Summertime is the perfect time for picnics! Not only is the weather usually nice, but there are so many different things you can do with a picnic. You can go to the park, the beach, or even your own back garden. No matter where you choose to picnic, one thing is for sure: you’ll need some good food and drinks! In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on what to bring to your next summer picnic.
Picnic Food Options
One of the most important things to think about when packing for a picnic is food. You’ll want to bring something that won’t spoil in the heat, and that everyone will enjoy eating. A good idea is to bring some simple finger foods. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even prepare something a little more substantial.
One of our all-time favourite picnic foods is roasted chicken. You can either roast your own chicken ahead of time or pick up a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Either way, this protein-packed option will fill everyone up and keep them satisfied until it’s time to head home.
Another great option for picnic food is sandwiches! You can prepare them ahead of time and pack them up in a cool bag, or you can make them on the spot and enjoy them right away. Either way, they’re always a hit with everyone. If you prefer, you can have wraps or salads instead. A rice or quinoa salad always goes down well on a warmer day when people often opt for light options.
Talking of lighter options, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, try making a big batch of homemade hummus. It’s perfect for dipping veggies or pita chips into, and it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time so you can spend more time enjoying your picnic instead of preparing food. You could also choose some different dip options, like salsa, sour cream or cream cheese.
No picnic is complete without a few sweet treats, and our personal favourite is homemade banana bread. It’s moist, flavourful, and just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time so you can simply slice and serve when you’re ready to eat.
Fruit always goes down well at a picnic, strawberries, grapes and melon go down well, avoid options like bananas that can quickly go brown and don’t do so well if the weather is warm.
What else do you need?
Of course, no picnic is complete without drinks! Again, you’ll want to make sure that your drinks are well-chilled so they don’t get warm too quickly. Water is always a good choice, but if you’re looking for something a little more exciting, why not try some iced tea or lemonade? Or, if you’re picnicking with adults, you could bring along a bottle of wine or some beer, there are loads of alcohol free options that taste just as good if you are driving.
Once you’ve got your food and drinks sorted, it’s time to think about what else you’ll need for your picnic. If you’re going to be outside for a while, we recommend bringing along insect repellent and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring along some napkins or paper towels, as well as plastic plates and cutlery. And finally, don’t forget a picnic blanket! A blanket will give you somewhere comfortable to sit, and it can also double as a way to keep your food cool if necessary.
Once your food has gone down, why not play some games. Football, rounders or volleyball are great options.
Oh, and don’t forget to head to the ice cream van! What could be better than some delicious ice cream before you head home.