Picnic Fun - Tips and Recipes

Beach Picnic Recipes – Just in Time for Memorial Day Weekend!

Ahh, the beach on Memorial Day weekend.  What a great way to celebrate the arrival of summer.  Last week we gave you some beach picnic tips, and now we've got some tasty beach picnic recipes that will provide a welcome change from the same-old-same-old with surprising, delicious flavor combinations that will offer the perfect complement to the salty sand-and-sea environment.

The best beach picnic recipes taste great cold so they’re super versatile and require no work once you get to the beach, but if you want to grill out, check out our previous posts “Exotic Summer Cookout Recipes”, “Grilling Out: Easy Grilling Recipes” and “Memorial Day Cookout Recipes”.

Spiced Cold Chicken
Source: Real Simple

Ingredients

1 4-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Kosher salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Heat oven to 400° F. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place in a large roasting pan.

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, sugar, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and the olive oil. Rub evenly over the chicken and roast until cooked through, 45 minutes. Serve hot, at room temperature, or chilled.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Chopped Veggie Salad with Watermelon and Feta Cheese
Source: Epicurious

Ingredients:

1 pound Campari or plum tomatoes, diced, drained
1 1/2 cups diced seeded watermelon
1 large green bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
1/2 large English hothouse cucumber, seeded, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
1/2 cup very thinly sliced radishes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
10 ounces feta cheese, broken into small cubes (about 2 1/2 cups), divided
2 green onions, chopped, divided
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh mint leaves, divided
1/2 cup plain Greek-style yogurt*
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

Toss first 5 ingredients and 2 tablespoons oil in large bowl. Add half each of cheese, green onions, and mint. Mix remaining cheese, green onions, mint, and oil in processor; add yogurt and oregano. Process just to blend (do not over-mix or dressing will get thin). Season dressing with salt and pepper; mix into salad.

More beach picnic recipes:

Artichoke, Fresh Mozzarella and Salami Sandwiches
Herbed Tomato Pasta Salad
Cucumber-Mango Salsa
Fruit Salad with Lemon-Lime Dressing
Melon Cooler (drink)

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.

Delicious Spring Picnic Meal Ideas & Recipes

Ah, Spring: there’s so much to love about it.  After an entire season of being indoors far too often, all of us outdoor enthusiasts are bubbling with excitement about getting out and about again.  We’re off on scenic drives, leisurely strolls through the park, hikes, rock climbing, camping, canoeing – you name it.  Of course, while we’re at it, we need to eat, and what better to slake our thirst and satisfy our hunger than picnic meals that have been chosen with the season in mind? 

Spring is a time for baby veggies, light dressing, fruit salads and delicate yet flavorful sandwiches.  We’ve come up with a few great spring picnic menus that will have you drooling with anticipation!  Check them out and then get on over to PicnicFun.com for all your spring picnic gear, from coolers to portable outdoor chairs.

Get inspired! Click on the links to view recipes.

Italian Vegetarian Spring Picnic Menu

Spring Panzanella
Gnocchi with Spring Herb Pesto of Baby Arugula and Basil
Dried Cherry and Chocolate Biscotti
Strawberry and Mascarpone Granita (pack in a stainless steel thermos)

Romantic Spring Picnic Menu

Cucumber Tea Sandwich Flowers
Spring Vegetable Rice Salad
Assorted Berry Salad over Pound Cake
May Pole Punch

Kids Spring Picnic Menu

PB & J Blossom Sandwiches
Apple Chicken Salad
Flutter Delight Cupcakes
Berry Ice Cube Lemonade

Top 5 Spots for Spring Family Picnics

Spring is such an ideal time for a picnic, especially for families.  The weather is spectacular, giving us mild temperatures, cool breezes and the warmth of the sun.  Nature is putting on a dazzling display of color, texture and new life – and it’s a wonderful opportunity for a child to explore.  We think that spring family picnics should be about the wonder of the natural world.  Get your family out there to see the birds, butterflies, flowers and everything else this season has to offer.  Here are 5 of our favorite places to take the kids on a memorable family picnic.

