensure you stay dry on slightly damp grounds. Alternatively, foldable garden chairs and small pillows can provide a similar level of comfort.
In addition to this, umbrellas and raincoats are something to throw in to stay dry if it starts to rain. A light jacket or shawl will work well for slightly chillier seasons if you plan a fall picnic
Are You Ready to Pack Your Picnic Basket?
The best picnic basket needs something tasty, comfy, and a few travel essentials, without which your outing will be incomplete. These include eco-friendly picnic cutlery, games, and smashing music that creates the leisurely ambiance for your sun-filled outing.
Always remember to pack smartly and keep an eye on the forecast. That way, you won't be caught by surprise if it's too hot or it begins to rain.
Hopefully, our checklist will help you prepare well and enjoy the day to the fullest.
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