National Picnic Day 2022 – Picnic Tips and Food Ideas

How to plan the perfect national picnic day

Picnicking has always been a great outdoor tradition, whether on the beach in the summertime or curled up under a warm blanket in the fall.  Having a picnic is the perfect way to connect with friends and family, and share and create memories over a delicious meal.  Just follow these tips and menu ideas to plan the perfect picnic for you and your loved ones.

Keep it simple.

Picnics are supposed to be an enjoyable, stress relieving experience.  Don’t pack complicated meals that require a lot of setup and last-minute preparation.  Finger foods are an excellent solution for picnics, and provide a nice range of choices for your picnic companions.   Instead of packing pre-made sandwiches, pack a ‘deli bar’ with meats, cheeses, rolls and condiments so bread won’t go soggy.   Pasta salads and other dishes dressed in vinegar-based marinades can be prepared the day before, hold up well even in the heat, and continue to take on a wonderful flavor over time.

Stay Organized. 

Create a ‘menu list’ before you pack and keep it on the refrigerator.  Check off each item as you pack it to ensure that you do not forget an essential item.   Pack the foods that are to be eaten last at the bottom of your cooler, basket or backpack so you do not have to unpack everything once you start the meal.  Organization is key to planning the perfect picnic.

Be Prepared. 

Here is a list of items that you may want to have on hand for your picnic.  These items can help make your picnic a more carefree, enjoyable experience: What should you bring for picnic?

1. A fully loaded picnic basket, backpack, or cooler pack for carrying all food and equipment. There is a wide range of picnic sets available to meet anyone’s needs – whether you are active and prefer the ease and comfort of a backpack, have a large group and need a cooler on wheels to do all the heavy carrying for you, or prefer the romantic tradition of picnic baskets.  Pre-packed picnic sets usually come with all sorts of convenient amenities such as plates, flatware, cloth napkins, glasses, and insulated food compartments.  Some even come with great extras like salt and pepper shakers, wine bottle openers, cheese knives & cutting boards, insulated coffee mugs and thermoses!  It is little details like these that will make an unforgettable impression.
2. A quality picnic blanket can make all the difference in your comfort while picnicking, and also serves as a barrier against insects. While you can use a tablecloth, quilt, or sheet, it is a good idea to have a portable picnic blanket that is ready to go at your whim.  com has a great selection of picnic blankets to fit your needs, including blankets with waterproof backing to protect you and your food from moisture.
3. Ice or frozen blue ‘cold packs’ to keep your food and beverages at the right temperature
4. Paper towels or, if you are going to have sticky food on hand, pre-moistened towelettes
5. Plastic bag or plastic wrap for any leftovers that are not packed in their own container
6. A plastic bag for trash
7. Condiments: salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, sugar, etc.
8. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection
9. Insect repellant
10. A small first-aid kit
11. A camera, so you can capture the memories of this perfect picnic!

Getting out and enjoying the fresh air while having a delicious picnic is a favorite pastime for people around the world.  We love going on picnics to be closer to nature, but if we’re not careful we can actually harm nature in the process.

The most important item to get to keep your picnic environmentally friendly is a basket or backpack filled with reusable items.  Think about all the disposable items that you would normally take a long on a picnic – plastic utensils, paper plates, plastic wrap or baggies, paper towels, napkins – it adds up fast!  These convenient baskets, backpacks, and shoulder bags come with such items as utensils, plates, cloth napkins – even wine glasses, cheese boards and tablecloths.  Most of these items are made of lightweight plastic, which makes toting them around a cinch.  Taking these items with you each time you picnic will keep more trash out of the landfills than you realize.

Here are a few more tips for a green picnic:

1. Pack your food in reusable plastic containers, rather than wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap.
2. Re-use your plastic bags from the grocery store for trash or to put dirty plates and utensils in after you eat.
3. Bring anti-bacterial hand gel rather than wipes
4. Choose natural whole foods to avoid throwing away a lot of packaging materials. In addition, use any leftover scraps such as banana peels or egg shells in a compost pile rather than throwing them away.  Don’t know anything about compost piles?  Learn how to make one at E-How.
5. Don’t bring glass bottles – if they break, the broken glass left behind will not only be a problem for the environment and animals in the area but other people who use the spot you choose.
6. Bring beverages in portable beverage containers or in recyclable materials such as aluminum cans or plastic bottles. Just be sure to remember to bring them home with you to put in the recycling bin.
7. Consider taking an exhilarating walk, or using public transportation to get to your picnic destination.

You can do a lot for your environment just by taking small steps such as these, which don’t require a lot of time or effort.  Helping to do your part to keep our parks, wilderness and public areas clean will benefit everyone and ensure that you’ll always have that beautiful spot to go to for your picnics!

Top Six Must Have Picnic Accessories:

No picnic is complete without the perfect picnic accessories. We all love the idea of a long day relaxing in the sun, picnicking by the lake or in a park and enjoying friends and family. But you need more than just a good basket to have a memorable day. We’ve compiled a quick list of six must-have picnic items that will ensure your day is absolutely perfect. Enjoy!

1. Picnic Blanket or Waterproof Mat
2. Picnic Games for Kids
3. Compact and Portable Picnic Tables and Picnic Chairs
4. Portable Grill
5. Bbq Grill Tools
6. Sun Shade Popup

Of course, you don’t want to forget napkins, plates, serving ware and tumblers for drinks! Luckily, most picnic baskets come equipped with everything you need to serve your picnic lunch in style.

Happy Picnicking!

Wish You Happy National Picnic Day 2022!