5 Picnic Ideas For You To Try
The sun is shining, there’s a cool breeze, and you have the day free. What else is there to do but take your dining outdoors?
The best thing about picnicking is that you can do it anywhere where there is some space. Armed with a wicker picnic basket with lid, a comfortable blanket, good company, and lots of scrumptious tasty bites – a picnic is a perfect way to make the most of the weather.
But if you’re not sure where to go for your picnic – or what food to take with you – don’t fret! This guide features 5 picnic ideas that you need to try.
1. Seaside Picnic
A beautiful backdrop of water at the beach will make for a lovely recreational picnic spot for you and your family. So why not give it a try?
In terms of food for any seaside picnic, preparation is key! There’s usually little to no shade at the seaside which means you should focus on taking food that fares well under the sun and won’t spoil. This includes:
- Pre-made sandwiches
- Pre-mixed salads (without any dressing)
- Chips
- Crackers
- Nut mixes
- Brownies
- Whole fruit (such as apples or oranges)
- Berry salad
Not only does a seaside picnic call for airtight food containers, a cooler, and a wicker picnic basket, but you will also need to bring a few other practical things with you to create an authentic experience.
Make sure to pack a blanket or a large table cloth to sit on to keep the sand away from your food, slather yourself in sunscreen, pack swimwear, drink lots of water (it’s important to stay hydrated!), and also bring along some form of entertainment to keep everyone occupied.
2. Hiking Picnic
On a hike, you will need plenty of water, non-perishable food, sensible footwear, and clothing. You may even need a GPS if you’re venturing out into a new area!
Any type of physical exertion should be rewarded with tasty food. If you’re hiking on a difficult mountain path, you’re going to work up an appetite. If you’re planning on incorporating a picnic into a hiking experience then you’ll need to consider the type of food you want to take with you.
It’s hard to go wrong with simple granola bars, apples, and a crusty loaf of bread with a wedge of good cheese to carb up after using so much energy.
But if you want to make the most out of your hike-picnic hybrid experience, then you may want to opt for heartier foods with more flavor.
- Grain-based salads
- Crunchy fruit or vegetable slices
- Cookies are a great
- Nut butter and jelly whole-grain sandwiches
- Jerky
3. Urban Space Picnic
Pack a small wicker picnic basket and set out to have an amazing alfresco dining experience in and around your city. You can set up anywhere – within reason, of course!
Try a rooftop with a view of the city skyline, in a town square, a public park, or even set up your picnic blanket on a quiet green space in an urban garden. You can even arrange a picnic on your balcony – especially if you have an excellent view of the surrounding area!
You don’t have to do anything special in terms of the food you decide to bring. Try to incorporate the following into your next urban picnic:
- Hearty, fresh bread
- Soup
- BLT sandwiches
- Glass noodle salad
- Blueberry muffins
- A slice of your favorite cake (chocolate, red velvet, vanilla).
After finishing your delicious picnic food, take some time to relax by yourself or with your friends. Play an entertaining card game, read a book, or even bring sports equipment for some fun leisure time.
4. Waterfall Picnic
This is another picnic idea that you just have to try!
For the ultimate romantic picnic, find the nearest waterfall and prepare for a day you won’t soon forget! Not only will the ethereal backdrop enhance the mood but it will also provide amazing scenery while you tuck into your food.
In an old-school picnic basket, you should have a variety of tasty food and indulgent drinks like stunning sparkling wine or bottles of fruity water (use orange or lemon slices to flavor it). Keep food choices simply yet interesting:
- Quality bread like sourdough or French baguette with a selection of cheese
- Antipasti
- Cold pasta salad (avoid mayonnaise if it is especially hot outside)
- Crackers
- Couscous and vegetables
- Chocolate truffle cookies.
You should also take cloth napkins, flatware, a comfortable blanket to sit on, and a cooler to keep perishable items cold. You could even throw in a few tea candles and a lighter.
5. Countryside Picnic
Longer summer evenings signify the start of another beautiful summer season. So if you’re looking for a more secluded spot where the whole family can eat delicious food and socialize together from sunrise to sunset, a countryside picnic is just the ticket.
You’ll want to pack food that works well under the heat of the sun, and also caters to everyone’s individual needs. Consider some of the following foods:
- Baguettes and butter
- Avocado and artichoke pasta salad
- Fruit (whole or sliced)
- Fried chicken
- Pre-cooked mini pizzas
- Potato salad (keep in a cooler)
- A variety of cookies
- Lemon bars
The best part about hosting a picnic in such an open space is that there’s plenty of room for kids (or adults, we won’t judge) to run around and burn off some of their excess energy. Couple that with the beautiful scenery you’ll undoubtedly be surrounded by, and you have the recipe for the perfect picnic for any time of year.
Don’t forget to take a bottle of bug spray with you, too!
Summary
These are just a few picnic types that you need to try. While they will make for an ideal summer day out, you can have a picnic at any time of the year. As long as the weather is permitting and there is plenty of space for you to set up your wicker picnic basket and your blanket – you truly have nothing to worry about!
Read more:
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