With the sun beaming through your window you will definitely feel the need to get outside. What better way to enjoy the warm weather than sharing a meal with the people you love! First, you’ll want to choose a location. A local park, a sunny beach, or a beautiful garden are great options. Once you’ve decided on a place, use this guide to help you gather everything you need to plan the perfect picnic!

Picnic Table Preparation

When preparing your picnic, begin by making a checklist. First you’re going to need something to sit on comfortably, so bring your favorite big blanket as your picnic table. As an alternative, you can also use the built-in tables at your local park. You wouldn’t want to go to open your wine and realize you forgot a corkscrew. Start with a blanket and a basket, as well as a cooler to keep things chilled against the warmer temperatures. Of course you will also need some basic dinnerware. Plastic cups and plates not only make for easy clean up, but they are also lightweight. The most important thing to remember is to keep it simple!

Appetizers

Picnic foods should be easy to eat and keep you refreshed and energized for a day out in nature! Chips, cheese and crackers, or veggies and hummus are classic picnic eats and a good start to your menu. But why not try a more interactive snack! Creating your own fruit skewers are not only fun to make, but they just might get the young ones in your group excited to eat some healthy foods! For this dish you will need skewers and your favorite fruits. Watermelon, grapes, strawberries, cantaloupe work great!

The Main Course

To continue the menu, for your main course, try making sliders that are sure to satisfy everyone in your group! Grab some rolls, and slice them in half. In each roll, layer some nashville hot sauce, shredded chicken and a simple coleslaw. Top with pickles if you’d like! If you have vegetarians joining your picnic, you may want to prepare an alternative for them. A tomato, cheese, and basil slider is a tasty option. You can pack your sliders in reusable containers to keep them fresh. However, sandwich bags or foil work as well, and will make for less to carry back home.

Beverages

Being outside in the sun, playing games and entertaining will surely make both you and your guests quite thirsty. For beverages a chilled bottle of wine can be refreshing. However, remember to also bring along a lemonade or some fruit infused water to keep everyone hydrated!

Dessert

Of course you cannot have a picnic without a dessert…or two! Lemon bars are a classic treat that will satisfy those who have a taste for citrusy sweetness. However, it’s always good to have options. Some peanut butter cup cheesecake bars are a great solution for the peanut butter and chocolate lovers!

Clean Up

The sun is now setting and your picnic is coming to an end. Make certain to pack some garbage bags, napkins, and wet wipes to make cleaning up a breeze.

A picnic can be perfect, but it just requires a bit of effort, planning and care. This picnic checklist provides you with everything you need to make a day out with your friends and family one to remember. Now it’s time to put it into action!