1. Botanical Gardens – More than likely, you’ve got one of these near you.  These beautiful natural settings are most often tended by universities or the city, and they’re ripe with learning opportunities.  As you walk along wooded paths you’ll see placards identifying many of the plants, and you might even see some bunnies or other local wildlife going about their business as you walk.  Lay out your picnic blanket on a grassy knoll and play a game of I-Spy.  The botanical gardens might just become one of your favorite natural destinations for family fun, and admission is usually free.
2. National or State Park - Not only do national and state parks offer stunning scenic drives, they’ve got picnic spots galore.  You’ll also often find bike trails, observation areas, learning centers and boardwalks.  You might spot bears, deer, bison or other impressive wildlife depending on where you live.  Give the kids some binoculars and encourage their sense of adventure.  Don’t stay in the car the whole time – most kids find that boring, and they won’t learn nearly as much.
3. Zoo – You know how the zoo smells in the summer?  Well, it’s not nearly as bad in the spring, and you’ll avoid the cranky, sweaty, “I’m hot” complaints that come with summer excursions.  Spring is the time to go! The petting zoo will be far more pleasant for everyone involved.  Bring along a picnic lunch (most zoos allow this, as long as you stick to the picnic tables and don’t, say, offer your sandwiches to the monkeys). 
4. Outdoor Festivals – Contact your local chamber of commerce or keep an eye on your local paper; you’re bound to find plenty of festivals to attend that are kid-friendly.  They cost next to nothing to get into, there’s plenty to entertain you as well as the kids and bringing a lunch will keep the costs down as well (and help you avoid those fried sugar-coated confections).
5. Your Own Backyard – Sounds uneventful, but your backyard can be a totally fun place to have a picnic, especially for younger kids.  They’ll delight in laying out the blanket and drinking out of ‘real’ cups.  Plan an activity like planting vegetable seeds, studying insects or something else geared toward nature to keep them busy.

For family-friendly picnic gear like coolers on wheels, picnic sets for 4 and more, check out PicnicFun.com.

Romantic Spring Picnic Meal Ideas & Recipes

Each season has its unique romantic qualities that make for fun, memorable dates – but spring is especially well suited for couples’ picnics because of the mild weather and beautiful scenery.  As the birds sing and the flowers bloom, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy a meal in the fresh air.  Make sure you’ve got a pretty picnic basket fit for the season and then get inspired with these fresh, delicious romantic spring picnic recipes and meal ideas.  Love is in the air – take advantage of it!

Click on the links within each menu below for recipes.

Romantic Italian Picnic Menu

Panini with your choice of ingredients (here’s a list of ideas!)
Antipasto salad
Grapes
Tiramisu (purchase at the store, or make your own)
Coffee and cream (packed in a coffee and tea set) or wine

Simple Classics

These items can be picked up at the market, packed into your picnic basket or wine and cheese set and enjoyed immediately – no cooking or preparation required!

French baguette
Rotisserie chicken
Block of cheese
Baby carrots with hummus or vegetable dip
Strawberries
Bottle of champagne or wine

Elegant Gourmet Spread

Roast Beef and Avocado Finger Sandwiches 
Red Potato and Green Bean Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini
Raspberry-Apricot Shortbread   
Basil Lime Spritzer

Wondering what else you should bring along, in addition to food and beverages?  Check out our previous post, ‘What to Pack for a Romantic Date’.

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.

Welcome Spring with a Delicious Easter Picnic Brunch

What better way to celebrate Easter with your family than a relaxing picnic brunch in the open air, surrounded by the sights and sounds of newly blooming spring?  Enjoy an abundance of fresh dishes inspired by the season as you soak up the sunshine in a local park, botanical gardens, at the beach or in your own backyard.  At PicnicFun.com, you can find a wide variety of beautiful picnic baskets perfect for your Easter outing including hand made willow baskets, traditional English-style picnic baskets and new modern designs with bright colors and designer patterns.  You can also shop the Easter Sale, where you’ll find a handpicked assortment of beautiful spring products at up to 25% off. 

Here are a couple of our favorite ‘Easter baskets’, and an Easter brunch picnic menu featuring tried-and-true brunch favorites with a spring twist.

Brittany Cottage Garden Casual Basket– Take this gorgeous basket along on your picnic to tote your meal, or let the kiddies use it to gather treats on an Easter egg hunt.  The lovely pink and green colors in the high quality designer cloth linens and hand-painted plates are perfect for the season.  Inside you’ll find all the tableware you need as well as napkins, a cruet set, corkscrew and insulated food cooler for either two or four people.

Rumba Willow Picnic Basket for 2 – Share a romantic picnic meal with someone special this spring with this beautifully designed picnic basket.  Playful yet sophisticated stripes adorn the lining and cloth linens, and it comes packed with plates, silverware, salt & pepper shakers, napkins, glasses and a corkscrew.

