Picnic Fun - Tips and Recipes

Sun, Sand & Surf: Beach Picnic Tips

Memorial Day is right around the corner – the weekend traditionally celebrated as the beginning of the summer season.  It heralds a welcome array of warm weather activities to come, from grilling in the backyard to pool parties.  Perhaps nothing is more exciting about summer than the return of long, lazy days spent lounging around on the beach with some music, snacks and refreshing drinks.  Beach picnics are an ideal way to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, relishing in the warm breezes with the toasty sand between your toes.  Here are some beach picnic tips that will keep you cool, comfy and well fed during this season of outdoor fun.

Bring a watertight, easy to carry cooler that will keep everything cold for hours.  Don’t bother trying to lug a heavy, traditional plastic cooler down to the shore – there are better alternatives! Check out the Big Dipper Collapsible Tub Cooler, the Beach Day Backpack Cooler and the Chocolate Kona Radio Cooler (pictured below), which has a built in AM/FM radio with iPod input jack.  Skip the loose ice; freeze plastic water bottles instead.  You’ll have an icy cold drink to enjoy after a few hours, and won’t have to deal with messy melted ice that tends to make food soggy.

Waterproof picnic mats are better than beach blankets to spread out on.  They’re comfy, heavy enough to stay flat on windy days and won’t turn into a sludgy mess when you return from a dip the ocean with wet sandy feet.  The best ones come with their own carriers and fold up super-small so you can keep them in the car until you need them.  Our fave is the Sunshine Blanket Tote, which comes in pretty modern colors and patterns.

Bring a pop-up shade for maximum comfort and protection from the sun.  When it gets too hot, it’s nice to relax under the shade away from the hot direct rays of the sun.  It’s also great for little ones, who need frequent breaks from sun exposure.  The Leaf Shade Pop-Up Sun Shade (pictured top) is cute and super easy to set up.

Pack food and drinks side-by-side in the cooler, not one on top of the other.  That way, you won’t have to pull things out of the cooler when you’re looking for a particular item.  Another great tip is to put ice cubes in ziplock baggies and place them on top – they’ll help keep your food chilled and the ice will remain sand-free for use in drinks.

Check back next week for delicious beach picnic recipes!  We’ll have the best meals & beverages for beach picnics and cookouts, just in time for your Memorial Day celebration planning.

Celebrate Spring with a Garden Party

Welcome the arrival of the season of renewal with a chic, stylish garden party.  Garden parties are a fun way to enjoy the newly blooming flowers and greenery in your backyard, show off your host/hostess skills and savor a delectable meal in the company of your nearest and dearest.  You may not have the party planning talents of Martha Stewart, but you’ll be surprised at how easy it can be to create a menu and décor scheme that looks fresh and pulled together. 

Location - If you don’t have a backyard or feel that yours won’t work, ask a friend or neighbor to co-host the party with you (this will also save you money!) or hold your garden party at a public park, botanical gardens or other inspiring setting that will give you permission. 

Colors - For your color scheme, take a cue from nature.  Various shades of green, blue, yellow and pink can work beautifully and don’t have to be sickly-pastel to work.  Vivid leaf green against a bright cheerful deep reddish-pink or robin’s egg blue evokes spring without looking too ‘Easter egg’.  Bring your chosen color scheme into most of your decorative elements including the table linens and centerpieces. 

Décor - Keep the décor fresh and modern by not going overboard with cutesy accents.  Use a colored solid or patterned tablecloth as an eye-catching backdrop.  You can simply roll up white cloth napkins and tie them with some ribbon for easy elegance and contrast against the tablecloth.  For centerpieces, you could use simple accents such as floating votive candles in clear glass bowls, blue robin’s egg Easter candies in grapevine birds nests (purchase at your local craft store) or cut some blooming branches from your yard and place them in tall narrow vases.  Hang a few paper lanterns from shepherd’s hooks, and perhaps place a garden fountain nearby for relaxing ambiance.

Tableware – Depending on whether you’d like your garden party to be more formal or a relaxed, casual affair, you could either use all white plates and bowls for a uniform look or intentionally mismatched dishes in cheerful colors.  Check thrift stores if you decide to go with the latter option – you may luck out with a few great finds.

Menu – Your choice of food should mesh well with the overall level of formality you’d like to achieve for your party.  Go all out and serve a five course feast, recreate royal English afternoon tea or have a relaxed BBQ – it’s up to you.  Take some cues from Oprah, Bon Appetit Magazine and Sunset for creative meal ideas that will really impress your guests.

For a wide selection of beautiful, high quality picnic and outdoor entertaining products, check out PicnicFun.com.

Picnic Meal Planning Tips for Simple, Delicious Al Fresco Dining

Naturally, every picnic revolves around food by its very definition.  The food you bring along can make or break the experience – but you needn’t be a whiz in the kitchen to get it right.  When planning your picnic menu, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you have a lovely time and enjoy every last bite.

Nix foods that will require a lot of last minute preparation.  Once you arrive at your picnic destination, you won’t want to fiddle around with various bowls, platters and utensils.  Keep it simple.

Avoid sauces that will solidify as they cool down.  You’ll end up with some bits that are devoid of flavor and others with way too much, and the dish won’t look too pretty.

Unless you don’t mind wearing a bib, skip meals with drippy sauces that are likely to end up all over your face and clothes.  This is particularly true for greasy or sauce-covered finger foods, unless you're prepared with tons of napkins and/or pre-moistened wipes.  Attempting to be romantic with dried barbecue sauce on your nose isn’t going to impress your date.

Finger foods that aren’t covered in goo, however, are a great idea.  Vegetable sticks, cheese cubes, sliced fruit, pre-baked hors d’oeuvres, crackers and sliced bread are easy and elegant.

Don’t pre-assemble sandwiches with wet ingredients or condiments like mayonnaise – the bread will likely get soggy.  Place meats, cheeses, veggies and other sandwich ingredients in separate baggies or reusable containers and slap them together when you’re ready to eat.

Vinegar-based dishes are always a fantastic choice for picnics because not only do they stay fresh longer, the flavor intensifies throughout the day, so it’s a sure bet you won’t end up with a bland, tasteless meal.

Tailor your beverages to the meal.  Cola doesn’t go with everything.  Some ideas include sparkling water, iced tea (black, green, herbal or other varieties), juice, wine and champagne.

Use watertight containers if you’re filling your cooler with ice, or choose reusable ice packs as an alternative to loose ice. 

Bring a small cutting board and knife if you’ll need to cut food items like bread, cheese or veggies before eating – they’re included in many picnic sets.

Don’t want cold food?  Bring along a portable grill, which makes it easy to whip up nearly anything you want no matter where you are.  You can also preheat your meal and use a well-insulated cooler to keep food hot until you’re ready to eat.

Get ideas for picnic meals from our Recipes section – chock full of great ideas including seasonal picnic recipes, vegetarian picnic recipes, cookout recipes and much more.  You can find additional recipes at the Picnic Planning Center on PicnicFun.com.

