If the thought of packing a picnic basket or loading up the outdoor grilling equipment seems daunting, keep in mind the food's just one part of what people enjoy. Picnics are about the experience.
Whether you’re planning a romantic meal for two or a family reunion potluck at the city park for 50, here are some ideas to get you started. The sky’s the limit – and isn’t enjoying the great outdoors one of the reasons for eating outside?
Picnics, Simplified
Preparing for a picnic doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Enjoy these quick-picnic ideas:
- Pick up deli items from your favorite grocery store or sandwich shop on your way to your location. Don’t forget to grab napkins and plastic utensils at the deli check-out counter and beverages from the cooler.
- Call your favorite restaurant near your picnic location and order from the take-out menu.
- Hit the drive-thru and pick up a bucket of chicken. Make your picnic healthier by bringing along some fresh fruit like watermelon, grapes, and cherries.
- Raid your refrigerator. Make sandwiches using your leftovers. Boil some eggs. Bring a container of sun tea or sugar-free fruit drink.
Theme Picnics
To make your outing memorable, try packing a themed picnic basket.
- Dreaming of the Italian countryside? Pack a lunch of crusty bread, flavored oils, and different types of olives, cheeses, and meats like Genoa salami and prosciutto. Don’t forget the corkscrew if your picnic includes wine.
- Around the world. Research foods from areas where you'd like to travel or where you've been. Make (or buy) an appetizer, main course, sides, and dessert from different countries or areas of the United States.
- Meat and cheese tray. Of course you can just buy a tray at your local grocer, but you can also have fun preparing your own version. Try different types of cheeses and meats with a variety of crackers and breads. Add fruits and vegetables such as grapes and carrots for a healthy side.
- Movie theme. Ask each of your picnickers ahead of time for their favorite movie(s). Select a food item for each movie. As you enjoy your picnic, discuss the films.
- Western cookout. If a grill is handy, have a simple chuck wagon dinner with hot dogs, pork and beans, coleslaw and foil-wrapped potatoes. Don’t forget the bandanas and cowboy music.
Want more simple picnic ideas? Try these 101 20-minute ideas  from The New York Times.
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Keep these tips in mind for a safe and healthy picnic:
- Pack. Bring an old blanket, sheet, or table cloth for setting up your picnic on the ground or on a table. Don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen. A first-aid kit may also come in handy for bug bites or cuts and scrapes.
- Clean. Pack anti-bacterial wipes to use before and after touching food. Make sure the food preparation area is clean.
- Chill. Keep cold foods cold until you're ready to eat or cook them. Pack refrigerated items in an insulated cooler with ice. Pack all uneaten perishables as soon as possible after the meal.
- Cook. If you grill, make sure to cook meat to its proper temperature to ensure bacteria are destroyed. This means cook hamburger and chicken until the center is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
See more food safety tips from Iowa State University.
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