Organising a picnic can be an exciting and rewarding experience for families that are looking to get out and enjoy some fresh air. Not only does it give you the opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones, but it also provides a chance to whip up some delicious dishes while basking in nature.
Whether your family is headed to the park, beach, or simply your own backyard, picnics can be the perfect way to kick-start summer, or to simply make the most of time in the great outdoors.
To help your picnic go off with plenty of pizzazz, read on to discover our top tips!
1. Plan Ahead
When it comes to picnics, preparation is key! Before you hit the road, you should make sure you have a plan in place for food, drinks, and activities. Try to consider everyone’s preferences when deciding what kinds of dishes to prepare, as well as who will be responsible for bringing what items.
It is also wise to check the weather forecast and plan for any eventualities, such as rain. Having a contingency plan in place can really make or break your event, so you should always have a Plan B (and C and D if necessary!)
If you are really pushing the boat out, why not create extra space with a marquee or tent, such as those from Abacus Marquee Hire? This can be a great way to provide some shelter in the event of rain, as well as the opportunity for a little extra peace and quiet for those wanting to relax.
2. Choose a Venue
Your choice of venue for your picnic is just as important as the food you will be serving. Pick a spot that offers plenty of space for everyone to spread out comfortably, but that also allows everyone to chat and hang out without having to walk for miles to find a companion!
If possible, look for areas with some shade or shelter, as this will help to keep your guests from becoming too hot and uncomfortable. Don’t forget, too, to consider access to public loos or facilities – especially if you will be travelling with young children.
3. Bring The Essentials
When you are getting caught up in the excitement of planning a picnic, it can be easy to overlook key items that can make or break your event!
So, you should make sure to pack all the essentials for a successful picnic, such as plates, napkins, cutlery, and a cooler or ice chest – these are important for keeping food and drinks from going off. If you plan to indulge in some outdoor activities, don’t forget to bring along a ball or frisbee!
It can also be a good idea to bring along a few portable camping chairs or blankets for everyone to sit on. This will give you the flexibility to move around and find the best spot in your location, and will help keep everyone comfortable and having fun.
4. Get Creative With Food
When it comes to food for the ultimate picnic event, simply throwing the standard fare together won’t cut it! Try to be creative with your food selection, and think of recipes that can be made in advance and enjoyed on the day. Salads, sandwiches, dips, and desserts are all popular picnic food choices that don’t require too much work or preparation.
Remember to always ask around before you get started with the preparation, to see if anyone has any particular allergies or dietary requirements to consider.
5. Plan Games and Activities
If you are planning a family picnic with children of all ages, remember to bring along plenty of games and activities to keep them occupied! Aside from the traditional picnic games like catch, frisbee and tag, you could also think of fun ideas such as scavenger hunts, water balloon fights, or even an outdoor movie night!
6. Bring Decorations and Props
For a picnic that is truly memorable, why not “think outside the box” and bring along a few decorations or props to really make your event pop? Picnic blankets, bright banners, bunting, or even novelty items like hats and funny glasses can all help to get everyone in a party mood!
If your event is being held in the spring, consider bringing along fresh flowers or garlands to really bring the outdoors in, and use candles or lights to create a beautiful atmosphere as the sun sets – opting for citronella candles can be a great way to keep unwanted bugs away. Just remember to always be responsible with candles, including keeping them out of reach of children and pets.
7. Have Fun!
Remember – picnics are intended to be fun, so you should make sure to let everyone have a good time! Set the right tone with music or conversation, and don’t forget to take plenty of photos to remember the event.
Most importantly, try to relax and enjoy yourself! A successful picnic doesn’t always require a huge amount of planning, but making sure everyone has enough food and activities can often be the difference between an average event, and one that is remembered by the whole family for years to come.