What to Pack for a Romantic Picnic Date

What could be more romantic than relaxing under the stars, cuddled up on a soft, warm picnic blanket, raising a glass of champagne in a toast with someone special?  Whether you want to celebrate your love with a longtime partner or impress your date in a budding relationship, sharing an intimate picnic meal enhances bonding and creates happy memories.  We’ve told you in the past how to plan your romantic picnic date with menu ideas for even the most amateur of cooks, creative locations to wow your date and featured products with style and plenty of potential for romance.  Now, we’ll break down exactly what you should pack to ensure that you have everything you need for a special evening.

Gear:

Picnic blanket large enough for two – Get one with a waterproof backing for extra protection if you plan on laying it down in grass.  You want it to be approximately 55”x55” square to fit two people comfortably.
Fully loaded picnic basket – Select a stylish, high quality picnic basket that contains real plates, glasses, utensils, cloth napkins and accessories like spill-proof salt and pepper shakers and wine bottle openers.  All of the little details will show your date that you put a lot of time and effort into this romantic picnic!
Wine glass holders – Keep your wine or champagne glasses upright and spill-proof with some handy wine glass holders, which have one end that sticks in the grass while the other end cradles your glass.  You can also get a matching wine bottle holder.

Other necessities:

Ice or frozen cold packs
Paper towels or moist towelettes for cleanup
Small garbage bags or plastic grocery bags for trash and to put dirty tableware in after the meal
Condiments

Romantic Extras:

Candles – Bonus points for citronella in mosquito season.  Put them in glass jars to make them wind-proof and safe for use outdoors.
Music – Bring along a small stereo and some romantic tunes to help set the mood; you can also park nearby and play it from your car.
Fruit or chocolate – or combine them both with chocolate-covered strawberries
Breath mints – Won’t hurt after a meal containing garlic and other potentially offensive odor-causing foods!

Click here to see other Romantic Picnic topics, and check back with us in the spring for even more romantic picnic ideas!

How to Pack your Picnic Cooler

Tips for organization, convenience and food safety

Have you ever packed a cooler for a party, road trip or picnic only to open it later to find lukewarm beverages and soggy food?  There’s actually a science to cooler packing that can prevent these issues.  We know what you’re thinking – ‘you put the food in with some ice, genius’ – but there are actually some useful tricks to keeping everything cold and dry all day.  Here are our tips for using your picnic cooler to its fullest potential.

Choose a cooler with high quality thermal insulation for best results.  Hard-sided coolers don’t offer much insulation, not to mention how difficult they are to lug around once they’re full.  See the coolers at PicnicFun.com for a selection featuring the latest in thermal shield technology.

Bring food and beverages to the temperature you want them to be when you’re ready to consume them before putting them in the cooler.  Use your cooler to keep foods at a steady temperature – not to cool them down.  If you place warm food in a cooler with ice, the ice is going to melt before the food can chill.

Place food in airtight zip-close baggies to keep condensation from making it soggy.

Pre-cool your cooler before placing everything inside with a few reusable gel ice packs.  The opposite applies to keeping food and beverages warm in cold weather.

Place food directly from your refrigerator into the cooler.  Don’t allow it to sit out.

Pack food and beverages in two separate coolers or compartments if you’ll be grabbing drinks throughout the day.  The more often you open your cooler, the more cold air you let out, warming up the food inside.

Place a few reusable gel ice packs on the bottom of the cooler before putting food inside for maximum cold retention.

Arrange food in the cooler so that the items you’ll be eating first are on top.  That way, you won’t have to dig through the contents and take some things out to find what you need.

Pack the cooler as full as you can to keep it cold (or hot, if that’s your goal) as long as possible.  Fill cracks and crevices with ice packs or frozen bottles of water.  You can further insulate warm foods by placing your cloth napkins, a kitchen towel or other linens in the cooler along with the food.

Don’t transport your cooler in the trunk of your car, which exposes it to extreme heat or cold depending on the season.  The best place for coolers is on the floor of the backseat, if they’ll fit.

Keep your cooler in the shade, if possible.  If you’re going to be lounging on the beach, rowing down a sunny river or hanging out in the park for a while before you eat, finding a shady spot for the cooler can make a big difference in how cold your food stays.

Pictured: Safari Lunch Cooler

Eco Friendly Outdoor Recreation Tips

When you’re planning your outdoor activities – packing your picnic basket, loading up the camper or buying supplies for a tailgate party – do you consider the impact your outdoor fun might have on the environment?  You might think that spending time outdoors, in close contact with nature, is eco-friendly in and of itself – and it can be, so long as you are careful that you don’t harm the ecosystem in the area where you set up camp, or dump a bunch of non-biodegradable trash after a BBQ.  There are so many small ways you can ensure that your actions don’t cause harm to the world around you.  Here are some of our favorite outdoor sports & leisure tips to help you lead a more environmentally responsible lifestyle.

Nix the disposables.   It’s easy, more cost effective, and makes a big difference.  Instead of taking along paper napkins, paper plates, Styrofoam cups, disposable food containers and other things that will just end up as trash at the end of your picnic, camping trip or other outdoor excursion, pack reusables.  A simple picnic set can save you lots of money over the years – you’ll already have everything you need instead of having to purchase it over and over again.  Getting coffee to bring along on your morning hike?  Bring your thermos or mug to the coffee shop instead of getting a throwaway cup.  Think about what you end up throwing away at the end of each activity, and try to find ways to eliminate most of it.  It’s easier than you think!

Pack it in, pack it out.  That means leave nothing behind – bring it all back with you.  If you were able to carry it with you in the first place, why not tote it home as well?  Leaving behind something as small as an aluminum can will have repercussions that will last beyond the lifetimes of generations of your descendants – they don’t decompose for 200 to 400 years!  Furthermore, if you see litter along the trails, at parks and other outdoor areas, pick it up.  You can bring a small washable cloth bag or re-use a grocery bag to keep it in.  You’ll be making your favorite outdoor recreation spots more beautiful and you’ll feel good about what you’ve done.

Stay on the beaten path, and check out the rules & regulations for the areas you’re visiting.  Some national parks, for example, may have strict rules about fishing, boating or making campfires.  They aren’t trying to put a damper on your fun – they’re protecting the plants and animals in the area.  Endangered or protected species may have a fragile residence within the park, vulnerable to being upset by oblivious humans going about their outdoor recreation. 

Use manpower.  Instead of a gas powered boat, take a rowboat on your next fishing trip out on the lake.  Ride your bicycle to the park instead of driving.  Rather than taking your car right up to your camp site, which can disturb wildlife, park near the road and walk.  Get gear that will be lightweight and easy to carry – streamlined, soft-sided coolers and picnic backpacks can be a big help.

These are just a handful of small ways you can do your part to keep the world a more beautiful, healthy, hospitable place to live.  Check back with us often for more eco-friendly outdoor living tips.

Want to know more about eco-friendly products, learn how you can make a difference and get explanations for ‘green’ terms and definitions?  See the Eco Friendly Buyer’s Guide on SpecialtyLiving.com.

