Plan a Picnic

Planning a Picnic

Typically, picnics are done outdoors, in the summer. But, they can be done in the wintertime too! There are no rules about where a picnic has to take place.

Movies tell us that they are usually outdoors, under a shady tree on a hillside with a red and white checkered blanket to sit on and a picnic basket overflowing with breads and other homemade goodies. In the real world though, that rarely happens!

Our family has a picnic night every week, and that image has yet to appear! In the winter, we often spread blankets out on the living room or family room floor and eat there. Sometimes we play a movie, other times we simply enjoy each others company.

What to pack in the picnic basket

• Salt and Pepper
• Flatware
• Plates
• Cups
• Tablecloth or Blanket
• Pillows
• Corkscrew
• Compass*
• Matches
• Cutting Board and Knife
• Napkins
• Paper Towel or Wipes
• Garbage Bags
• Insect Repellent
• Sunscreen
• Baby Wipes, to keep the mess minimal
• A Good Book
• Games, such as chess or backgammon
• A cooler
• And of course, any food that you would like to eat!

Nice to have but not vital extras:

• Candles and Holders
• Flowers and Vase
• Wineglasses
• Umbrella, Sunshade or Hats
• Binoculars
• Flashlight
• Water Bottles
• Small, insulated bag with ice pack

*You'll only need a compass if you are going somewhere unfamiliar, away from civilization. Don't worry about it if you are just headed to the local park.

That's it! It's easy to plan a picnic when you keep a list of what you'll need. Use our list as a start and create your own. Then, when the picnic-mood strikes, you'll be ready to go in no time and won't wonder if you've forgotten anything.

To leave our Plan a Picnic page and find lots more information, check out the links at the bottom of the Fun Date Ideas Home Page