by Sam Eccleston
An afternoon picnic is a great way to brighten up lunch. And if you follow a few simple tips, you're sure to have a ton of fun in the sun.
1. Discover new flavors
We all know the picnic classics — sandwiches, potato salads, cold sodas. But outdoor eating doesn't have to stop there. Adding exotic new flavors can make your next picnic a real adventure.
Next time you prepare food for your picnic, think about light, summery tastes that you enjoy. For example, many meat dishes — from teriyaki to carne asada — are easily transformed into sandwiches or wraps that travel nicely to the park. In smaller portions, these are light, easy , high-in-protein meals that give you tons of energy to enjoy the day.
Salads are also a great way to transport new tastes to your next outing. Experiment with intriguing dressings, different vegetables and other foods you've never tried on a picnic. Being outdoors in the open air and sun tends to build an appetite; take advantage of that by eating adventurously.
2. Think outside the basket
When we think "picnic," many of us probably conjure images of an old-fashioned wicker basket full of goodies. But let's face it: technology has evolved a lot in recent decades, and you've got plenty of great options for transporting your treats.
When packing for your picnic, imagine you're packing groceries at the store. Put soft items on the top to prevent bruising and breaking. Keep different dishes separate by sealing them in individual bags or Tupperware. Cut down on garbage by using as many reusable containers as possible, whether it's your own plasticware or old plastic butter containers. As for plates and cutlery, there are lots of recyclable plastic and paper dinnerware products out there.
Once the food is wrapped up, grab a bag big enough to hold everything at once. A good rule of thumb for picnic preparation is this: Unless you're hosting a large number of people, you should be able to pack everything in one large plastic or canvas grocery bag.
When it's time to head home, throw your trash into a few plastic bags. It makes recycling easier.
3. Pick the right time
Nothing can ruin outdoor dining fun like an unexpected cold snap or sudden showers. There's no sure way to avoid weather trouble, but it doesn't hurt to prepare. Check your favorite weather site or the newspaper the day before to get some idea about the weather to come. If it looks as if it's going to get rough outside, reschedule for another day — or enjoy a picnic at the house.
If it's just going to be a bit brisk, pack some hooded sweatshirts and extra blankets. Even if you have to bundle up, you can still enjoy the day.
It never hurts to call your local parks and recreation department about peak activity times, just to be sure it's not so crowded that you can't find blanket space or a picnic table. Avoid crowds by taking a day off from work or school to picnic.
4. Set the mood
Picnics are so much more than outdoor dining; it's a portable party for the whole family. Pick some favorite games and toys, and you can have tons of family fun along with the food.
Toss a football or soccer ball in the back of the car for instant athletics once you get to the park. If you've got little ones, bring a few of their favorite toys — it's a great time to break out the plastic trucks or a favorite bouncy ball. And you can pick up a battery-powered mp3 dock to play your favorite tunes at the party.
Other than lousy weather, nothing can ruin a picnic like pushy pests. If you live in an area with mosquitoes, be sure to bring a Citronella candle or two, or give everyone a good insect-repellant spray. You can also avoid squirrels and other pests by keeping food covered when you're not eating. To keep other pests away, try not to spread too many crumbs.
5. Go beyond the blanket
When you settle in for your picnic, make yourself at home. Instead of rolling out that uncomfortable old blanket, pick up some inexpensive lawn chairs. A folding card table can make eating that much more comfortable.
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