Friday, July 24, 2009

Picnics: Free Fun!

By Barb Roehler

The summer months are the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoors, and there is no better way to really have a great afternoon than by having a picnic. Picnics are fantastic because they are easy to put together, easy to clean up, and they can be as large or as intimate as you would like them. So if you are in the market to plan a picnic then dont wait, but you will want to spend a bit of time figuring out what type of picnic supplies you will want to have on hand to make it more enjoyable.

Where to sit? Depending on where you are having your picnic you will need to plan out where you are going to sit. Traditionally, most picnics take place on a blanket. They key to choosing the right blanket as part of your picnic supplies is that you want it to be durable, and most importantly washable. However, not all picnics take place on the ground. Many people take advantage of the tables and benches available at many park shelters or beaches. If this is more what you are looking for you might want to think about whether you are going to want something to cover the benches with? Do you simply want a tarp to protect your clothing, or are you looking for comfort? In that case you might want to choose a seat cushion as part of your picnic supplies.

What to take? Obviously picnics center around food, but the real question is how you are going to get it to your location. Picnic baskets are a fantastic option to help you cart your meal around. There are so many different styles and varieties of picnic baskets around that you will really have your pick of what you are looking for. Typically when thinking about picnic supplies you will want your basket to have cups, plates, flatware, and ample room to store your food. Those are the basics. However, there are fancier varieties that include wine baskets, wine glasses, salt and pepper shakers, cutting boards, and even cloth napkins. What you really should do is think about what your personal needs and wants are regarding picnic supplies, and then find yourself a basket that is tailor made to fit those.

What to do? A picnic is not made complete by simply eating outside. Instead, the activities are really part of what makes a picnic so memorable. The great thing about picnics is that they can provide a truly economical option for a days worth of entertainment. When packing your picnic supplies do not forget to pack some fun sports equipment like Frisbees, hula hoops, and/or a football. If you are headed for the beach what about packing up some water balloons and squirt guns? Or for a hiking adventure, why not print out a list for a nature scavenger hunt. And do not forget those relaxed moments in your picnic. Simply having a great book or new magazine can provide some quiet entertainment.

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