Easter Picnic Brunch Menu

Baked Asparagus and Yellow Pepper Fritatta
Ham and Yukon Gold Potato Cakes
Fruit Platter with Raspberry Dip
Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
Champagne Lemonade

Find more Easter Brunch recipes at Epicurious.com, FoodNetwork.com or AllRecipes.com.

Fresh Picnic Recipes for Spring!

Have a sunny, breezy meal inspired by the season

It’s nearing mid-March, and signs of spring’s impending arrival are beginning to appear all over the country.  Whether you’re seeing the cherry blossoms bloom in San Francisco, already enjoying spring-like temperatures and greenery in Florida or just dreaming of warm spring weather as it continues to snow in Maine, you’re well on your way to long days in the sunshine with tender green buds sprouting up all around.   Start planning some light, fresh picnic meals now so you’ll have plenty to choose from when you start getting out and enjoying the season.  Here are some of our recent favorites.

Tarragon Shallot Egg Salad Sandwiches
Source: Gourmet Magazine April 2003 via Epicurious.com

Ingredients:

For egg salad
8 large eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon, or to taste
2 teaspoons tarragon vinegar or white-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

For sandwiches
Mayonnaise for spreading on bread (optional)
12 slices seedless rye bread or 6 kaiser rolls
3 cups tender pea shoots (3 oz) or shredded lettuce

Instructions:

Make egg salad:
Cover eggs with cold water by 1 inch in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and bring to a rolling boil, partially covered. Reduce heat to low and cook eggs, covered completely, 30 seconds. Remove pan from heat and let eggs stand in hot water, covered, 15 minutes. Transfer eggs with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice and cold water and let stand 5 minutes (to cool). Peel eggs and finely chop.

Stir together eggs and remaining salad ingredients in a bowl with a fork.

Make sandwiches:
Spread some mayonnaise (if using) on bread and make sandwiches with egg salad and pea shoots.

Cooks' note:
• Egg salad can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.

Arugula Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Source: Emeril Lagasse, FoodNetwork.com

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup fresh porcini, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups arugula leaves, washed
1 cup red dandelion greens, washed
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 blood orange, segmented
Blood Orange Vinaigrette, recipe follows

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add porcini, season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper, and saute until tender. Remove from heat.

Combine arugula, red dandelion greens, red onion, and orange segments in a bowl. Toss with vinaigrette to coat. Divide salad among 2 plates and top with porcini mixture. Serve immediately.

Blood Orange Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup blood orange juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Whisk together juice, shallots, mustard, sugar, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil in a steady stream until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Additional Spring Picnic Recipes:

Tuna and Artichoke Salad on Kalamata Olive Bread
Jill’s Fresh Pear and Maytag Blue Cheese Salad with Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette
Layered White Beans, Tuna and Vegetable Dip
Lemon-Blueberry Chess Squares
Spring Fruit Pudding

Spring Preview: Bright and Beautiful Picnic Baskets

We know the first day of spring isn’t until March 20th, but we still can’t help but get excited about the days getting warmer and longer and those first peeks of green poking their way up though the soil.  February’s a great time to start thinking about how you want to spend your spring, and we hope it involves lots of fresh air, exercise and meals in the sunshine!  While we all wait through the rest of winter daydreaming about frolicking on the beach or throwing frisbees at the park, we can browse colorful picnic baskets that serve as a perfect emblem for what is to come.  Here are some of our favorite spring picnic baskets that will inspire you to start your own spring picnic gear wish list.

Dotty Spotty Willow Picnic Basket for 2 – This fresh, modern basket is playful and fun.  Light blue cotton fabric and polka dots in shades of blue, green, purple, red and yellow give the Dotty Spotty a youthful feel that might just put a little skip in your step next season.  The vintage-style hand woven willow basket contains an insulated food container, insulated wine container, wine key, cotton tablecloth, cotton napkins, plates, tumblers and flatware.

Carnival Fern Willow Picnic Basket for 2 – Similar in style and contents to the Dotty Spotty, the Carnival Fern basket features a soothing, natural fern print in shades of blue and green.  Spring green leather straps, silver colored metallic accents and a neutral khaki insulated food compartment make this basket a contemporary classic.

Bakers Cottage Garden Picnic Basket for 4 – Take the family out for a breezy, sun-soaked day at the park or enjoy a bayside brunch with friends with this lovely picnic set.  Woven willow in a classic picnic basket shape complements a fresh-from-the-garden leaf green and ripe raspberry color scheme.  The plates are hand-painted with roses, and the linens are made of hand-stitched striped cotton.  Quality and craftsmanship are evident in every detail of this basket, which comes complete with plates, tumblers, cutlery, napkins, a wine key, cruet set and insulated food cooler.

