If a soggy peanut butter and jelly sandwich is no longer acceptable, warm bottles of water no longer cut it, and small bags of Goldfish no longer suffice, then maybe it’s time to start thinking about learning to pack the perfect picnic. Yes, we said it, the ‘Perfect Picnic.’ Say goodbye to last-minute lunch packing, and hello to the perfect picnic. Anybody can pack a normal picnic- it’s easy. But with our help, you can pack the perfect picnic. With a perfect picnic, everything is delicious and a perfect picnic ensures all food is kept at the appropriate temperature. If you pack a perfect picnic, the fear of missing something disappears, delicious food appears, and, best of all, you have more time for fun!
There’s no denying that picnic season is on the way. Picnics are a great way to enjoy the warm weather and sunny skies, and, best of all, spend time with loved ones. Make sure you stand apart from the rest and pack the perfect picnic that is sure to impress. Oftentimes, planning the perfect picnic can be difficult. There are many things to remember when planning a picnic, from the tablecloth to the utensils but, if you plan ahead, you’ll sure to have a full picnic basket, envied by others. The following tips from Online Etiquette Expert, Diane Gottsman , will be very useful the next time you are planning a picnic. Make sure you read each and every one of these tips to ensure you pack the perfect picnic basket.
- Start with a beautiful picnic basket. I prefer an eco-friendly wicker basket. Take a look at this one from Picnic-Basket.com.
- Bring a nice, comfortable blanket. One that doesn’t make you sweat or itch and also, has no resemblance to your bedspread.
- Add a selection of eating utensils, plates (paper or sturdy melamine are ideal) and decorative napkins. I like to visit tag sales to find unique linen napkins that are a nice treat for a summer picnic but that I won’t fret over when my famous BBQ sauce stains them. Bring a few more napkins than you think you’ll need and a roll of paper towels for big spills.
- Load a cooler with crushed ice and lots and lots of drinks, including plenty of water. I make a special trip to buy ice from my local Sonic Drive-In because I love those tiny little chips of crushed ice.
- Pack your food. Pre-make sandwiches or bring supplies to build your own, such as a loaf of French bread, meats, cheeses and various spreads (I serve mayonnaise and mustard in individual jelly jars with a plastic fork wrapped in twine).
- Add in the sides. Fruit, washed and ready to eat; cheese and crackers; homemade pickles and olives; oven roasted chips or store bought; assorted sweets; and anything else delicious that you can easily eat with your hands while you’re seated on the ground.
- If you’re pairing your picnic with wine, invest in some plastic wine glasses. It adds a nice touch of elegance and indulgence to your picnic fare with no worries about broken glassware.
- Don’t forget the essentials. Have handy wipes and hand sanitizer within easy reach for tidying up before you eat. Be sure to bring bags to pack up garbage and recyclables. Plastic wrap and foil are always needed for the leftovers after the picnic feast. Also remember the sunscreen, bug spray, bandages and other simple first aid supplies.
- Make a plan for shade. If you’re part of a large group and have planned well in advance, you may have been lucky enough to have scored your own pavilion. Otherwise, a portable tent or other kind of covering will help you avoid broiling in the sun. Even simple umbrellas to shield your body and eyes from the broiling rays will be a welcome addition to your picnic.
- Prepare for company. If you’re going with a significant other or other family members, bring along a few extra soft blankets, extra lawn chairs and enough toys to go around for the kids – a Frisbee, jump rope, soccer ball and portable goals, whiffle bat and ball, even bubble-blowing supplies will keep the young happy and busy.
Let’s face it, do you really want to sit down to eat on the damp grass and eat a soggy sandwich that has been pressed up against your frozen juice box for too long? Whether it’s for a romantic date with a loved one or a day out with the kids, packing the perfect picnic will ensure that it’s a success!
If you live in, or are visiting central Massachusetts, why not enjoy the perfect picnic at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon? While Southwick’s Zoo has a variety of snack shops and delicious treats on site, they also allow visitors to pack their own food and enjoy it within the Zoo. If you do decide to bring your own treats, remember to pack a perfect picnic and have a great time!
