Planning a spring picnic? Let’s make sure it’s one for the books. Forget about those soggy sandwiches and wilted salads, level up your picnic game with some simple, yet game-changing tips. From choosing the right gear to packing the perfect blend of snacks, these pointers will help ensure your outdoor feast is nothing short of spectacular.
Skip the Paper Plates for Enamel
Enamel plates aren’t just sturdier than paper; they add a chic touch to your picnic setup. Plus, they’re reusable, making your outdoor feast both stylish and eco-friendly. Say goodbye to chasing flimsy plates on windy days and food stains seeping through to your clothes.
Bring Something Besides Food
A frisbee, a deck of cards, or a Bluetooth speaker can turn a meal outdoors into an event. It’s not just about the food; creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere makes for a memorable picnic everyone will enjoy.
Have a Plan for Bugs
Nothing ruins a picnic faster than uninvited insect guests. Pack some citronella candles or natural bug spray to keep them at bay. Enjoying your meal without swatting away flies makes everything taste better.
Buying a Good Cooler is a Worthwhile Investment
A quality cooler keeps your food and drinks perfectly chilled for hours. Consider it an essential tool in your picnic arsenal for perfect outdoor meals every time. Plus, you can use it all year-round for so many other things.
Bring More Napkins, Wet Naps & Garbage Bags Than You Think You’ll Need
Spills and messes are part of the picnic charm, but being prepared makes clean-up a breeze. Extra napkins and wet naps keep hands and faces clean, while plenty of garbage bags mean you leave no trace behind.
Don’t Forget Things To Weigh Down the Blanket
A breezy day can turn your picnic into a chase scene. Bring clips or small weights to keep your blanket and tablecloth in place. This simple trick ensures your setup stays picturesque and functional.
Avoid Messy Foods
Stick to foods that are easy to eat and serve. Think sandwiches, wraps, or skewers. They’re not just convenient; they also mean less fuss and more time enjoying the scenery and company.
Salads Are Your Friend
Salads are the perfect picnic food—refreshing, versatile, and simple to serve. Pack them in jars for an extra touch of convenience. Plus, they can be hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to keep you feeling spry for post-picnic activities.
Don’t Skip Dessert
No picnic (or meal) is complete without something sweet at the end. Portable options like cookies or fruit tarts are the perfect way to end the day and they don’t require extra utensils.
A Small Cutting Board & Knife Isn’t a Bad Idea
For cheeses, fruits, or bread, a cutting board and a knife are invaluable. They allow for last-minute prep so everything is fresh. Plus, they make you look like a picnic pro.
Keep It Colorful
Bright, vibrant foods do more than taste good—they look amazing, too. A colorful spread is inviting and adds to the joy of eating outdoors. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
If You’re Packing Wine, Remember a Corkscrew!
It’s all fun and games until someone forgets the corkscrew. Avoid the struggle and make sure to pack one. It’s a small item that makes a big difference, especially if wine is on the menu.
Pack Appropriately So Food Doesn’t Get Crushed
How you pack your picnic basket or bag can make or break the meal. Place heavier items at the bottom and delicate ones on top and don’t forget to use leak-proof containers to transport everything so you’re not met with a mess from the start.
13 Ways To Make Drinking Alcohol A Little Healthier
Kicking back with a drink might be how you unwind, but have you ever thought about making that sip a bit healthier? It turns out, you can mix a bit of mindfulness with your merlot or margarita. Whether it’s opting for lower-calorie options, slashing the sugar, or just making smarter choices about what you mix your liquor with, there’s plenty you can do to make your happy hour a little happier for your body.
Here are 13 tweaks and tips to keep in mind next time you’re pouring yourself a glass, all aimed at enjoying responsibly while keeping an eye on your health.
See Them Here: 13 Ways To Make Drinking Alcohol A Little Healthier
6 Vegetables Perfect For Raised Bed Gardens And 3 To Avoid
Jumping into raised bed gardening opens up a whole new world of growing potential, from boosting your soil’s nutrient profile to getting more green in less ground. The beauty of raised beds isn’t just in their efficient drainage or how they keep your soil from getting squashed underfoot; it’s also about making every square inch count. With space at a premium for most of us, picking the right veggies for these elevated patches is key.
This list will guide you through choosing the best plants for your raised beds, ensuring your garden thrives. While not every veggie is cut out for life above ground level, there are some that truly shine in compact spaces.
See Them Here: 6 Vegetables Perfect For Raised Bed Gardens And 3 To Avoid
11 Foods That Magically Regrow From Scraps!
Turning kitchen scraps into a source of fresh produce isn’t just an eco-friendly practice; it’s a fascinating experiment in the potential of everyday leftovers. From the ends of lettuce to the tops of carrots, many of the foods we consume can surprisingly regenerate with a bit of care and patience. Check out the foods that can magically regrow from scraps and get started in your kitchen!
See Them Here: 11 Foods That Magically Regrow From Scraps!
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