Catalina Riviera Picnic Basket – A longtime best seller on PicnicFun.com, this picnic basket will make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a romantic classic movie.  The classic oval shape, hardwood lid, bamboo and leather accents and brightly colored linens give it a sophisticated yet fun look ideal for any outing.  It comes packed with deluxe service for 2 including plates, wine goblets, cutlery, plastic food containers, corkscrew, cheese knife, cutting board, salt & pepper shakers, cotton napkins and a cotton tablecloth.

For more elegant, romantic picnic baskets for couples, families or just for you, see the full selection at PicnicFun.com.

Winter Picnics with Kids: Safety Tips

Winter is a particularly exciting time of year to be a kid.  Once the snow has fallen and their world has turned into a white winter wonderland, they’re going to be eager to get out there and make snowmen, have snowball fights, ice skate and go sledding.  Winter picnics are a great way to keep kids fueled, hydrated and warm while they’re enjoying outdoor activities – but it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind.

Staying Warm

The rule of thumb for dressing older babies and young children is to dress them as warm as you dress yourself to feel comfortable, plus one extra layer.  They should be wearing several thin layers including thermal underwear, snowsuits or coats, warm socks and boots.

Watch for signs of hypothermia.  They include shivering, lethargy, reduced coordination and slurred speech.  If you suspect that a child under your care is hypothermic, call 911 immediately.  Get the child to a warm indoor space, remove any wet clothing and wrap him in a blanket.

Keep an eye on the kids’ extremities – the ears, nose, and fingers.  Signs of frostbite include pale, grey or blistered skin and numbness.  If you suspect frostbite, place the suspected frostbitten areas in warm (not hot) water or apply warm washcloths.  Don’t rub the area; dry the child and cover him in a blanket after a few minutes.  Call a doctor if the numbness does not improve after a few minutes.

You may want to bring a warm picnic blanket along with you (or two, depending on how many people are in your group) so that the kids can periodically snuggle up with you when they’re feeling chilly.

Safe Winter Fun

When packing hot soups, stews, beverages or other hot food into thermoses, make sure you check the temp before allowing children to begin eating or drinking.  Insulated vacuum flasks, mugs and other containers can keep food surprisingly hot for long periods of time, so it could still cause a burn hours later if it was piping hot when you packed it.

If the kids are wearing scarves or hats with dangling strings, remove them before allowing the children to go down slides and other playground equipment to avoid the risk of strangulation.  Neck warmers are preferable to scarves for young children, since they don’t pose this risk.  When buying winter clothes for kids, look for zippers or velcro fasteners rather than drawstrings and ties.

Have the kids hold your hands (or the hands of other adults or older children present) when walking across potentially slick icy surfaces.

Consider having the kids wear helmets if they’ll be ice skating or sledding.  They should always sled feet-first, sitting up using a steerable sled – not an inner tube or improvised sled.  Choose the area they’ll be sledding on wisely- make sure there are no trees, motor vehicles or pedestrians on or at the base of the incline.  The incline shouldn’t be too steep – about 30 degrees is good.

Never allow children to ice skate or walk on frozen bodies of water that haven’t been officially approved for ice skating.  You can check with your local police department if you aren’t sure.

Don’t allow kids to play in or on snow banks, make tunnels in the snow or build snow forts.  The snow could easily collapse on top of them, and drivers of snow plows and other vehicles may not be able to see them.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!  Sunburns are possible in cold weather, too – and all that snow and ice reflects the sun even more than in winter.

Want more info on winter picnics for kids?  Check out our previous posts about winter activities and cold weather recipes.

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”.

Cold Weather Picnic Essentials

Keep your family warm with cozy blankets and comforting food

Every year when the weather gets cold, we like to highlight our favorite new products that will make outdoor excursions even more fun.  There’s no need for you to eat cold food on picnics, outdoor gatherings, hikes and other activities– or worse yet, to just stay inside!  There is so much fun to be had outdoors during the holiday season.  These great high quality picnic products are just what you need to keep food – and yourselves – warm, making all of your outdoor adventures comfy and cozy this year.

