There is something enjoyable about eating outside instead of around the normal dining table. So, take advantage of the brighter weather this summer to have a picnic outside.
There are so many fun places where you can set up a picnic. You could have a picnic…
• In your backyard
• At the park
• At the beach
• In the mountains
• In a forest
• By a river or a lake
• You can even use summer concerts, fairs, and sporting events as an excuse to picnic
VENUE
It’s important to pick a comfortable venue for your picnic. In selecting a venue, consider the following:
Restrooms
Are there clean and accessible restrooms for all members of the family?
Shade
While you might enjoy a few minutes in the sun, nobody wants to spend an entire afternoon in the sunlight. If the venue does not provide shade, bring a beach umbrella or other sun-shielding gear. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
Weather
Check the weather for your preferred venue before heading out. You don’t want to subject yourselves to a sudden shower that sends everyone scampering indoors.
Ground
Check that the ground is suitable for sitting. Sometimes the ground may look inviting but on closer inspection, it turns out to be wet, soggy, muddy, and buggy underneath the grass. To counter this, bring a waterproof picnic blanket.
Picnic chairs
If your venue has no tables and chairs, consider bringing picnic chairs, especially for those who may find sitting on the ground uncomfortable.
PICNIC ESSENTIALS
There are a few essential items that you need for a picnic. These include:
A picnic basket
This can be an ordinary, simple basket for packing food and picnic gear. You could also decide to go professional and buy a proper picnic bag or backpack which may come with its own cutlery, plates, cups, cloth napkins, a salt and pepper shaker, a chopping board, a bottle and can opener, among other gadgets.
Tablecloth
If you sit on the ground on a picnic blanket, you may not need a tablecloth. However, if you’re using tables provided at the picnic site, then a tablecloth is essential. You may use a plastic-coated tablecloth or just an ordinary household tablecloth.
Utensils and napkins
You will need plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, and napkins to serve and eat your food. Disposables may be appealing but it might be better to use real crockery or BPA-free plastic.
Bin bag
Designate a bag for waste. Ideally, sort your garbage into biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous so you don’t have to sort it out later.
Food containers
You may carry your food in ordinary food containers. However, it would be best to use insulated containers for keeping food hot or cold. You will likely also need a cooler for your drinks.
Food
A picnic would not be a picnic without food, of course. Make a conscious effort to have healthy food for your family, with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Look for fun ways of presenting healthy foods to entice children to eat. You could, for example, use cookie cutters to mold sandwiches into interesting shapes.
Fun and games
Be ready for games for both children and adults. Football is always a favorite. Other games you can play are a three-legged race, egg-and-spoon race, treasure hunt, tug-of-war, and kickball. You can also bring board games for a break from all the running.
Bottom line
A picnic provides a perfect time for family and friends to get together. It’s especially fun to have different generations forming teams for outdoor activities. Pack that picnic basket up and enjoy the summer sunshine together!