Winter Picnic Tips

Stuffy noses.  Fatigue.  Irritability.  Is it any wonder we don’t feel so great in the winter, if we’re staying confined to small indoor spaces all the time?  People tend to spend three to four months out of the year breathing stale air, passing each other our colds and viruses and just generally feeling ‘blah’.  Don’t let low temperatures give you the winter blues – you can still get out and have fun, and get some fresh air and exercise while you’re at it.  Here are some tips for enjoying picnics, cookouts and other activities even if it’s snowing outside.

The Gear – Many of the same items that you use for warmer seasons can still be used in the winter, such as coolers and insulated food compartments in picnic backpacks (which can keep food hot as well as cold).  However, you may want to consider a few extras if you’ll be spending a lot of time enjoying the outdoors during the winter months.  A coffee and tea pack can be a really helpful item to have on hand in cold weather – and it can be used for more things than just coffee and tea!  Soups, stews and chowder can be kept warm in the insulated flask, or you could bring along some hot apple cider or cocoa. 

A thick, warm picnic blanket is also very welcome on chilly outdoor excursions.  One trick you can use if you already have a thin picnic blanket that’s not really suitable for cuddling up in is to simply re-use the carrier (if it’s not attached to the blanket) for a warm blanket you already own. 

Also, winter is an especially important time to have waterproof seating.  Nobody likes sitting on the uncomfortable, cold frozen ground – especially when it’s wet.  Get a few portable picnic chairs to really up the comfort factor.  You also may want to pick up some stadium seats to warm and soften those cold, hard bleachers during concerts and sporting events.

The Food – Be creative with your winter picnic meals, and remember that a campfire or portable grill can be the key to hot, comforting picnic meals that really hit the spot on a cold day.  While you’re out and about enjoying winter activities, you could be warming up with veggie & meat skewers, hot campfire-style foil packets, fire-roasted chicken and other sizzling treats.  Portable propane grills are uniquely well suited to winter picnics – you don’t have to worry about wet kindling, it’s ready immediately and you can store it inside.  Check out our "Winter Picnic Recipes" and "Top Ten Greatest Campfire Recipes" for ideas.

Activities – Cold weather is no reason to stay inside for months at a time!  There are a wide variety of activities you can take part in, even when it’s snowing – whether you want to take the kids out for a fun day sledding and making snowmen, or impress your date with a creative night they’ll never forget.  See our previous posts, “Creative Picnic Ideas for Cold Weather”, “Fun Cold Weather Activities for Children” and “Romantic Winter Dates”.

Planning a Fall Cookout

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious meal cooked on the grill.  The temperatures aren’t yet so cold that you need to huddle around a fire to be comfortable outdoors in most of the country, so it’s still a great time to entertain on your deck or patio.  The bounty of the fall harvest gives you a wonderful opportunity to experiment with new flavor combinations and impress your guests with classy, delicious dinner menus that rise above your usual BBQ fare. 

We’ve put together a drool-worthy fall cookout menu that brings classic fall ingredients like winter squash and glazed ham together with unexpected pops of flavor from hazelnuts, gorgonzola cheese and pistachios. We’ve also got tips for making your outdoor area feel warm, cozy and welcoming as you savor the cool weather with your friends and family. Enjoy!

Picnic Fun’s Fall Cookout Menu

We culled these fall recipes from some of our favorite sources for recipes and meal ideas online – FoodNetwork.com, Epicurious.com and YumSugar.com.  Just click on the name of the recipe to view.

Appetizer: Baked Proscuitto and Brie with Apple Butter – Take advantage of the plethora of crisp, fresh apples at the farm stands to make this crowd pleaser.
Salad: Grilled Mushroom Salad with Frisee and Hazelnuts – The skewered mushrooms for this recipe can easily share space on a standard grill with a ham shank half.
Entrée: Grilled Molasses and Rum-Glazed Fresh Ham – This slow-roasted ham recipe employs cloves, nutmeg and rum for a delectable taste of fall.
Side Dish: Roasted Winter Squash with Gorgonzola Cheese – If you prep the squash ahead of time, you can simply stick this dish in the oven and grab it once your timer goes off, eliminating the need to run back and forth between the kitchen and the grill.
Dessert:  Red Wine Poached Pears – The first half of prep work for this recipe should be done the day before the party; then you’ll only have a few more things to do once your guests arrive.
Signature Cocktail: Autumnal Equinox – Port, Grand Marnier and Amaretto combine for an amber-hued cocktail perfect for the season.

Tips for Decorating your Yard

• Don’t rake those leaves!  Let them lay where the fall to give your backyard a zero-effort, au naturel autumn atmosphere. 
• Make sure your outdoor seating area is extra cozy with blankets, pillows and cushions.  You can bring some out from your living room just for the night.
• A fire pit is a wondrous thing to have on a chilly autumn evening.   Arrange comfy chairs around it for an instant focal point.  The welcoming warmth of a fire pit is a surefire way to get guests to congregate for intimate conversation.  Check out the selection at SpecialtyLiving.com.
• Place candles in yellow, red or amber-hued glass lanterns or jars for a warm glow.  Hang them from tree limbs, shepherd’s hooks or plant hooks – or just arrange them on tables.
• Hollow out pumpkins and gourds to use as vases for fresh-cut flowers and greenery.
• Place cranberries, grapes, pinecones or acorns in bowls or vases.

A Picnic at the Orchard

Now that fall is in full swing, it’s a great time to enjoy the bounty of the seasonal harvest.  Even if you live in an urban area, chances are there’s a farm not too far away where you can pick your own apples.  Going apple-picking at a farm is a great outing for dates or fun family time.  It’s a nice break in your regular routine and a delicious way to celebrate autumn.

To find a pick-your-own orchard near you, contact your local chamber of commerce.  Call ahead to check on hours and make sure that picnics are allowed (they usually are).  Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes so you can fully enjoy the experience of strolling around the orchard looking for ripe apples to put in your baskets.  Orchards are full of beautiful scenic picnic spots, so you’ll have plenty of settings to choose from for your meal.

Along with the apples you pick, you’ll want to bring along some fall-themed food and beverages to enjoy.  Check out our previous postings for ideas - Warm, Comforting Fall Picnic Desserts and Fall Picnic Recipes.  To keep your meal cold (or warm!) while you enjoy picking apples and walking around the orchard, we recommend using a high quality picnic basket or pack with an insulated food compartment.  Here are our picks for the perfect products to bring along:

Yorkshire Picnic Basket for 2 – This picnic basket has a shoulder pack type design with a comfortable padded shoulder strap, so you can carry it for hours without your arms getting tired.  It’s great for those picnic outings where you aren’t able to get back to the car to get your picnic basket.  This festive picnic basket has the traditional red and white gingham design on all the linens and comes chock full of tableware.

Stonington Farms Picnic Backpack for 4 – Perfect for families or groups of friends, this picnic backpack is loaded with style, quality and craftsmanship.  The padded shoulder straps make it comfy and convenient for carrying around, and a roomy food compartment gives you all the space you need for a family meal.  A smaller compartment in the front holds utensils, cloth napkins, plates and cups and a large picnic blanket is strapped to the side.

