Packing the best picnic basket is a bit of an art. You not only want to make some delicious food, but you want drinks, some manner to store it all, and ensuring it is easy to eat and doesn’t require a complete service set.
While you will undoubtedly need some Tupperware meal prep containers, there are a few other things you should remember if you want your picnics to be easy and enjoyable experiences.
Food Safety
While you don’t have to go to the same lengths as a restaurant, ensuring your food is stored correctly is still a must. Especially in Summer, if something is usually kept in the fridge, then you need to keep it in an icebox when you go for your picnic.
While laying all your food out like a delicious buffet will seem like a good idea, instead, keep your cold food cold for as long as possible. When it is sweltering, food can turn very quickly, and you won’t even notice.
Storage
When making meals for a picnic, it is far too easy to put everything in one container and go on with your day. This often leads to meals being soggy, too watery, or just not as good as they could have been.
Instead, whip out a few Tupperware containers, store all of your components separately, and then combine when you are ready to eat. Storage containers are also the best for storing leftovers when you are packing up again.
Cook Ahead
While you clearly aren’t able to cook while on your picnic, there are certain things that are better to cook beforehand. Something like a hamburger is better right off the barbeque, but since this won’t be possible, pick an alternative.
Chicken is one of the best proteins to cook that can be enjoyed both hot and cold; pork is another excellent option that you can put into a delicious sandwich. If you want a vegetarian option, lentils are incredible, either hot or cold, and can be the base for a salad.
Skip Processed Foods
While this isn’t a must, there isn’t always a need to pick up processed and pre-made meals just because you are having a picnic. You don’t have to cook a 3-course, Michelin star meal, but there are so many options to choose from.
One-Handed Snacks
When deciding what to make and pack, make sure it is easy to eat. Foods and snacks you can eat with your hands or just with one piece of cutlery are best as no one wants to have to use multiple plates or bowls to enjoy their meals.
What to Pack
While the food you take is all up to you, there are a few things you should never forget that will ensure your picnic is as good as it can get.
Seasonings
If your picnic and food aren’t just for you but your family, you probably don’t know how people enjoy their meals. There are many spice and seasoning storage systems available for picnic baskets.
Drinks
Drinks are a must for any meal, whether it’s at a restaurant or a picnic. Once again, you can take your own personal favorites along, but a couple of bottles of ice-cold still and sparkling water will go a long way to keep you hydrated and cool.
If it’s a bit colder, you can pack a thermos of tea or coffee, depending on what you like. Soup is also an option if you choose.
Cutting Board
You won’t always have everything prepared, and a cutting board is a useful addition to use as a platter or a preparation space.
A Tray
If you are serving a cheese board, sandwiches, or fruit, you may want to put them on a tray. You can then put it in the middle of your table or blanket and use it as a centerpiece or use it as a way to pass food around to your guests.
Ice Packs
If you have drinks or food, you need to keep cold; that isn’t going to happen if you don’t have ice packs. They also allow you to keep drinks or desserts frozen, and you can even take ice with you for cold drinks all day long.
Cutlery
There are numerous picnic, and camping cutlery sets that you can buy that are compact but still very useful and versatile. Instead of remembering your own, rather buy one of these sets if you picnic often.
They also usually come with a few cutting knives, a bottle opener, serving spoons, and other pieces that make dining easier while you’re away from your kitchen.
Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are one the most essential items to take on a picnic. You can use them to clean your hands before you handle food or eat, they can be used to clean off surfaces, and they can be used to wipe off everything from your knives to your Tupperware. We recommend both disinfectant wipes and a pack of water wipes for your picnic basket!
Trash Bags
Finally, you need to take trash bags. The last thing you should be doing is littering while on your picnic. While you don’t need to bring huge bags with you, a few freezer bags will do the job just fine; this also makes it easier to split your trash if you are recycling.
With all these tips above you can pack the yummiest summer picnic basket EVER!
