There are a few things that signify summer is in full swing: the sound of an ice cream truck driving down the street, catching lightning bugs on a warm night and outdoor picnics with your favorite fare. Between meal prep and setting up shop, packing the perfect picnic basket may seem like a chore, but it can be a walk in the park with a few quick tips.
Whether you’re planning an outdoor outing for your whole family or just a party of two, you’re sure to have a great time if you keep these pointers in mind:
* Forget the Forks: Portability is number one when it comes to a mess-free picnic. Save yourself the hassle of creating dishes that require multiple utensils and opt for simple sandwiches instead. For easy assembly and a fun twist, bring along delicious ingredients like lean protein, sharp cheeses and tangy condiments for a “build-your-own” bar. Pack a variety of deli meats.
* Reverse Your Thinking: Once you’ve identified your picnic destination, it can take a while to prep before you can chow down. Streamline setup by packing your basket in reverse order. Rather than placing food items on top, move them to the bottom of your basket, followed by serving items and a tablecloth to top it off. This will make it easy to grab what you need when you arrive. * Squeeze In Extra Savings: If you’re planning to grill at your next picnic, save yourself the trouble of packing full-size condiments for burgers and hot dogs, and bring along portable packs. Save extra condiment packets from your favorite fast-food restaurants to add to your next picnic basket. Taking up almost no room, these are ideal for outdoor meals.