Hamptons Coffee Tote for 2 – Bring along a tall flask of steamy cocoa, coffee or tea to enjoy after a cold afternoon of apple picking.  This sophisticated tote comes with an insulated flask, two stainless steel insulated mugs, teaspoons, cloth napkins and a container for milk or cream.

Check back with us next week for fall cookout recipes!

Throw a Halloween Party for Kids

Getting all dressed up, attending parties, helping design and carve jack o’ lanterns and, of course, all that candy make Halloween one of the best times of the year to be a kid.  Throwing a Halloween party for the toddler to elementary school age crowd is easy and fun – just keep it lighthearted and upbeat rather than over-the-top scary.  Here are some tips for planning a Halloween bash that will be a blast for the kids and a cinch for you to orchestrate and clean up.

Create a spooky yet kid-friendly atmosphere – Put up some fun Halloween decorations that won’t be too scary for the little ones. Friendly ghosts, black cats, scarecrows and other non-threatening Halloween imagery is best. Be creative - Halloween color schemes don’t need to be strictly orange and black.  Green, yellow, red and purple make great Halloween colors, too.

Set the Halloween table – An easy solution is to get a kid-friendly pack of Halloween-themed disposable tableware in bright orange, green or purple.  If you want to go all out, check out Martha Stewart’s Halloween table décor ideas, like cheesecloth tablecloths, candy cauldrons and plastic spider accents.

Spooky music – Skip the eerie, screams-and-growls type of Halloween music frequently heard at adult parties and go for upbeat Halloween music instead.  You don’t want the kids to be freaked out and clinging to their parents the whole time! You can find CDs of Halloween music for kids at party stores, Target, Walmart or Amazon.com.

Mask making contest - Get some construction paper, markers, sequins, feathers, and other craft materials and let the kids make their own Halloween masks.  Adults can help the kids cut out holes for the eyes and attach elastic to the masks with a stapler.  Award the most creative mask-maker with a Halloween-themed prize. 

Jack o’ Lantern contest - To save time and keep sharp objects out of the hands of little ones, ask guests to bring a pumpkin they carved at home for a jack o’ lantern contest.  The decorated pumpkins can double as party decorations, and you won’t be left with a huge mess to clean up afterward.  If your party will be held after dark and you’d like to illuminate the pumpkins without worrying about fire hazards, get some battery-powered LED lights to place inside them.  You could also fill a few with water and use a fountain fogger to create a cool fog effect.

Spooky photo shoot - Set up a cool Halloween themed backdrop with some fabric and decorations, and use a Polaroid camera or digital camera and printer to take photos of the guests in their costumes – the photos will make great favors.

Halloween treat bags – Kids will get plenty of candy trick or treating, so you don’t need to pack the bags full of sweet treats, but they’ll probably be disappointed if they don’t get any at all.  Mix a few pieces of candy with some small toys.  Stores are replete with Halloween themed items this time of year - look for things like whistles, pencils, stickers, bubbles, and temporary tattoos.

Serve fun, spooky Halloween treats – check back with us next week for recipes!

Rainy Day Picnic: Bring the Fun Indoors

If you had your heart set on a picnic and it’s pouring outside, you can still get your way.  Having your picnic indoors with the sound of the rain beating on the roof can be just as romantic and fun.  Just gather up your picnicking gear and start thinking creatively.

First, spread out your picnic blanket on the ground.  You can have your picnic in the living room or on a covered porch.  Use throw pillows to make the seating area even more comfortable.  Make sure you’ve got enough room for the picnickers and all your gear.

Turn down the lights and use candles for soft, romantic illumination.  If you’ve got kids, let them use flashlights instead of candles.  They’ll get a kick out of the ‘spooky’ rainy day atmosphere.  You could also put a string of white lights in a small potted tree, if you have one, or just hang them somewhere in your home.  Some people even like to go so far as to place all their houseplants around the picnic area to give it more of an outdoor feel.  If you have a fireplace (and the weather is cool enough), now’s a great time to get it going!

If you have carpeting, be extra careful about glasses of wine, juice and other drinks that could get knocked over and leave a stain.  It’s wise to give kids clear liquids instead, just in case.  Since your picnic is indoors, you’ve got a wider array of choices for your meal.  You can either use that to your advantage or go ahead with whatever you had planned before it started raining.  Hot soup or dips for chips and vegetables can be really comforting on a cool day.  Kids will have a great time helping you prepare the food before you sit down on the picnic blanket to eat.

Another idea to keep kids occupied on a rainy day that doesn’t involve the TV is to set up a tent.  Kids love nothing more than building forts, even when all they have is cardboard, sheets and some string, so they’ll love having a real tent to play in.  Just make sure you have another adult present to help you out and keep them at bay while you’re setting it up.  Some tents have parts that snap into place automatically as you’re setting them up that could be dangerous if a child is too close.

Of course, no picnic would be complete without a picnic basket.  Check out the selection at PicnicFun.com.  You can also find picnic blankets, coffee & tea sets, wine and cheese sets and much more.

Summer Picnic Tips for Fun & Safety

During National Picnic Month and into August and September, you’ll likely go on a lot of picnics, cookouts, hikes and outdoor parties.  It’s a great time to gather with friends and family for good company and delicious outdoor meals.  With the fun, however, comes a need for responsibility and diligence.  Don’t let food poisoning, sunburns, or accidents ruin your good times this summer – read and follow these important safety tips.

Keep your food cold with a high quality cooler (like the Metro Cart Insulated Cooler pictured) and plenty of ice.  Avoid mayonnaise-based foods whenever possible, as they go bad quickly.  Never allow food to sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours.   A good trick to use when packing your cooler is to place the food that needs to stay the coldest at the bottom, and layer ice or cold packs throughout.  Food should be pre-chilled before placing it in the cooler.

Make sure all meats are cooked to the appropriate temperatures to prevent food poisoning.  Use a meat thermometer.  Poultry should be cooked until the meat is white, and hamburgers should have no traces of pink in the center.  Grill fish until it flakes easily and is no longer translucent in the center.

Stay protected from the sun with sunscreen and an umbrella, shade, or hat.  The Leaf Pop Up Sun Shade pictured is one great solution to keep cool while camping, at the beach, or taking the kids to the park.  Use a high SPF sunscreen and re-apply often, even when using a waterproof formula.  Even the best sunscreen doesn’t provide 100% protection, so don’t rely on it to prevent sunburn.  Two or more blistering sunburns during childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life, so children should take regular breaks from the sun and wear protective clothing as well as sunglasses.

Beware of mixing alcohol and sun exposure.  Both dehydrate your body, which can lead to heat exhaustion.  Symptoms include a temperature of 104 degrees, dizziness, vomiting, clamminess, flushed skin and fainting.  Heat exhaustion can hit quickly and without warning, and left untreated, can lead to heat stroke.  You don’t have to completely give up those margaritas on the beach, but stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating foods with a high water content like watermelon.  Take regular breaks from the sun.

Make your excursions more fun and convenient with the latest summer picnic accessories.  You can keep your wine glasses upright in the grass or sand with the Handy Wine Glass Holder (pictured), carry an instant waterproof lounging surface, show off a chic summer handbag that doubles as a picnic set and fully insulated cooler, and bring a virtual party-to-go anywhere you want with a portable tailgater grill and cooler.  Check out PicnicFun.com for all the latest picnic gear and gadgets.

