Families who want to make the most of the last few weeks of summer should plan a picnic, whether in a park or by the beach, to enjoy the fresh air while it’s still warm. Keep the following guidelines in mind when you begin packing for your day out. They will ensure that your picnic is as wonderful as possible. Explore how to plan a picnic with senior friends by reading on.
Don’t Forget About Refreshments
Don’t forget about the tools you’ll need while arranging the meal, games, and guest list for your outdoor celebration. Remember to bring the little things that will improve the flavor of your dinner, in addition to a picnic blanket and silverware. If you’re bringing a homemade drink like lemonade or iced tea, don’t forget cups and ice. To enhance the flavor of your dishes, you may choose to bring along salt and pepper, sauces, or other spices.
Carefully Select Containers
It’s just as vital to choose the correct containers as it is to choose the right things. Depending on the dishes you decide upon, your packing needs will alter. Consider the ingredients as you pack the nibbles if you’re providing individual sandwiches for attendees to eat. If the sandwiches have a lot of condiments, such as mayonnaise or mustard, wrap them individually so they don’t spill on other foods. If they can be simply stacked on top of one another, a single consistent container will suffice.
Choose the Correct Foods
If your party will be held outside, be sure your goodies are appropriate for the weather. While you may always carry coolers or tiny heating gadgets, it’s best to stay with room-temperature foods or items whose quality won’t be affected if they become too hot in the sun. Serving meals that are best at this temperature, as well as those that carry well and aren’t created with components that would make the goodies soggy, is recommended.
You should also bring dishes that have been prepared ahead of time, according to experts. If you’re bringing a vegetable tray, for example, make sure to cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces before the picnic, as carrying a knife and cutting board around can be cumbersome. Other simple and nutritious foods to consider include:
- Fruit kebabs
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Pasta salad
- Homemade trail mix
Make Your Guests’ List
Before you can start thinking about what dishes to bring or what activities to play, you need to figure out who will be attending your picnic. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion or a potluck with friends from your retirement community, you should estimate the number of people who will attend. You’ll be able to not only match your food selection to your visitors’ preferences, but you’ll also be able to develop a more organized plan for which dishes guests will bring. If you’re expecting a large audience, make a spreadsheet to assign tasks to specific persons. Consider the following items that members of a large group can contribute to the event:
- Drinks
- Games
- Blanket
- Plates
- Utensils
- Food categories like desserts, fruits, side dishes, entrees, etc.
