Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time for picnics!
Have you ever been on a picnic? One of the neatest wedding gifts my husband and I received was an antique picnic basket filled with reusable picnic supplies like plates, utensils, cups and napkins. We love packing a picnic lunch and taking it to the park.
What’s your favorite place to enjoy a picnic? What types of food do you pack? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
Picnic Supplies
In the movies, picnics are often depicted as romantic events with cheese, strawberries and champagne- but they don’t have to be fancy! Of course, if you enjoy those things, go for it! Many people avoid planning picnics because the preparations seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, chicken is often a staple of picnics, whether it’s fried, made into a chicken salad, or prepared in some other way. If you’ve never eaten cold fried chicken outside on a beautiful spring day, you’re missing out!
Potato salad is another popular staple in picnic baskets, according to Tasting Table. If you plan to take foods that need to be refrigerated, however, be sure to follow food safety guidelines.
I usually keep it simple, especially if kids are involved. Some of the things we enjoy packing for an outdoor lunch include:
- Cheese and crackers
- Sandwiches
- Potato chips
- Fresh fruit like grapes, bananas or apples
- Fresh vegetables like carrots or celery with dip
- Canned or bottled water or other drinks
- Granola bars
Many of these items are pre-packaged and don’t require any preparation at all, other than tossing them into a bag or basket!
Depending on the food you bring, you might also need other supplies, such as:
- Plates
- Napkins
- Utensils
- Cups
- Storage containers for salads, dips, etc
I try to use reusable items like plastic plates and cups, fabric napkins, and other items that can be taken home and washed. Sometimes, however, it might be easier to use disposable supplies. I always make sure to have an extra bag or two for trash, also, in case there aren’t any trash cans available. We don’t want to leave any trash behind!
Celebrate Any Day With a Picnic
National Picnic Day is coming up April 23, so if the weather is nice where you live, consider taking one of your meals outside to a local park or other outdoor space!
July is National Picnic Month, so you’ll have an entire month dedicated to enjoying outdoor meals- that is, if it isn’t swelteringly hot.
But you don’t have to wait for a special event or holiday to enjoy a picnic. Any meal can be moved outside, and just changing up the location of where you eat can make it feel special. We’ve enjoyed simple birthday parties in the park, or dinner on the deck, or a sack lunch during a bike ride. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, and remember the sunscreen and bug spray!
Scan Your Purchases
If you’re a panel member, don’t forget to scan your purchases and submit them! Sometimes last-minute purchases outside of a regular shopping trip are easy to forget, especially if it’s spontaneous. Every shopping trip counts!
Not a panel member and interested in joining? Check out more information about NCP and find out how to join here.
This brings back such wonderful memories. I did own a collapsible picnic basket that came with actual glass glasses, silverware, ceramic plates and fabric napkins which we would load up with Oscar Meyer Bologna sandwiches with Kraft American Cheese and Miracle Whip on Wonder White Bread. We’d also bring potato salad (my personal favorite) as well as macaroni salad and coleslaw. We would bring along a bunch of ice bags and a cooler for sodas and to keep everything cold.
Then there’s my second vivid memory: every Fourth of July we would pick up a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken (back in the times when that’s what it was called, not the “KFC” like we have today) with the mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw and dinner rolls and headed down to the Detroit River to watch the fire works show (I’m originally from Michigan and grew up about 30 miles Northwest of Detroit). It felt magical. I love spring and, of course, a good picnic. Thanks for the memories.
I always give picnic baskets with all of the goodies as wedding gifts!
That’s so sweet. I never thought of a picnic basket as a wedding gift, but it makes sense.
Romantic gifts for romantic events.