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How To Prep for a Summer Picnic That’s Unforgettable

Modified on July 23, 2022 at 11:25 PM

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Summertime means taking typical indoor activities and giving them a fresh air twist. From backyard movie nights to patio workdays, the milder weather encourages us to get outside and soak up the sun all day long. That, of course, translates to mealtime, too. Putting together a summer picnic is the best excuse to get family and friends together to break bread in a whole new setting, whether it be a park, a concert venue or the beach.

Source: Rido/Shutterstock.com

But prepping for a summer picnic can be a bit challenging if you’re used to hanging out indoors. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about preparing for a summer picnic, from picking out stylish tableware to deterring bugs from munching on your appetizers.

  1. Pack Like a Pro with All the Essentials — Step one of being a professional picnicker is to learn how to pack your picnic basket like a pro. With all those spill-prone foods and drinks, you’ve got to think a bit differently about packing for an outdoor meal. Consider having an easy-to-carry picnic basket, wine and cheese cooler or backpack with a flat bottom that will keep containers safe from leakage. Here are some essentials to prepare so you don’t forget anything:
  • Choose your blanket wisely. The picnic blanket is quite literally the foundation upon which you will build your portable table. Pick a blanket that’s washable and not too precious, because it will be coming into contact with dirt, bugs and food. 
  • Go for sturdy plates and utensils. Picnics are about as casual as you can get, so no need to bring your fancy plates. Instead, opt for sturdy plates, forks and knives that aren’t likely to break in transit. These are also easy to rinse after dinner.
  • Consider the bento box. We’ve been seeing a lot of pro picnickers use bento boxes to create on-the-go charcuterie boards and snack plates that won’t spill in transit. So smart!
  • Pack plastic glassware. It’s the same deal here! Avoid bringing any fragile glasses that could be dropped in transit. It might make more sense to use disposable glasses for beverages to avoid having to pack dirty glassware or risk spillage into your basket.
  • Toss in a few plastic bags. You’ll wind up with a bit of waste after your picnic, and you don’t want to have to toss dirty stuff in your basket. Bring a couple of small plastic bags to wrap your dirty dishes in as well as a larger trash bag so you can stash your garbage until after the picnic.
  • Stay cool with ice packs and bagged ice. Make sure you have a strategy for keeping cold foods chilled in transit. Insulated bags and ice packs can do an amazing job of keeping food and drinks cold.
  • Don’t forget the grill tools and essentials. If you’re planning on cooking up burgers and hot dogs at the site of your picnic, don’t forget to pack grill tools and fuel. If your picnic locale doesn’t have grills up for grabs, consider having a portable charcoal grill for the occasion.
  • Usebug spray and sunscreen. Picnics are meant to be chill and pleasant, but you should always remember that they are, ultimately, dinner with Mother Nature. Be sure to prepare for harsh sun and flying friends by packing sunscreen and bug spray.

Source: BAZA Production/Shutterstock.com

  1. Prepare Unfussy, Handheld Foods — Just because you’re going the picnic route doesn’t mean your only options for food are turkey sandwiches. There are so many great picnic recipes out there for you to try. Sandwiches, tacos and wraps are definitely a good choice since they’re handheld and self-contained but don’t be afraid to mix it up with things like gourmet chicken salad, brisket tacos, Ruebens or even lobster rolls. Make sure to avoid anything too saucy!
  1. Plan for Bugs — When you’re chowing down in the grass or on the sand, don’t be surprised if you’re solicited by pesky intruders of the insect and avian varieties. Hey, it’s part of dining in the great outdoors! The best thing you can do to combat unwelcome critters is to check if  all of your food is properly sealed and covered when you’re not eating it. Invest in serving ware with built-in mesh bug nets and keep your food draped with kitchen towels or plastic wrap when not in use. Reminder: don’t forget to pack bug spray!
  1. Prepare for Wind and Rain — In an ideal world, we’d reserve our picnics for days with calm, mild weather. But with unexpected downpours and moody summer weather, seasoned picnickers know that avoiding weather snafus is not always possible. Bringing an umbrella and ponchos will keep you dry in case of rain. If it’s a windy day, pick a spot with rocks nearby that you can grab to secure your blanket.
  1. Scout Spots Beforehand — Besides access to blanket securing boulders, there are a few other things you’ll want to look for in an ideal picnic spot. You want to choose somewhere flat, dry and shady to avoid food spills or melting. Before laying down your blanket, be sure to feel the ground with your hand to know if it’s completely dry. If it rained recently, consider packing a towel or two to place under the blanket to absorb water. 

Source: bbernard/Shutterstock.com

Like any other meal, planning a pleasant picnic comes down to preparation. For the best possible picnicking experience, try to consider every facet beforehand, from the menu to the blanket to your picnic spot.

Related posts:

How To Pack The Yummiest Picnic Basket This Summer!How To Pack The Yummiest Picnic Basket This Summer! How To Create The Perfect Backyard for Summer EntertainmentHow To Create The Perfect Backyard for Summer Entertainment 5 Tips for Hosting The Perfect Winter Barbecue5 Tips for Hosting The Perfect Winter Barbecue 7 Safe Activities You Can Try This Winter7 Safe Activities You Can Try This Winter

Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on July 23, 2022 at 11:24 PM
Filed Under: Entertainment, Outdoors
Tagged With: Entertainment, outdoor activities, outdoor living, outdoors, picnic, picnic basket

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
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The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

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Today was my due date for Dylan. Considering he w Today was my due date for Dylan.

Considering he was my 6th child, it's possible he would have been here by now. It’s been extra hard for me this week. 

Despite my best efforts to be strong and stay positive, I am completely brokenhearted. I’m just being honest. I could pretend I’m fine, but that doesn't do me or anyone else any good to be dishonest about the pain of miscarriage or the grief that comes with losing a child. 

My heart is completely shattered from having an empty womb and an empty nursery. An empty bassinet in the corner and unused tiny newborn outfits, all washed, folded, and ready… for nothing. 

It makes me physically sick to my stomach when I think about it all and I can't even fathom how I got here. How did I get here? 

This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be holding a newborn right now! It’s so unfair. 

In an instant, my baby was gone and there was nothing I could do to change that. 

It doesn't matter how much time passes or what else happens in life, I will always miss him. My heart with always long for my baby. 

Those who haven't experienced loss tell you that "Don’t worry! Things will get better, just focus on the positive!" but people who actually know this grief and what it actually feels like to lose a baby, won’t tell you that. They know this hard road. They understand that unfortunately you don't just “get over it.” 

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
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