Plan a Family Outing for the 4th

The 4th of July is a time that brings back many warm childhood memories of burgers on the grill, sparklers, firecrackers in the backyard and campfires with the family.  It’s great to take the time to escape from our normal routines for some classic American fun in the sun.  You can give your kids the same kind of memories by planning a family outing centered on traditional summer pastimes like swimming, cooking out, and heading to the best vantage point to watch those spectacular 4th of July fireworks.

Choose a spot where you can get a great view of city fireworks, whether it’s a local park, the beach, downtown or in your own backyard.  If you’re not sure where the closest fireworks display will be located, call your Chamber of Commerce or check the Sunday newspaper the week before.  Many cities plan community events that culminate in a fireworks display, like live music, food and crafts vendors, and tributes to the armed forces.  You may want to plan to get there early to enjoy the festivities and get a good spot for your family.

If you’ll be cooking out in your yard, at the beach, the park or anywhere else, you’ll need to get some good recipes and pack up some supplies.  Many recipe websites have special sections dedicated to the 4th of July, including AllRecipes.com, FoodNetwork.com and Epicurious.com.  You can try out recipes like blueberry cheesecake, Maine lobster rolls (pictured left, from FoodNetwork.com), classic clam chowder, barbecued marinated flank steak and southwestern style macaroni and cheese.  FoodNetwork.com’s 4th of July recipes are organized by region – Northeastern, Northwestern, Southern, and Southwestern.

Whether you’re going to BBQ, pack a picnic, or bring some take-out to the beach, you’ll need some high quality picnic supplies.  Transport your food in a convenient pop-up cooler like the Big Dipper Collapsible Tub Cooler, which has a huge 10 gallon capacity and collapses flat for easy storage.  The Buccaneer Tailgating Cooler with Grill is another great option – it includes a detachable cooler section, a 3-piece BBQ tool set and a portable grill.  Pack all your cups, tableware and other accessories in a chic, classic picnic basket like the Family Time Picnic Basket for 4, pictured left.  The Sunshine Blanket tote is a perfect multi-use picnic blanket with a carrying strap and waterproof backing, perfect for lying down in the grass to watch the fireworks. 

At PicnicFun.com, you can also get beach bags, pop-up shades, handy wine glass holders, picnic baskets and much more.  Shop while their 4th of July sale is still going on, and you’ll get up to 25% off retail prices plus free shipping on orders over $100.

Plan a Beach BBQ Party

This summer, keep cool and have a great time with your friends and family by throwing a BBQ party at the beach.  It’s a great option for the 4th of July, or any time you feel like cutting loose and enjoying the sand & surf.  You don’t have to go overboard with themes, cheesy paper decorations and fancy menus to throw a memorable party – keep it simple with a few key items and some pre-planning.

The first thing you’ll need to do is decide on a location.  Scout out local beaches and find out what the rules are for alcoholic beverages, fire pits, glass bottles, sparklers and other items you might want to include in your party.  Skip beaches that won’t even allow coolers – what’s a party without food & drinks?  You also need to make sure the sandy beach area is wide enough for all your guests even at high tide.  If you don’t live near an ocean, look for picnic areas located off rivers and lakes.

If your perfect location doesn’t have picnic tables or BBQ grills, bring your own.  You can get picnic tables in portable models that fold up compact as small as a briefcase – or, you could just have everyone bring their own beach chairs, picnic blankets and towels.  Portable grills with attached coolers & BBQ tools simplify the task of cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and other beach party classics – check out the Vulcan Tailgater Grill and Cooler, pictured left.  This trolley-style summer essential has a telescopic handle, gas grill, 3-pc BBQ set and a fully removable waterproof cooler section. 

Depending on the size of your party, you may need an extra cooler.  Styrofoam coolers are bulky, fragile and bad for the environment – get one that folds up into practically nothing when not in use, like the Big Dipper Collapsible Tub Cooler.  You’ll be able to use it for hundreds of other outings throughout the year.

To simplify meal planning, make it a potluck party.  Ask guests to bring sides and desserts like potato salad, chips, brownies, mac & cheese and veggie platters.  You’ll need to gather up beverages, disposable plates, cups, utensils and napkins as well as condiments, buns, and meat to grill.  Some beaches require that you bag your own trash and take it with you when you leave – check ahead of time. 

Give your party a more festive feel with a fire pit, tiki torches and some holiday sparklers for the kids.   Remember to bring a spark screen for the fire pit to keep guests from being showered with hot sparks by the ocean breeze.  Stagger tiki torches randomly around the area, or plant them in the sand in a large circle.  Decorative torches like the Good Directions Smooth Copper Torch lend a more elegant feel than standard bamboo torches.

Your party will need some extra ambiance in the form of music.  Have a friend play guitar, hire a band or bring a portable radio that you can plug your iPod into.  The Radio Cooler Chair combines three functions into one cool item, with an input jack for portable CD players or mp3 players. 

For more great beach party supplies, head to PicnicFun.com.  Shipping is free on orders over $100, and you’ll save up to 25% off retail prices during the 4th of July Sale.

Putting a ‘Green’ Spin on the Traditional Family Picnic

Family picnics are a great way to get in touch with nature, enjoying all that the earth has to offer – delicious food, a cool breeze, the warmth of the sun and the softness of a carpet of grass.  As you enjoy nature in the wild, take care not to harm the environment in the process.  Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to disturb the ecological balance, pollute the water, and produce a lot of trash by using disposable products when we go on picnics, go camping, have cookouts or go hiking.  Luckily, though, it’s equally easy to avoid doing these things.  Here are a few tips that can help you make conscious choices as you plan your next picnic, helping to make the earth a little more ‘green’:

Get an eco-friendly picnic basket or picnic pack filled with reusable items.  Picnic sets help you reduce the amount of trash you produce with each outing.  Cloth napkins, plastic or china plates, acrylic glassware, stainless steel utensils and cute little mini salt and pepper shakers are elegant and easy on the environment.  Any picnic set is an environmentally friendly alternative to using disposables, but you can take it a step further with these eco-friendly baskets: The Sebago 2 Person Picnic Basket, the Palm Bay 4 Person Picnic Basket, the Westport 4 Person Picnic Basket and the T-4-Two Picnic Basket (pictured).  All of these options are made with renewable resources, and are AZO free.  (AZO dyes and pigments are commonly used to color textiles and plastics, and some of the by-products are toxic and may be carcinogenic.  AZO dyes also resist biodegradation, so they’re difficult to remove from the ecosystem.)

