Plan a Picnic
Do you enjoy picnics? If so, read on and organize a picnic for you, and your family and friends.
Steps
- Choose a scenic spot for for your outdoor meal. Nearby parks, rooftops, beaches or farmhouse etc. are ideal choices. As a general rule there should be some flat unobstructed area that you can sit on and picnic.
- Create invitations for those who you would like to invite to your picnic. Make sure the invitations have your name, the location of the picnic, and the time in which your picnic will take place. Add any additional information to your invitation such as whether your guests are free to bring food, carpooling opportunities, etc. Make sure to include an RSVP number.
- Distribute the invitations. When all your guests have stated whether they are, or are not able to attend your picnic, make a guest list so as to get a general feel of how big your picnic will be.
- Prepare the food. Classic picnic foods are (but not limited to): sandwiches, fruits, salads, chips, cookies, hot dogs, pies, vegetables, fruit punch, lemonade, soda, and bottled water. Finger foods are the most comfortable to eat and serve. Remember you can be creative and make your picnic memorable. Try exotic foods such as tapas (bread and dips), olives and cheeses. Visit your local supermarket to get ideas.
- Pack your picnic basket. Ice chests are very handy in storing foods. Remember to pack a picnic blanket, paper or plastic cups and plates, forks, knives and spoons, trash bags, and anything else you will need. Paper napkins are a must. Some people even have portable folding picnic chairs and tables.
- Dress for the occasion. Wear something comfortable and if it is hot out wear loose, light clothing. Remember to wear insect repellant and sunblock.
- Go to your picnic area and set up. Be early. However, if you wish for your guests to have a choice in picnic spot, organise a meeting place where people can get together before hunting for the perfect place. Remember to wait for everyone to arrive before you go looking.
- Wait until the guests arrive. Greet them and enjoy the day.
Tips
- Make sure to remember your picnic blanket or chairs if you are bringing them.
- Make sure you are allowed to picnic in the area you have chosen. If you are able to reserve that area, it'd be a good idea to do so.
- Don't forget your camera!
- Food covers may come in handy to keep bugs and pests off .
- Make sure to bring some sunglasses if it's sunny!
- The place should be safe as possible.
Warnings
- Do not litter. Depending on where the regulations, fines may apply and the costs will be different from place to place. You could be endangering animals such as bears. Also, know the trash cans in the area so you can collect all the rubbish in bags and deposit them conveniently.
- Some of your guests may have certain allergies to particular foods, so keep this in mind.
- Do not strain yourself too much in getting this picnic ready. Picnics are supposed to be fun, so don't stress about anything.
- Keep bugs off your food while eating. Be sure to take mosquito spray if your picnic is in a wooded area or by a pond.
- Please use safe and hygienic cooking and serving methods, no one wants you to touch their food with unclean hands.
- Being in the sun can harm your skin. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and stay out of the sun when possible.
- Do not feed animals.
Things You'll Need
- Invitations
- Picnic Basket
- Ice Chest
- Eating Utensils (make an effort to reduce waste and don't use plastic utensils)
- Trash Bags
- Picnic Blanket(s)
- Sun fast
- Insect Repellant
- Food Covers
- Friends
- A Place To Go To (parks work well)
Related Articles
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- Have an Indoor Picnic
- Have a Successful Picnic
- Prepare a Beach Picnic
