A picnic is the perfect way to celebrate a weekend. Summer just shouldn't pass by without at least one meal eaten outdoors. Sitting on a thick quilt, eating a meal with friends as it slowly grows dark, listening to the crickets and watching fireflies appear is just wonderful. Why not make your picnic a party?
There are so many places to hold picnics. Your backyard or porch may be the perfect spot. But think about making it even easier on yourself and pick a spot away from home. Parks, creekside, out on a boat, at a playground, or near a lake are all wonderful locations. Choose the spot with your comfort and your guest's in mind. Make sure there are tables if the people you're inviting aren't comfortable sitting on the ground. And always have a contingency plan just in case the weather is stormy on your picnic night.
There are logistics to consider when you are packing a moveable feast. Food safety is number one. Anything left out of refrigeration should be thrown away after two hours (one hour if it's really warm), or placed back in the refrigerator. Don't count on your cooler to keep food safe after you've eaten, even if you still have plenty of unmelted ice. The cooler isn't mean to rechill food, only to keep it cold after it's been chilled.
So you don't forget anything, make a master list several days before your picnic. Check it over again in the next few days. You will probably think of things to add. Pack your picnic basket carefully, remembering to cross items off your list as you add them. Lots of big napkins, salt and pepper and other condiments, serving and eating utensils, moist towelettes for cleaning hands before eating, paper or plastic plates and cups (or use china and glassware if you really want to be fancy), and a big bag for garbage are the bare minimum. I learned about a great tip for cleaning up after a picnic - cleaning people, not dishes! Rinse some big, thick face cloths in hot water, squeeze to drain and wrap in foil, then place in a heavy duty plastic zipper bag. You'll have warm, damp towels to pass around after everyone has eaten. That's a real luxury!
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