It’s summer, and time for outdoor adventures. The kids want to be outside in the sun, and you are in need of a tan. It’s been a long haul, waiting for summer sunshine and activities.
And there’s nothing that says “summer” quite like a picnic outdoors in the sunshine.
Whether it’s in a local park, a state park, or even in your own backyard, picnics are a staple of summer.
So what are you waiting for?! It’s time for making plans to have that perfect picnic with family and friends. Here are a few tips to get you started with the summer fun.
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5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Picnic
Check the weather report – nothing ruins a picnic faster than unexpected bad weather, or a heat wave. Dress appropriately for the weather, taking into account temperature, humidity, etc. Picnics are always more fun when you are comfortable, not sweating. And the only thing that should be chilled at your perfect picnic are the drinks. And the potato salad, of course.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. It’s a staple of summer, and a bad sunburn can ruin any outing. Just like bad weather. See #1. The best sunscreen I have found is Arbonne’s LIQUID SUNSHINE sunscreen line of products. They are pure, safe, and beneficial – made without harmful fillers or questionable ingredients. Arbonne is internationally known for its level of quality and care about the ingredients that go into all its products. Find out more about them here.
Location, location, location. Where you gonna set up your blanket? How crowded will it be? For me, I don’t like too many people crammed into the space where I want to eat my sandwiches and dill pickles. I like to enjoy open spaces, with few people around. Some people like to picnic in places where there are loads of people with whom they can socialize. To each his own; just make sure that your perfect picnic isn’t spoiled by too many (or too few) people.
Speaking of people – choose your favorite people to join you on your perfect picnic. Your kids, family and friends, etc. Your companions on this outing are a key ingredient to making it the perfect picnic. Choose wisely, and make sure you bring a blanket large enough to fit everyone. If you are inviting a good-sized group of people – maybe you could make it a potluck picnic, where everyone brings a dish to share, and the responsibilities are divided among many people. That’s a great way to make sure no one person gets stuck with the bill for feeding everyone.
Food – OK, now we get to the best part of the picnic. Great food (which, BTW, is anything that you like to eat while on a picnic) is what it’s all about. Make sure you bring enough for everyone who will be joining you on your picnic, and make sure it’s all fresh (and well-chilled). You’ll also need a picnic basket – here’s a few to choose from:
And there you have it – my list of ingredients for planning the perfect picnic!
Go to the comments section, add your favorite tips for a perfect picnic. Thanks!
Joan Merrell is a solo mom to two daughters, a widow, and a security technician at Oregon State Hospital. Oregon native, farm girl and 4H leader, maker of homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies, she balances (more or less) full-time work with caring for a home filled with a teenage daughter, 2 entitled cats, and a hyper German Shepherd. She enjoys gardening and hiking, reading Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti novels, and searches for a few spare minutes to communicate with her grown daughter and son-in-law on her Marco Polo app. Find out more about Joan here.
Great tips! I have never been a big picnic person but maybe this is the summer to change that 🙂
#4 is my favorite! A Great time with your favorite people.