Planning a Picnic

The weather has been very unsettled lately, however this hasn’t dampened my desire for a picnic in the least.

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Paraphernalia
Picnics do not require a lot of equipment, in fact it’s possible to make do with very little. But there are a few items which will make every picnic a lot more comfortable:

Picnic Hamper
Wicker picnic hampers are the best (and most expensive), but there are a huge range of backpacks, shoulder bags, trolleys and chilly bins so you are sure to find something to suit your needs.

Plates & Cups
Although china and glass is the most elegant choice, it may not be the most practical. Reusable plastic plates and bowls are always an option, and if you want to be environmentally friendly check out some biodegradable plates

Cutlery
Fie on the person who invented plastic knives, they are next to useless! Instead it might be worth investing in a proper stainless steel cutlery set. An inexpensive compromise is the plastic handle/steel implement combination.

Blanket
An old fashioned tartan blanket is great, but any quilt or blanket will do as long as you don’t mind it getting dirty.

It’s also a good idea to bring a camera, sun screen, a chilly bin (also known as an eski or cooler), a thermos, paper towels, and a bag for rubbish.


Refreshments
Food should be easy to make and easy to eat. Picnics are supposed to be relaxing, so don’t stress yourself by making elaborate recipes.

Baguettes, Bread Rolls or Bagels
A selection of breads served with hummus and pesto always goes down well. Or bring a range of sandwich fillings and let everyone make their own.

Home Made Pie
Choose something that still tastes nice when cold, such as cream cheese, chicken and apricot.

Salads
Make one of your favourite salads or find a new recipe here.

Fresh Fruit
Grapes, cherries, strawberries, nectarines, mandarins, watermelon, pineapple: whatever takes your fancy.

Cupcakes
Or something else sweet. A picnic should always be finished with a sugar rush! Although I suppose you could try a healthier option…

Beverages
Take your pick: mineral water, fruit juice, lemonade, ginger beer, lemon lime & bitters, wine, beer, fancy cocktails.


Location
The possible locations for picnics are limited only by your imagination…

Beach
Either by the ocean or by a lake, beaches are one of the best picnic venues. This is especially true in summer when swimming is essential.

River
Rivers can be just as much fun as the beach, especially if they have a waterfall and a swimming hole.

Gardens
Especially in spring, a garden is the perfect place for a picnic.

Parks
One of the more popular (and potentially crowded) picnic locations is a park. The benefit of a park is that you should have easy access to running water, toilets, and rubbish bins. Best of all when you finish eating you can play on the swings at the playground!

Indoors
Why let bad weather spoil your picnic plans? Set up everything on the living room floor, turn up the heating and enjoy. And best of all, if you have forgotten anything the kitchen is only a few steps away…


Entertainment
Depending on the location of your picnic, you may want to incorporate the following activities:

• Swimming
• Frisbee
• Kite flying
• Touch rugby
• Tree climbing
• Play grounds
• Card games
• Backgammon
• Reading

Links
Picnictips.com for lots of great advice
How to Have a Great Picnic by Gala Darling
The Perfect Picnic from h2g2