Keep in mind that insulated picnic sets like the Hot Pack Coffee Shoulder Bag for 2 aren’t just for coffee.  You can also use them for tea, hot cocoa, cider, soups, and other hot beverages/foods.  They’re great to take along on late fall and winter adventures like ice skating, snowman-building, visits to the orchard and other times you’d like to have something warm and comforting to drink.  Included in the set pictured is a stainless thermos, two insulated mugs, spoons and containers for cream and sugar.

Don’t be fooled by the name – high quality, well insulated coolers will keep your meals warm in cold weather just as well as they keep them cold when it’s hot out.  PicnicFun.com’s soft-sided insulated coolers and cooler sets don’t need ice to keep food cold, nor do they need any extra insulation to keep food hot.  Just heat your food up to the temperature you want to eat it at, and place it inside the cooler (it’s best to use reusable rubber or plastic food containers to hold the food, but you can also use zip-seal plastic baggies).  They’ll still be appetizingly hot when you’re ready to eat.  We like the looks, quality and value of the Traditional Round Willow Dark Cooler Basket, pictured left.

People often put their grills away when winter weather rolls in, but why should you?  Cold weather is just as good a time as any to have piping hot food fresh off the grill!  You can use a portable grill like the Game Day Travel Gas Grill Set to heat up cozy, campfire-style meals in a flash no matter where you are.  Get creative with some of our Top 10 Greatest Campfire Recipes and adapt them to use on your portable grill – you’ll find that they can really come in handy, especially for fishing/hunting trips.

As we mentioned in our Fall Picnic Essentials: Our Top Picks post a while back, we really love the Luxury 100% Wool Blanket for cool weather.  It takes cuddling up outdoors to a whole new level, and is sophisticated enough to bring inside for daily use.  Nothing’s better than wool for comfort, warmth and moisture-wicking abilities, and this blanket is big enough (53.9” x 72”) to cover several people.

Looking for some good fall picnic recipes?  Check out our previous postings, “Warm, Comforting Fall Desserts”, “Planning a Fall Cookout”, and “Delicious Cold Weather Picnic Recipes”.

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!

Spooky Halloween Picnic Treats

If you’re planning a party, bringing food to an event or just want to get into the spirit of Halloween, we’ve got some great creepy-looking yet delicious dessert recipes perfect for the occasion.  These sweet Halloween treats are just spooky enough without being too scary for young children and are easy for anyone to make – really!  We’ve included two great Martha Stewart recipes, but rest assured you don’t have to be Martha to pull them off.  Kids love to be included in the process of making these fun desserts, too!

Ghoulish Petits Fours
Source: MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients:

White sheet cake
Confectioner’s sugar icing
Butter glaze
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, for eyes and mouth

Instructions:

1. Using a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles from cake. Brush off any crumbs with a pastry brush.
2. Fit a pastry bag with a plastic coupler, and top cake rounds with icing in a ghost or hat shape,about 1 inch high.
3. Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Set an iced cake round on a fork; hold over bowl of glaze. Using a large spoon, drizzle glaze evenly over cake and icing until completely covered. Transfer to wire rack. Repeat with remaining rounds. Let set, about 5 minutes.
4. Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water; stir chocolate until melted. Transfer to a disposable pastry bag or resealable plastic bag; snip off tip with scissors. Pipe eyes and a mouth onto ghosts.

Finger Cookies
Source: Epicurious.com

Cookie Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablepoons Icing Glue (see below)

Icing Glue Ingredients

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and beat until completely mixed.
4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
6. With your hands, roll a heaping tablespoon of dough into a finger shape for each cookie. If the dough gets sticky and hard to work with, put it back in the refrigerator for a little while. Place fingers on an ungreased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart.
7. Use a butter knife to make knuckle marks on the finger cookies. Slightly flatten the front of the finger to create a nail.
8. Bake 20-25 minutes, until fingers are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool. Meanwhile, prepare the Icing Glue. Mix together powdered sugar and water in a small bowl until the consistency is similar to that of a paste.
9. Attach almond slice fingernails to the tips of the fingers with Icing Glue. Let glue dry for about 30 minutes.

Witches’ Brew
Source: MarthaStewart.com

Serve root-beer floats from a "steaming" cauldron made magical with the smoke of dry ice. You'll need a large cauldron and a chilled bowl that fits inside it (dry ice can cause glass to crack, so use bowls made of metal); dry ice (available in supermarkets); frozen root-beer mugs; root beer; and ice cream. Wearing gloves, use an ice pick to break up the dry ice (never touch it with your bare hands); place a few pieces in the cauldron. Cover the ice with water, pushing the ice under with a long wooden spoon if necessary, and place the chilled bowl in the cauldron. Fill the bowl with root beer. Put a scoop of ice cream in each mug, and ladle root beer over the top.

