Six Tips For A Perfect Picnic This Summer

With lots of tasty food, beautiful surroundings and great company, a picnic always seems like a perfect idea and a fun pastime without significant expenses. While organising a picnic is not rocket science, there are a couple of small details that are often overlooked yet can really improve your picnic. Here we have put together six tips on how you can plan your picnic this summer.

Let's face it - one of the best things about picnics is that you can plan an outdoor party just about anywhere. If you would like to stay closer to home, consider organising a picnic in a local park or your backyard. In case you want to venture further out the mountains, the beach or lake can be perfect places for a picnic. Look for a scenic and idyllic setting that is lush and grassy.

Once you picked the perfect spot, think about where you want to set up your picnic. A good, shady spot next to a tree will keep you cool during the summer heat, while those who want to work on their tan can still catch the sun.

The key to a great pastime and a perfect picnic is planning and preparing ahead of time so you can just relax and have fun once you unpack your picnic basket. Gather supplies that you will need, such as a picnic basket or cooler, picnic blanket, plates, cups, flatware, wooden boards or trays and pack things carefully to avoid breakage.

Make sure to keep convenience in mind when packing for a picnic. Reusable containers simplify packaging, storage and cleaning. Food safety also needs to be a focus. Some foods can be put in the basket, while others will need refrigeration and should be kept in a cooler or with ice packs to prevent spoilage.

Moreover, to make your picnic as comfortable as possible, don't forget to bring sunscreen, glasses, insect repellent, a large umbrella, paper towels, wet wipes and extra disposable bags to make clean-up easy when you are all done. 

After you have packed all the basic supplies for a picnic, it's time to think about the menu. Make sure to choose meals that can be prepared mostly in advance, are travel-friendly, served at room temperature and do not contain a lot of sauces or other ingredients that will make the food soggy. Also, try to avoid foods that require slicing - choose those that only need a fork, very little hands-on action or even better, they can be easily held in your hand. 

Sandwiches, chips, cookies, pasta salads, easy desserts in jars, and fresh fruit like grapes, strawberries, bananas are all popular picnic options. However, don't be afraid to think outside the box when planning your menu; picnics can be a great excuse to try new, delicious recipes to surprise your loved ones. Lastly, don't forget about drinks! In the summer, it's crucial to stay hydrated. So make sure to beat the heat with frozen water bottles, juice boxes, sodas or flavoured sparkling water that can gradually melt during your outing. If you are bringing beer, a bottle of wine or some champagne, ensure it is allowed in the area you are going and pack the corkscrew as well.

Since it is supposed to be a relaxing and fun pastime, you also need to make sure everyone is comfortable. Even if you plan your picnic in the area where the picnic tables are waiting for you, consider bringing a blanket to spread out your items and organise a place to sit. Also, the tables can be too worn or dirty, or you may decide to lay the cloth out and organise a picnic on the ground; that's why any blanket can come in handy, whether it is an old blanket or tablecloth. Plus, dedicated picnic blankets have a waterproof lining, which can help keep you dry when the sand or grass is damp.

Additionally, don't forget to bring one or two throw pillows with you to create comfortable and cosy seating options. You will need something soft and plush to unwind after a long day in the fresh air!

Eating outdoors is great in itself, but in a world of constant opportunities for many types of entertainment, chatting or reading a book may not be for everyone, especially young people. So what are the most obvious options for outside entertainment and activities?

What is one of the easiest ways to lift everyone's mood? Turn on some music! Now that everyone has smartphones, it's incredibly simple to find a good 'Music for Picnics' playlist on Spotify or Apple Music that will please everyone and connect it to portable speakers. 

Furthermore, you can pack some games - something as simple as a deck of cards. You can also bring along different board games like Twister, kites, Frisbees and balls. They are all family-friendly and are probably just lying and gathering dust in the house.

Cannabidiol (or simply CBD) is sweeping over the world as a great remedy for relieving symptoms of pain, anxiety and stress. While CBD is sourced from the cannabis plant, it possesses no addictive or psychoactive qualities that can cause a 'high'. 

Instead, intake of CBD can put you in a good mood by reducing anxiety, relieving pain and chronic aches and improving focus due to its positive effects on the body's endocannabinoid system. Therefore, serving CBD-infused meals at a picnic is a great way to get to know the product with your friends or family members as well as create a unique picnic experience.

To reap its potential benefits, you can prepare different meals and desserts that contain CBD oil or simply try out ready-made options like CBD gummies, cookies, trail mix, dried fruits, infused water, soda and many others.