Summer might be drawing to a close but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the last few rays of sunshine. Holding a seasonal picnic is a great way to make the most of the late summer warmth and celebrate a season well spent. If you’re hosting a picnic, you need to arm yourself with all of the essentials and by considering these things above all else, you’re guaranteed an event that will go off with a bang. Here’s to the summer!
Location
First things first, you need to think about the kind of place that would be suitable for your picnic. WIth fall on the cards, you might want to consider a space that has both indoor and outdoor options just in case a sudden downpour heads your way. If prime picnic real estate isn’t in your local area, there’s no reason why you can’t host your own gathering. If you have a garden, consider setting up your own space for your friends and family, bringing the park life to your home. If green spaces aren’t abundant, you can even bring the party indoors. Just set down a few rugs, get out your picnic basket and let the rest work its magic!
Picnic Basket
If you really want to do a picnic the right way, you need to think about the kind of basket you have to hand. Serving up the right kind of snacks and treats requires a good sized basket, one that is big enough to take home leftovers should you have them. While you can go out and buy your own picnic basket, you can also try adapting what you already have in order to meet your needs. An insulated freezer bag or heavy duty tote bag can do just as good a job as a wicker basket, provided you line it with a little absorbent material. You can even take along your backpack to make things a little easier on your back!
Picnic Blanket
No matter where you’re having your picnic, you’re going to need to bring along a picnic blanket. A ubiquitous picnic tool, the blanket is essential for any type of location, even if it’s a warm day. When it comes to adaptability, Turkish towels are some of the best. Lightweight and easily transported, they can be folded away and and used again with practically zero forethought. You might even want to use the material to protect any cutlery or plates you’re taking with you, ensuring they don’t get damaged along the way!
Snacking Spread
Picnic accessories dealt with, it’s time to take a closer look at what really matters. If you’re hosting a picnic, you might want to ask everyone to take along a small dish of their own to ensure you have enough food. When you’re preparing your dish, you can try turning to a shareable spread in order to appease all of your guests. Bringing food like cheeses, olives, crackers and chutneys can be a really great idea, making it easier for you and your guests to mix and match your menus. You don’t have to get a lot; a few different items can be all it takes to make your picnic a success!
Shatterproof Glasses
While you might have the perfect set of mason jars you want to bring along for your picnic, there’s good reason to leave the good stuff at home. Taking place in the great outdoors, picnics often bring with them a little rough and tumble that can lead to breakages. In order to avoid any disappointment, try picking up a few shatterproof glasses and sets of plastic cutlery before you go. That way, you can easily clean up and avoid any accidents.
Games and Music
What is a picnic without entertainment? While devising a whole new set of games can give your picnic an individual twist, you can still have a great deal of fun with a bunch of old classics. Lawn games, cards and checkers always go down well, and are usually known by everyone. Want something to set off your picnic? Try taking along a set of speakers and making your favorite summer playlist; you’re guaranteed a good time!