How to plan the perfect picnic

This year in summer and spring, picnics will be a hit, and planning your perfect picnic will be the goal. Also, this year being outdoors is much safer and accepted more due to the freedom to be in nature. Also, picnics can be planned in the backyard, park in the garden, or even by the lake. All we need is nature and some scenery. And, planning is the fun part, envisioning your perfect day and making it happen

Picnics are most enjoyable in the summer. Though if you are a content creator and would love some pictures around the blooms then spring is not a bad idea. So, this is your ultimate stop on how to plan the perfect picnic with details on the plan, picnic setup, and top food ideas

This post is all about how to plan the perfect picnic this summer with details on setup, decor, top food ideas and a free printable

sweet peach box

1. Find the perfect spot

The 2 best spots for a picnic are waterfront and or a park.

Park provides lots of greenery and space, though you may have to reserve a spot ahead of time, and may cost you money to do so. This is true, especially during peak times. So, depending on your picnic party count ensure that you book ahead to avoid space conflict and disappointment

If you are planning a waterfront picnic, this may not require a reservation. But, definitely plan to leave early in the morning or set up with a member to catch the perfect spot. Because during summer waterfronts are a huge hit with picnics and may get crowded easy and early

So, if you have your choice of location decided, and the count for your picnic party. You are a couple of steps closer and ready to plan the perfect picnic

2. Picnic Food Pointers

It is a good start that you know your picnic location and the month you will be hosting your picnic. So, now its time to start planning your Picnic menu and your grocery list regardless of whether if it’s for 2 people or 15

Decide if it’s going to be a pre-cooked meal kind of picnic, for example, complete with salads, entrees, and dessert. Or if it’s going to be an all-out picnic with barbeque and some pre-made food.

And, depending on the kind of food you are planning to serve. Plan the perfect menu, here is a suggested menu for both types of picnic.

Pre-made picnic menu ideas

For a picnic, where you are planning to pre-make all the food and just need to pack. Try one of each of these categories (Salad, appetizer (snack) entree, and dessert) to have a variety of food options, I have listed some of my go-to for each category:

Salad

Berry Lime Salad

Ingredients

1 pound strawberries

1/4 pound blackberries

1/2 pound blueberries

1/4 pound raspberries

zest of 1/2 a lime

1 TBSP lime juice

And, 1 TBSP honey

Instructions:

1. Wash, dry, and chop your strawberries in halves, place them in a large bowl
2. Wash and dry all other berries, and add them to the large bowl with strawberries
3. In a separate bowl, mix together zest, lime juice and honey
4. Pour your zesty lime and honey dressing over your large bowl of berries
5. Now gently toss and refrigerate until ready to pack (definitely this needs to be pack in the cooler with ice as it will taste the best when chilled)

Potato & Rotini Salad

Ingredients

16 oz rotini pasta

4 oz cheddar cheese

2 small potatoes (boiled and diced)

1 medium sized bell pepper

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

Cranberry (optional)

Dressing of your choice (italina preferred)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta per package, drain and run under cold water, then set aside
2. Chop your vegetable (potatoes, bell pepper)
3. Mix your potatoes, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes into your pasta bowl
4. Add in cheese and cranberries for added deliciousness
5. Pour in your favorite dressing, use Italian dressing if unsure

Tip: Pour in your dressing when you are ready to serve. though keep your slad and dressing chilled for best taste

Appetizer

For your appetizers, you don’t have to do anything fancy or expensive. Buy a couple of bag of chips/nachos with dips like salsa, melted cheese, sour cream, or your favorite dip and this will keep everyone happy and fill until the main food is served

Entree

Related Articles: 7 easy to make picnic food ideas

Dessert

Apple Pie Pastry

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour

8 oz cream cheese

2 sticks of unsalted butter (or 1 cup)

1/4 Tsp Salt

For Filling

1/4 cup sugar

2 cups peeled and sliced tart apples

2 TBSP unsalted butter

1 Egg Yolk for finishing

sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. In Large bowl whisk cheese and butter. Slowly add the dry ingrdients (flour and salt) knead into dough and refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour
2. Combine the sugar and apple
3. Now remove the dough and cut it into 12-15 small pieces
4. Roll the pieces with rolling pins into 2-inch circles
5. Add the apple mixture onto the 2-inch dough circle
6. Fold and Seal your apple pastry with a fork
7. Brush edges of the pastry with egg wash
8. Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown

Picnic Barbeque Menu ideas

Salad

Meat Barbeque

Hot dogs

Burgers

Chicken Kabobs

Vegetarian Barbeque

3. Picnic Basket & Cooler

Once you planned out your picnic location, number of people and menu. You want to ensure that you pick the perfect picnic basket to transport your food safely and in style. I have listed a few options that I use for my picnic parties and dates. And, I always get asked where I go it from. You will absoultely love these top quality perfect picnic baskets

Picnic basket for you and date

Picnic Baset for 4

And here is another good option if you are not looking for the fancy utensils and just care about a picnic basket with a lid. This basket with a lid will keep all food stored away nicely in style without attracting any bugs

Picnic Basket with lid under under $20.00

And, another option is for a basket without a lid, if thats all your style for less than $20.00

Picnic Basket without lid under $20.00

The cooler is important to carry to ensure that your foods stay cool and fresh especially during the summer months. It’s also a good idea to carry the cooler for chilled drinks and also for large picnic parties

And Click Here for a leakproof portable cooler for drinks, great for a small picnic, beach. camping and fishing. Also awesome for transportation as it doesn’t take much room

4. Picnic Setup

If you are using a carrying table and chairs or a picnic table provided at your location then that’s great. But still don’t forget to pack a waterproof sturdy table cloth. This will make the pick look more presentable.

Though for a small picnic party of 2-6 people, i prefer setting up up on the ground. And, isnt that the point of picnic to enjoy on the ground. And, if you are going that ground route picnic. here are are suggestions for setup

1. Click Here for one of the top picnic blankets ever. The blanket is sturdy and waterproof and under $30.00 for x-large
2. Boxes, wooden crate, can make a good makeshift table to lay your food flat or take a small foldable table with you for some of your risky foods
3. Don’t forget the throw pillows for aesthetics. And of course for comfortable seating options
4. Don’t forget to pack the Cutting board. As well as pack your food in sealable containers and mason jars for easy transportation and setup

5. Scavenger Hunt & Games

Games are so much and an added fun to an already fantastic day. You could definitely take a frisbee for quick play. But, if you are more into board games and cards that could be fun too.

A simple scavenger hunt could be fun for the children to invest their time into. And, you could give them a small surprise if they complete (scavenger hunt could include a nature walk) and more involvement and excitement for the children

Summary

Summer and Spring is an amazing time to have a picnic and enjoy outdoors. This post outlines the plan for a perfect picnic with food options and suggestions.

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