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Planning a Summer Picnic – Choosing Recipes and More

I remember the days that we used to have a picnic at least once a month or more and during the winter there were always the assorted “POT-LUCK” meals at some local indoor place.  What has happened to that “family gathering”?  I know we have not had a real picnic in more  years than I care to count.  Oh yea we go out to the park and have a “fast food” sandwich, or we grab a “to go” meal on the way to some place but,  We seldom put together the great stuff from the old family picnics. We would have the cold fried chicken, potato salad, bread and butter sandwiches, fruits, maybe even baked beans and cake or pie, water or tea in big ice filled coolers, etc.  Even the “tail-gates” we go to now have a lot of Pre-prepared stuff bought at the store, but they are closer to a picnic than anything else we now do.

I know we have a picnic basket that has not been off the upper shelf in years.  I think it still have a lot of the old plastic stuff in it for a real picnic.

I remember as a kid it was great, we would all pack up in the car, Mom and all the other mom’s had fixed a lot of food and we would go to a really nice park or lake or even out in the farms near a pond and put up a table if there weren’t any and spread out all that food.  The table would even have one of those red plaid table cloths and we would run by stealing chicken and off to play on the swings or throw the baseball or football… running everywhere.  Our parents would all get out folding chairs and set and talk about stuff… We probably would even gather at one point for a group picture then off again to play… We never stopped at the store as we had all the stuff we needed..  No “fast food’ but it was still ready and we didn’t care.  They would yell “come and get it” and it would be a rush, then we would be off again to play and the parents would talk some more until late afternoon and start putting things away… by that time late in the afternoon when we were all totally wore out and they would say it was time to head home and most of the time we would sleep on that ride home.  Just remember how it used to be.  – WD0AJG

 

The sun is shining, a light breeze is blowing and you’re ready to get outside and enjoy a picnic. While you certainly can just jump in the car and go – a little picnic planning can help make your day even nicer.

What you’re going to need:

Tables and Chairs. Some picnic locations have tables that you can use. If not you’ll need a table or blanket for your spread. If you’re picnicking with elderly companions, definitely use a table and chairs for their comfort.

Food Transportation. Beyond your serving surface, you need something in which to transport your food, ice packs or cooler, protection from the sun, paper towels or wipes, bottle opener (if applicable to your menu), plates and tableware, and condiments. If you want to cook on site, remember a portable grill and utensils. Beyond these fundamentals, its nice to have an outdoor activity to enjoy be it reading a good book or packing a Frisbee.

Guests and Location

If your picnic planning includes several other people, that requires just a little more thought to assemble. Like any other gathering you have to choose a date, time and location that’s easily accessible to everyone you plan to invite. Speaking of which, it’s nice to try and find a spot that offers both beauty and conveniences like a lavatory and shelters in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Thankfully you don’t need an excuse to ask people to a picnic – it’s one of those “just because” events! You can send out formal invitations, or just pick up the phone. The thing about the mailed invitation, however, is that it acts as a reminder of the date/time.

Getting a Little Help from Friends:

As you’re working on those specifics, ask the remainder of your party to participate somehow. Perhaps one person can bring plates and cups, another snacks, another a portable radio or CD player etc. That way you don’t have to load up so many things into your vehicle. There is also less of a chance that something will be forgotten when you’re sharing the responsibilities.

Simple Picnic Recipes and Food Ideas

Picnic planning must, of course, include FOOD! You can get elaborate if you want, or go with tried-n-true classics like:

– subs and sandwiches
– cheese and fruit tray
– smoked salmon platter
– savory pastries (like ham and cheese croissants)
– cold fried chicken
– an Italian antipasto platter
– fresh fruit and veggies with dip
– cold picnic ham or roasted chicken
– hard boiled or deviled eggs
– coffee cake or cupcakes
– cookies
– alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages

Picnic Plates and Cutlery

When it comes time to choose plates and cutlery, it’s strongly recommended that you use sturdy paper plates for your outing so nothing lands in your lap. Or if you pan to make picnicking something you do regularly, invest in some plastic picnic ware that bundles up for portability and won’t break.

The truth is, planning picnic recipes and everything else isn’t all that difficult. You can focus on simplicity or go all out. You can go alone or gather up a few dozen friends to enjoy the day. No matter what, getting outside will definitely improve your appetite so make sure to pack enough food!

Karen Talavera loves the summer sun and collects all her favorite summer recipes at Divine Dinner Party.com. She can’t fit it all here, so you’ll find lots more picnic recipes and tips there!

Feel free to re-publish the awesomeness that is this article on your own website, as long as you include this biography bit and keep all the links LIVE! Don’t kill ’em!

Author: Karen L. Talavera
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

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