You can also make your picnic more environmentally friendly in the following easy ways:

• Walk, ride a bicycle, rollerblade or ride public transportation to your picnic location rather than driving your vehicle.
• Reduce the amount of processed and packaged food you eat by choosing natural whole foods such as produce and breads, cheeses and meats purchased fresh from your local market.  Have the person who takes your order place your purchases directly in a reusable container rather than wrapping them in plastic.  To take it even further, tote your purchases home in reusable tote bags such as Envirosax rather than the store’s plastic bags.
• Avoid the use of Styrofoam whenever possible.  If you’re getting take-out, ask for it in aluminum foil or bring your own container.  Likewise, bring your own insulated beverage mug to the coffee shop rather than using one of their disposable cups.  Styrofoam endangers wildlife and is not biodegradable.
• Do your best not to disturb the living things around you as you enjoy your picnic.  Don’t pick flowers, remove natural elements such as rocks, or disturb wildlife.
• Re-use your plastic bags from the grocery store for trash or to place your used plates and utensils in after you eat.

These small, simple steps won’t take much of your time or energy, but they’ll go a long way toward making our earth a better place to live.  To learn more about eco-friendly products, check out the Eco-Friendly Buyer’s Guide at SpecialtyLiving.com.

Planning an English Tea Party in the Garden

Tea parties evoke sunny, glowing images of roses in full bloom, dainty sandwiches, delicate floral prints, gauzy dresses, and, of course, a good pot of tea.  English-style tea parties are an elegant option for bridal showers, baby showers, birthday celebrations or just time to catch up with friends and family.  While all you really need is the tea, other elements such as food, comfortable seating, and beautiful traditional picnic baskets are what really set the mood.  Hosting a tea party is simple and rewarding, especially with these tips and our hand-picked selection of beautiful picnic and outdoor living items.

The Setting – Naturally, a garden is the ideal spot for an English tea party.  You can have it in your own yard, a park, or even the lawn of a nearby historical home (call and ask; many of them allow this!).  Spring is the perfect time of year for a tea party; there are so many flowers in bloom to lend their color and scent as natural decorations.  Tea parties held in gardens don’t require much in the way of centerpieces and adornments – they’re best held on picnic blankets in a grassy area or, if you will have older guests in need of chairs, at a picnic table or bistro table.  A light cotton or linen tablecloth will dress the table up nicely.

The Food – When one thinks of tea parties, light and delicate food items typically come to mind.  Tea sandwiches, scones, muffins, cookies, fruit salad and pasta salad are great choices.  Bite-size appetizers are a delicious alternative that allow you to really get creative with what you serve – just make sure it will transport well if you’re holding your tea party in a location other than a home with a kitchen readily available.  For some tea party food ideas, see About.com’s Recipes for Tea Sandwiches and Goodies, or Recipezaar.com’s collection of recipes for appetizers and finger foods.

The Tableware – Now comes the best part: choosing an elegant tea party set to serve your guests.  If you’re having more than four people and having the tea party outside the home (such as the park or a public garden), paper and plastic will likely be your best bet.  Target now has a collection of elegant designer paper and plastic tableware, recently featured in InStyle Magazine, that’s perfect for tea parties and other occasions where disposable tableware is preferred, but you don’t want to lose out on style.

If you’re planning an intimate tea party for four or less people, nothing gives it a more traditional and sophisticated feel than a real picnic basket filled with tea essentials.  These beautiful, high quality baskets were hand-picked for their appropriateness for the occasion.

The Bloomsbury Vintage Picnic Basket for 4 is the quintessential English tea set with a modern twist.  The round shape and lovely designer print on the cloth napkins and tablecloth give it a unique personality; a large hand-painted enamel flask will hold plenty of tea for four.  You’ll also find a cruet set, a wine corkscrew, and four each of plates, mugs, knives, forks, spoons, and tumblers.

The Blossom Tea Lovers Basket has a more traditional look, with a stunning floral motif by designer Cath Kidston.  It comes in two sizes – small for two people, and medium for four.  Inside this elegant basket is full tea service for either two or four people: a stainless steel flask, beautifully patterned china mugs and plates, cloth napkins, glass tumblers, salt and pepper shakers, a wine corkscrew, a food cooler and stainless steel cutlery.

If you’d prefer something with a cute retro look, the Blyton Vintage Picnic Basket for 2 is for you.  A sharp-looking red tin holds a removable willow tray packed with picnic goodies including an enamel printed flask, mugs, cutlery, a cruet set, plates with their own storage bag, cutlery, mugs, and embroidered cloth napkins.

For more picnic baskets, blankets, and other accessories, check out PicnicFun.com.

Tips and Recipes for Family Camping

Camping with family and friends can be among the memories we treasure most as we look back on our childhood – marshmallows roasting over the fire, swimming in a river or lake, identifying plants and wildlife and sleeping under the stars are all elements of great family camping trips that kids remember well into adulthood.  Nothing beats the feeling of being far away from stress and responsibilities and spending valuable quality time close to our loved ones.  With these simple tips and recipes, you can make your family camping trip an experience they’ll remember for a lifetime.

Make sure you have all the right gear.  Among the essentials typically needed for tent camping are:

• Tent
• Sleeping bags (and pads if desired)
• Pillows
• Flashlights with spare batteries
• First aid kit
• Rain tarp
• Rope
• Lantern
• Matches
• Insulated cooler for food and beverages
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Portable outdoor seating
• Eating utensils, plates, cups & napkins (get a picnic pack or picnic basket that already contains these items for maximum convenience)
• Cook set & cooking utensils (fry pan, boiling pot, tongs, spatula, serving spoon)
• Garbage bags
• Camera

While many kids are sufficiently entertained by the camping experience itself, you may want to bring along some kid-friendly outdoor games and sporting gear such as fishing poles to ensure they’ll have something to do during the day.  One great idea to keep the kids happy is to encourage them to keep a camping journal – they can take pictures, make drawings, collect postcards and gather little treasures found along the way such as leaves and shells.  Once they get home, they can put it all together in a small blank book and they’ll have tangible memories of the trip for years to come.

A great source for family camping recipes is FamilyFun.com, where you can find variations on the classic s’mores, trail mix, how to fry a freshly-caught fish, creative dinner ideas and delicious campfire breakfasts.  Kids love taking an active part in preparing the meal, and these simple recipes such as ‘pups in blankets’ require only a few ingredients, are super-easy, and a fun alternative to the meals you normally enjoy at home.

For all kinds of family camping tips and ideas, check out About.com’s Travel with Kids section.  They’ve got info on family camping resorts, family camping on a budget, and more.

Important Tips for Backcountry Hiking

  Backcountry hiking is a fun and healthy way to spend a day with friends or family any time of the year.  There are many benefits to extending your adventure beyond the beaten path – you get to see things that few others see, wildlife is more abundant, and you’re unlikely to see or hear crowds of people or traffic noise.  It’s great to stuff some essentials into your durable picnic backpack and head off into the wilderness, but there are some safety tips to keep in mind to ensure that everyone has a good time and gets home without incident.

Always plan ahead.  Don’t venture out into an unpopulated area without some prior knowledge of what you’ll encounter.  Make sure you’re aware of the climate conditions, rules and guidelines for the area, what kind of wildlife is likely to be present, and major landmarks that can help you get back if you lose your way.  On that note, always bring a map! Even seasoned hikers occasionally wander off the trail without realizing it.  Also, make sure that your hike won’t be beyond the limits of your fitness level.  Don’t attempt a strenuous trip if you’re not in peak physical condition.  Even if you can make it to a desired destination – such as the top of a mountain, or to a river – you need to have the energy to get back, also!

