How To Prepare A Picnic
The picnic season has come and eating outside is a perfect way to spend some free time with your family and friends during the weekend. Food always tastes better when we breathe some fresh air. Here are some useful tips for those who look for some inspiration as for choosing a place and menu for a nice picnic.
I always try to combine picnicking with outdoor activities. That is why except food we always take with us other equipment like different kinds of balls, frisbee, badminton set etc. It actually depends on where we are going. We always try to choose a different place to have the possibility to see something new and explore the unknown area.
There are for example special places in parks where people can prepare picnics. It is nice because you can meet new people, the kids can make new friends and find the company to play with. These places usually have features like tables, seats, barbecue or fireplace. We like going to parks sometimes but mostly they are a bit too loud and crowded for us so we choose a quiet place outside the city. I love picnics at the riverside or at the lake. Being close to nature is the main attraction of this kind of activity. But you should remember that there are a lot of mosquitoes close to the water so it is good to prepare for that by buying a special spray or candles. We usually go for a picnic together with friends and agree before what food, drinks and other things each of us is going to take.
Lets focus on preparing food now. Depending on what you like try to prepare something simple but tasty. Remember that eating outside is a bit more complicated so the food should be easy to eat even with the hands. My menu for example consists mainly of fruit. To make our stomach fuller I always prepare sandwiches. As we all know sandwiches can be a bit boring especially for the kids. To make them more attractive I use my favourite low carb pita bread and put different fillings in it. My children simply love pita bread with its funny pocket where you can put every filling you want. I also take something sweet for dessert. It can be a pack of cookies or a dry homemade cake. As for drinks I always prepare some kind of juice for the children and coffee in the thermos flask for the adults. Sometimes I buy some white wine because it fits very well with fruit.
As for logistics there is nothing like the old good basket. Its good when it can be closed, that will protect the food and drinks from insects like bees and wasps. No matter what I always pack the food separately and make sure the drinks are tightly closed. I remember once we were driving for a picnic and the car was shaking so much that when we arrived at our destination we had one big mash in the basket. I always cover it all with a cloth that we use later on as our table.
Remember about additional things like napkins, plastic cutlery and plates. Even if you think you dont need them it is better to take some, just in case. It is also good to take something you can wash your hands with before and after eating. It is important especially for the children that are playing in the sand or in the water. I use the special liquid soap that doesnt have to be washed out.
I think these are the most important things we have to remember when we are preparing a picnic. I love spending time with friends and family outside. When we have enough food and energy then we start very early in the morning and come back late in the evening. Thats what spring and summer are for!
