Ideas for a Great Picnic

 A hectic and fast pace life needs to slow down!  A picnic in the park, a hike through the woods and great food can help relieve your stress. 

 With pre-planning you can have a relaxing, romantic or adventurous day!  Good food make every occasion better.  So here are some thoughts to make your picnic date a fun time. 

 Important Picnic Food Ideas:

 • Find some easy to prepare recipes. Quick "fast" food make the last minute easy and fun to plan. 

 • Your food can be complicated. A complete meal with a meat dish, potato or macaroni and veggie casserole. Or you can simplify the picnic with easy to make peanut butter sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches along with some great chocolate chip cookies. Or even some delicious crackers and cheese, with some deli meat.

 • For those long hikes, or overnight camping, be sure to pack enough food!!  To ensure your food stays safe, pack an ice pack to keep the temperatures cold

 • Pack a blanket and extra sweater for those cold evening. And be sure to have mosquito spray and sunscreen.

 • Be sure that you can carry all your picnic needs. Chose light weight food containers and accessories. Napkins, tablecloth, blanket, folding stools/chairs,  bottle opener, can opener, pans for cooking, and bags for garbage “Pack it in-Pack it OUT!” is a good rule of thumb.

 • For cooking outdoors, over the BBQ or outdoor fire be sure to take along all the tools you need. Long handle tools are essential, as are oven mitts.

  Organizing your picnic ahead of time, making a list and checking it twice will ensure your picnic is a great success. Just a few more tips for your adventure.

 • You don’t want to worry about leftover, so plan to take enough food, but not too much.

 • To avoid spoilage or food poisoning, be sure to cook your food thoroughly before packing. Cook it, chill it, pack it and then reheat it. If you have a way to keep it warm, then its safe to take it hot. But be sure it stays hot.  It can help to wrap in aluminum foil or wrap in towels to keep it hot. Don’t take hot food if it’s a long trip. Not worth taking the chance!!

 • Keep your picnic basket in the main area of the car, so it doesn’t overheat in the trunk.  Set it on the floor or near the A/C vent will help to ensure your food stays chilled.

 Insulated picnic baskets are necessary to keep your food cold, with an extra ice pack, or if all your food is hot, the insulation will keep your foods warm. The Basket Mart has a great selection of insulated picnic baskets, as well as backpacks and some baskets with BBQ tools.  Keep your recipes creative and interesting.  Experiment with different foods than you would eat at home.

 Now you are ready!  Relax, enjoy the day, and let the stress of everyday life drift away for a few hours or days. Get in touch with yourself, your spouse, your kids or your friends by sharing a picnic of great food, conversation and time.

 Visit The Basket Mart for a nice selection of Picnic Baskets.