Don’t go it alone unless you’re an expert.  Having one or more hiking partners not only will make your day more interesting, it’ll ensure that you’ll be covered in case of an emergency.   You wouldn’t want to get injured on the trail, unable to get back, with no one to send for help.   It’s best to go in a group of three or more, so that one person can stay with the injured party while others go for help.  Don’t forget to leave word with a friend or family member who’s not going on the trip of your destination and schedule.  That way, if you don’t turn up on time, they’ll be able to get a search party out looking for you.  If there is a forest ranger station nearby, check in before starting your hike – it will help them find you quicker and easier in case you get lost.

Make sure you’ve got the right gear.  Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers – it can get rapidly hotter or colder on a trail, especially during changes in altitude.  Wear appropriate hiking boots or shoes; carry a compass and a topographical map of the area and make sure you know how to use both.  You should have a strong, durable, comfortable pack with emergency supplies, high energy food, and water.  You’ll need rain gear, extra warm clothing, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a pocket knife, a whistle, matches in a waterproof container, and insect repellant.  A few other items that may come in handy include sunglasses, insect repellant, rope, sunscreen and water purification tablets.

With these simple tips, you can ensure a hike full of great memories that you’ll be eager to repeat.  To find a nice hike in your area, check the National Park Service website.  Great picnic packs, thermoses and other picnicking and hiking gear can be found at www.picnicfun.com.

America’s Best Road Trips

The incredibly beautiful, varied landscape of America offers a scenic drive for every taste and temperament – and everyone could use an escape from the grind of daily life.   Take a few days off, pack your cooler and picnic basket, fill up the tank and get ready to be amazed.  Each one of these drives offers astonishing driving adventures – take your pick!

1. Pacific Coast Highway – California – California’s Highway 1 has been hailed as the best scenic drive in the country – it’s romantic, adventurous, relaxing, and will make you wish you could stay forever.  It starts in Southern California near San Luis Obispo, and hugs the coastline all the way up to Monterey.  The highlight of this exciting drive is Big Sur, where you’ll find stunning rocky cliffs looming over the crashing waves of the ocean.
2. Overseas Highway – Florida – The portion of US-1 that stretches between the tip of Florida’s mainland to Key West is known as the Overseas Highway, and it connects the entire 105-mile-long chain of islands that make up the Florida Keys.  During much of this drive, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.  Spring and fall are the ideal times for this trip, as the weather is mild and the waters at their most welcoming.
3. The Hi-Line – Montana – This fabled drive on Montana’s Highway 2 honors the tradition of legendary trekkers such as Lewis and Clark.  Often called Big Sky Country for its majestic blue skies, Montana offers wide open spaces, lonesome highways and dramatic scenery.  You’ll cross the Continental Divide and skirt along the south side of Glacier National Park.
4. Johnson City to Gatlinburg – Tennessee – There’s no better way to tour the Appalachian portion of eastern Tennessee than to make this 90-mile rural drive.   Winding roads will take you through tunnels and forests, hugging the mountainous landscape and ending near the Great Smoky Mountains Park.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina and Virginia – The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as ‘America’s Favorite Drive’, stretches about 469 miles from Virginia’s Shenendoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains Park in Tennessee.  It was the country’s first rural route, and offers stunning mountain views and hundreds of opportunities for hiking, camping, and photography.
6. Red Rock Scenic Byway – Arizona – Awe-inspiring red rock formations dot the landscape along this route in Sedona.  These monoliths give the views an otherworldly feel, and you’ll have fun identifying the striking rocks, which have names such as ‘Bell Rock’ and ‘Cathedral Rock’.
7. Hana Highway – Hawaii – This route is also called ‘The Road to Hana’.  It winds 55 miles, starting in Paia and stretching along the coast.  You’ll get striking views of the ocean, one-lane bridges, hairpin curves, and some of Maui’s most incredible sights.
8. US Route 1 – New England – Some of the oldest roads in the country can be found along US 1 from Connecticut all the way up to Maine.  This highway takes you on a tour of colonial history, passing through such towns as Providence, Boston, Cape Anne, Portsmouth and Portland.  Some of the stately mansions you’ll see date from the 1600s.  The best time for this drive is during the fall, when you’ll be surrounded by the lush hues of the autumn foliage.
9. Sonoma & Napa Valleys – California – There’s no better way to enjoy California’s renowned wine country than to drive along this string of three highways – Sonoma, St. Helena and Redwood.  You’ll see acre after acre of sprawling vineyards, woodlands, hills, state parks, and historical sites.
10. Covered Bridge Scenic Byway – Ohio – This 44-mile highway meanders through a hilly landscape dotted with scenic covered bridges.   With light traffic and beautiful views of this picturesque region of Ohio, this drive is memorable and very enjoyable.

Planning a Romantic Winter Picnic

Throughout the cold, snowy days of winter, opportunities abound to get close to your loved one – snuggling in front of a fire, watching the snowflakes fall, enjoying the sparkling lights of holiday décor and sipping some warm, comforting beverages.  What brings all of these things together better than a winter picnic?  It’s the perfect way to celebrate your love, make a connection or just get some one-on-one time with that special person who’s caught your eye.  Here are some tips for planning the perfect romantic picnic that you’ll never forget.

Choose an unexpected picnic site.  Picnics can be held nearly anywhere, but some locations are more special than others.  Spread a warm, cozy blanket out in front of your fireplace, light candles, put on some holiday music and enjoy a delicious meal as you trim the tree.  Find the best neighborhood in your town for Christmas light displays, and take a slow, romantic drive through the area with some hot cocoa or mulled wine in a thermos.  Take a trip to the nearest outdoor ice skating rink for a truly romantic experience with all the magical winter atmosphere you could ask for.

Be prepared with elegant, seasonally appropriate picnic gear.  A picnic pack that comes with an insulated vacuum-flask beverage holder and mugs is a great choice – nothing could be more perfect than the Hot Stuff Picnic Backpack for 2, pictured left, which also comes with insulated tubs for hot food and two waterproof seating mats.  Some other great ideas include the Hot Pack Coffee Shoulder Bag for 2, the comfy waterproof Mega Picnic Mat and the Kona Coffee Flask.  The beautiful fabrics, excellent craftsmanship and high-quality details are sure to impress your date.

Use the internet to your advantage to find the perfect recipes.  Recipezaar.com has a collection of Christmas cocktails in addition to all of their holiday meal recipes, including Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Chocolate Deluxe, Black Forest Martini and Traditional Eggnog.  Over at FoodNetwork.com you’ll find a special section called ‘Season’s Eatings’ that divide up their vast collection of impressive, delicious holiday recipes into Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s categories.  Just remember when choosing your recipes, stick to dishes that aren’t too messy and won’t require a lot of last-minute prep.  Anything that will hold up well in an insulated food container and/or is easily hand-held is a good choice.

Still need some extra help? Check out our previous posts: Romantic Winter Dates and Winter Picnic Ideas.

