Autumn is the perfect time to go on a picnic. The weather is cooler but not yet cold. The changing colors of the leaves are so beautiful and inspiring. And you get to spend time outdoors with friends and family. But do you ever struggle with getting out the door? You intend to go on a lovely picnic but can’t seem to make it work? I want to share my 5 best tips to help you enjoy an Autumn Picnic. These suggestions can actually get you out the door and on your way.
5 Tips to help you enjoy an Autumn Picnic…
Make a Plan
The very first thing that you need to do is create a plan of action. What is the purpose of your picnic? Is it just the picnic itself or are you taking a meal to eat at an event such as a shopping excursion or tailgating party. Some picnics are grab and go. You know that you will be out and will need food. Other times the picnic is the outing. So plan your food menu according to your purpose. The foods you choose to bring could be different depending on why you are picnicking. You could even create Picnic Menus to make it easy on yourself. Keep a stash of basic food supplies available so that preparing your meal is quick and easy.
Choose Meals that are easy to eat
It’s a good idea to pack foods that are easy to eat such as finger foods. You could also include salads in individual containers and soup in a thermos. Choose foods that are easy to transport and simple to set up. There are so many great foods that you could include when taking an autumn picnic. Such as in-season fruits and vegetables, meat sandwiches, meat and cheese kabobs and soups. The key to an enjoyable picnic is to make it easy on yourself when preparing and serving your meal.
Keep a Picnic Basket Ready to go
There is nothing worse than getting to your destination and discovering that you forgot your plates or cups. If you keep a basket stocked with the basics then it’s just a matter of grabbing your basket and loading up the food. Here are some basic items to store in your picnic basket…
- Tablecloth
- Plastic or Paper plates
- Silverware, real or plastic
- Cups, plastic or paper
- Salt and Pepper
- Napkins
- Hand Sanitizer
- Handiwipes
- Trash bags
In addition to your basket supplies, you will also want a blanket or two that can be used to sit on. If you keep the blankets in your car then you’ll have them whenever you decide to go on a picnic.
Keep it Simple
We all have seen beautiful magazine spreads or pinterest images of fancy formal picnics. That is not the norm when it comes to everyday picnics. No kids or ants were invited to those formal affairs. Most of us enjoy picnics that are messy, but crowd pleasing. Don’t worry about taking your fancy china or making a dish that takes 3 hours to prepare. It’s okay to use paper plates and plastic cups. Carrying the food in rubbermaid containers, glass jars and ziploc bags is just fine. Keep the whole process simple so that you and your family will enjoy it enough to do it again.
Keep it Safe
As much as we all love picnics, no one wants to get sick from eating a meal. So be sure to keep your hot foods in thermal containers or wrapped and placed in an insulated cooler. Add a microwavable heat pack to the bottom of the cooler to keep your food warm even longer. Keep your cold foods on ice. It’s as simple as packing a small ice chest to store meats, dairy such as cheese, salads with a mayonnaise base and dips. Your perishable foods can be kept at room temperature for 2 hours max if the weather is on the cool side. If the temperature is warm than 1 hour is the maximum length of time at those temps.
Your Picnic can be anywhere, even in your backyard. The whole point of a picnic, especially in the autumn is to get outside and enjoy the fresh, crisp air. To spend some time together with family and friends without all of the distractions of our busy lives. And to enjoy the beauty of the changing season around us. With these 5 tips you can get packed and on your way in no time for the best picnic possible.
The clock is ticking and the autumn months are short. So pack your basket and ice chest. Load up the car and head to the park, the woods, the beach or any place that sounds like a great spot to enjoy an autumn picnic.
Related: 4 Ways to Enjoy the Autumn Season