You Should Throw a Picnic; Here's How
From location tips to menu planning, you have this in the bag... errr, I mean "pic-i-nic basket".
Yogi Bear had the right idea when he told Boo-Boo to ‘Grab a pic-i-nic basket’!
Picnics are one of those low fuss, throw-together ways of entertaining that can be adapted to any theme or occasion. Want an elegant wine picnic with floral touched platers of fruit, cheese, and fancy desserts? Done. Looking instead for a relaxed vibe that works for both kids and adults? Break out those pitchers of blueberry lemonade, crispy flatbread pizzas from the grill, and maybe some cookies & brownies. Picnics can be as fancy or as chill as you want them to be…. with a few easy pointers.
The Three Rules of Picnics
I like to follow 3 very basic rules as the starting point for any Summer picnic;
Find a shady spot in the grass (or sand, or even mossy forest!). We want to stay cool as we enjoy all of the yummy food and drink, but also a shady patch goes a long way in keeping your food safe for longer. Grab a large blanket, or even a big soft rug, and set the scene!
Think big flavors with a lot of variety. I love having a selection of grazing platters and charcuteries boards for picnics, rather than one big tray. Keep in mind that choosing finger foods and small bites that don't need a lot of refrigeration is the way to go.
Cheese and fruit boards, Charcuterie platters of cured meats & crackers, breads, ripe watermelon, bowls of berries, and an assortment of specialty cookies are not only delicious, but super easy to assemble!
Don't forget the drinks! Whether you’re stocking chilled bottles of rosé, sparkling wine, lemonade, or a batch cocktail, having a variety of beverages for your guests will help them stay hydrated and comfortable during your picnic.
If you’re worried about how to balance all of those platters and glasses on your plush picnic surface, grab a few wooden wine crates and up-cycle them into handy low tables!
The Perfect Picnic Menu
Variety is key. Food just tastes better when you’re eating outside, so let’s take the time to get creative with the menu! I like to have plenty of sweet and savory dishes available to tempt every guest, and I supplement the finger foods with hearty salads and light proteins. I’ll round out the meal with plenty of elegant desserts and chilled beverages.
If you’re concerned with keeping everything chilled to the right temperature, here are a few tips;
Fill a large galvanized steel tub from the garden center with lots of store-bought ice. Store your waters, juices, and mixed drinks in the ice to stay nice and cold.
Using a similar technique, you can place your trays of more temperature dependent proteins on top of several ice filled (slightly larger) shallow vessels to keep everything nice and cool. Less is more when it comes to refrigerated dishes; Don’t choose too many dishes that need to be cold! One or two recipe options can hit the ice tray, then you can fill the rest of the menu with dishes that can stand being outside.
With this menu and the three basic rules for throwing a picnic, you’ll be breezing through your next picnic party!