How to Throw a Holiday Picnic Party

Holiday picnic parties are a tradition beloved by many people around the world, and are often held in place of standard indoor parties for companies, organizations, families and groups of neighbors.  They’re a great alternative to indoor parties for many reasons – they offer an exciting, unexpected twist and a chance to broaden your typical holiday party games and entertainment.

First, figure out your budget and decide upon a guest list based on how much money you want to spend.  You may want to invite your child’s class, your book club or friends from work.  You could organize a block party, or invite family over in lieu of the usual holiday dinner.  If you’re planning to do a ‘Secret Santa’ gift exchange, make sure you have guests RSVP.

Unless you’ve got a lot of portable outdoor seating, the best way to hold a picnic party in your yard is to ask guests to bring along their own picnic blankets, folding chairs or other comfortable seating.  If you’re on a tight budget, ask them to either bring their own picnic baskets full of food for themselves and their families or to bring a potluck dish.  If you like the idea of a potluck, you may want to think of a theme – for example, Italian or traditional Christmas fare.

If you’d like to provide all the food, you can go about it several ways: have a full meal, appetizers and drinks, or a dessert party.  Dessert parties can be really fun – gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies, cranberry muffins, nut brittle and peppermint bark are just a few ideas for a delicious spread of sweets.  You could even create a spectacular edible centerpiece such as a mini Christmas tree made from a Styrofoam base, toothpicks and sugary green and red gum drops.   Have a beverage table set up in a central location with hot cocoa, cider, and other warm drinks.  If you like, you could lay out a buffet of small finger foods or platters of delicious comfort food such as sliced ham, dinner rolls, mixed veggies, and glazed sweet potato slices.

Don’t forget about the decorations – this is the surest way to get everyone in the holiday spirit.  You can do this inexpensively with some twinkling lights, red bows and poinsettia plants.  If you want to go all out, holiday yard decorations are bigger and cooler than ever this year – check out places like Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart and other large discount chain stores for the best selection.

Of course, the most fun part of every holiday party is the activities.  For an outdoor holiday picnic party, nearly anything goes!  If you have an evergreen in your yard, you can have a tree-decorating party – have guests bring an ornament with them, or set up an area where they can make and decorate their own.  For those who celebrate Christmas, a living nativity scene can be a really fun way to get kids involved – all you’d really need is colored fabric (for their clothing), some hay, a baby doll and perhaps some neighborhood pets to stand in for the barn animals.  Spread some holiday cheer by taking a walk down nearby streets singing carols, or have a responsible adult with a pickup truck haul some seated and supervised youngsters around as they sing.

Get started planning your holiday picnic party as soon as possible, and enlist some friends or family members to help you out.  Have fun, and enjoy these great times with the ones you love.

How to Throw a Halloween Potluck Picnic for Your Neighborhood

Halloween is a holiday loved by children and adults alike – a time to let loose and indulge in a little harmless fantasy.  Decorating with spooky spiders and fabric ghosts, dressing up as your favorite character, and enjoying some treats is a fun way to celebrate the fall season.  What better way is there to maximize the good times than getting your neighborhood together for a Halloween-themed potluck picnic? A little bit of planning and some creativity will reap a reward of lots of smiles on the faces of little witches, princesses and super heroes.

The first thing you should do is check with your neighborhood association (if applicable), your local parks and recreation department or city hall to see if you need a permit of any kind.  Getting a permit is typically a fast and easy process (as long as you don’t plan on serving any alcoholic beverages) and they can let you know whether there are any rules and regulations you must follow.  This can also help you decide the location – a local park, the neighborhood clubhouse or a good old fashioned block party would all work perfectly.

A couple weeks in advance, you should distribute flyers or stop by neighbors’ houses asking for volunteers.  You’ll need people to bring potluck dishes, help out with decorating and cleaning, and to oversee activities.  The more people you can get to help out, the better!  Parents of small children will likely be eager to lend a hand, getting their little ones involved in the fun.

Once you’ve got an army of helpers, you’re ready for the really fun part – planning the décor, food, and activities!  Halloween decorations can be really easy and inexpensive.  Here are a few quick ideas: cover tables with coffee-stained cheesecloth for a creepy effect; make large cut-outs of bats, spiders and other creepy creatures from sheets of black poster board; hanging ghosts are a snap with some old white fabric such as sheets; black trash bags can be made into big, leaf-stuffed lawn spiders.  Go to your local farmer’s market for dried corn stalks and pumpkins.

Halloween-themed food will really make the party special – and who better to consult for ideas than the queen of DIY, Martha Stewart?  Check out her Halloween Guide for recipes such as Scary Spider Cakes and other treats.   For an even larger selection, check out this list of over 450 Halloween-related recipes from Recipezaar.com.

Finally, determine what kinds of activities you’d like to have as part of your Halloween potluck picnic.  Have each family bring a pumpkin for a Jack o’ Lantern carving contest (be sure to lay down lots of newspaper and check that all children are supervised).  Fill the back of a pickup truck with hay and offer some leisurely ‘hay rides’ down the street.  ‘Marshmallow bobbing’ is an easier and more hygienic version of the traditional ‘apple bobbing’ Halloween activity.  And of course, no Halloween party would be complete without a costume contest!

Who knows, your first venture into Halloween potluck picnics might just turn into an annual tradition.  With good food, fun activities, the company of neighbors and diligent practice of these Halloween safety tips, you’ll have a hit party that the kids will remember for years to come.

Picnic Planning Resources

If you want to plan the perfect picnic, you’re probably looking for products, creative ideas and recipes that will help.  Years ago, you would have had to ask around for suggestions, scour books at the library or simply go with the traditional “sandwiches and watermelon” idea of a picnic – but planning an event or gathering has gotten a lot easier with the internet.  Now, you can find the perfect picnic basket and portable seating, countless delicious recipes and a plethora of creative ideas that will impress your friends and family.  Here are a few resources that will aid you in your quest for the perfect picnic.

Over the past couple of years, we here at the Picnic Fun – Tips and Recipes blog have researched and written dozens of articles on picnic planning.  You can read up on romantic picnics, potluck family picnics, how to choose a unique picnic spot, having a picnic party, and many other topics.  Look on the left side of the page for our categories to search for info about specific holiday picnics, seasonal ideas and purchasing suggestions.

Our favorite sources for picnic recipes are RecipeZaar.com, FoodNetwork.com and Epicurious.com.  RecipeZaar.com is one of the net’s largest user-submitted recipe databases.  There are over 7,000 recipes in the picnic category alone!  You can further narrow down your results by choosing ‘large groups’, ‘summer’, ‘barbecue’, ‘served cold’, and more – and they can be sorted by rating to find the highest quality submissions. At FoodNetwork.com, you can find recipes by renowned chefs such as Rachel Ray, Rocco di Spirito, Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay and Mario Batali.  Within each chef’s recipe collection you can find quick & easy recipes, grilling recipes, and light recipes as well as recipes by main ingredient or course.  Epicurious.com is the place to go for gourmet picnic recipes and meal ideas, with thousands of delicious concoctions that are sure to make an impression on your guests.