Summer is in full swing and eating outdoors offers a special joys with family and friends. A little preparation can make every event relaxing and fun - just like summer should be! Taking a picnic with you to one of the local Concerts in the Park or the beach should be a snap with these ideas.
Pack it, plate it, toss it - Disposable plates, napkins and cups are great "must have" items for  convenient picnicking. I like to bring reusable plates and bowls and an extra bag to just place them in for cleaning at home. This is a more environmentally friendly option.
Be savvy about safety - A few simple steps can make your picnic outings safe and enjoyable. It's a good idea to always have a safety kit on hand as well as bug repellent (containing less than 30% DEET) and an insect sting kit. To avoid possible dehydration, consume plenty of fluids, especially when you are out in warm weather. Protection yourself from sunburns by using sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection. Don't forget to bring a hat!
Have a game plan for your goodies - When prepping for a picnic, food safety (handling and storage) is a priority. Make sure that you serve foods that can withstand some heat and outdoor exposure. Cold foods should be stored at 40 degrees F or below to prevent bacterial growth. Meat, poultry and seafood should be packed in coolers while they are still frozen so that they will stay colder longer. Packing beverages in a separate cooler is a good idea since picnickers are frequently opening the beverage cooler to get drinks.
Enjoy easy, fun feasting - Keep it simple. You might want to try rotisserie chicken or fried chicken that is already made for you. Fruits including strawberries, grapes and watermelon offer flavor and convenience as well. Simply wash well and you're ready to go. Bags of ready made salad fixings are also a quick and delicious crowd pleaser.
Simple fixings give you more time to join in the celebration! Enjoy your picnics as you make new memories and cherish worthy traditions.
Picnic Checklist:
- Disposable utensils (forks, spoons, knives)
- Paper plates
- Napkins, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer
- Can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew
- Grill/BBQ utensils
- Trash bags
- Resealable bags or containers for leftovers
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish, BBQ sauce)
- Drinking water
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- First Aid Kit
- Games or toys
- Flashlight
- Portable lawn chairs
- Blanket
~ Ralphs Grocery Store, MyMagazine |
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There are so many places to go, and so many things to see in our area. There are things to do with the family and things just for the two of you. Do you have date nights? I know it may be difficult to do sometimes. This is especially true for those new in town, or if you do not have any family living near you. 