To make things even easier on you, we’ve compiled a list of Halloween dessert recipe collections.  Just click to view.  Enjoy!

FoodNetwork.com
MarthaStewart.com
Epicurious.com
Recipezaar.com

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!

Warm, Comforting Fall Picnic Desserts

Insulated picnic coolers can be used to keep foods warm as well as cold, so why not include a few warming desserts in your next picnic meal?  Just heat foods prior to leaving your house and wrap them in aluminum foil to retain heat.  You can use heat packs (follow the instructions carefully) to increase the heat retention.  Choose a picnic pack with a separate insulated beverage compartment (like the Cafe Pacifico Coffee & Tea Backpack for 2, pictured, which comes with an insulated beverage flask).  We recommend doing this because every time you open your cooler to grab a beverage throughout your picnic (which is generally quite often), warm air will escape.  Bring a small extra cooler along if you want a few cold food items as well; insulated totes are a great choice.

We’ve chosen the following three simple-to-prepare yet delicious user-submitted recipes from Recipezaar.com to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you warm and cozy on your outdoor excursions this fall.  With three classic fall ingredients – apples, cranberries and pumpkin – they’ll invoke all the pleasant memories that make fall such a fun time.

Virginia Apple Pudding
By Chuck in Killbuck on Recipezaar.com

Ingredients:

2 cups apples, sliced thin
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Melt butter in a 2 quart casserole dish.
Combine sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and milk to make a batter.
Pour the batter on the butter (without mixing).
Put apples in the center of the batter (without mixing).
Bake in 375 degree oven until batter covers apples and crust browns, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Note: This is especially delicious if made with Northern Spy apples.

Pumpkin Eggnog Pie
By Divinemom5 at Recipezaar.com

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups eggnog (from dairy case)
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In medium bowl, beat pumpkin, eggs, sugar, spices, and salt until smooth.
Slowly stir in eggnog.
Pour into crust, bake 15 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees.
Bake 45-50 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Cranberry Bars
By Bonnie Young on Recipezaar.com

Ingredients:

2 eggs (beaten)
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Beat together eggs, butter, sugar and vanilla.
Add flour and baking powder and mix well.
Fold in nuts and cranberries.
Pour into prepared 9 x 12 cake pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes

Fall Picnic Essentials: Our Top Picks

With the heat of summer fading and cool breezes picking up, you’ll soon be spending a lot of your free time outdoors enjoying the weather.  Fall is full of tailgate parties, sporting events, concerts, festivals, block parties and holiday celebrations.  Make sure you’ve got all the outdoor gear you need to stay warm, hydrated, comfortable and well-fed.  We’ve chosen some of our favorite products for the season, sure to come in handy for you and your family and as gift ideas for the upcoming holidays.

Rendevous Picnic Basket for 4 – The rich, deep green hues of this basket contrast with warm leather accents for a look that’s perfect for fall.  The wooden frame of the box is covered in durable canvas, and has plenty of room for all your picnicking essentials.  It comes with four wine glasses, four ceramic plates, four sets of utensils, four cloth napkins, a wine opener, and an insulated wine cooler bag.  Pack a hot, comforting meal and invite a couple friends out for a scenic drive.  You’ll love the elegance and functionality of this picnic basket.

Luxury 100% Wool Blanket – A cozy picnic blanket is an absolute must once the cool weather kicks in.  We love how thick and soft this one is, and the ‘Antique Buchanan’ design is just right for the season.  It would be the perfect item to pull out and wrap yourself up in, cup of hot cocoa in hand.  If you’re looking for something in a lower price point, check out our perennial favorite, the Sunshine Blanket Tote.  It’s a bit thinner and has a waterproof backing.

Trekker Coffee & Tea Tote for 2 – Coffee isn’t just for a morning jolt – it’s a great way to warm up in cold weather.  The Trekker can also be used for cocoa, tea and other hot beverages.  This compact tote holds two insulated steel mugs, an insulated flask, two spoons and a printed waterproof picnic mat.  It’s compact with a convenient shoulder strap in shades of sophisticated browns and greens - what more could you ask for?

Picnic Plus Stadium Seat – You’ll be the envy of all the other spectators at sporting events you attend with this luxurious stadium seat – it’s practically a portable version of your living room armchair.  With foam padding, arm rests and extra-wide hook & loop fasteners to secure it, it sure beats sitting on the bare bleachers!  It folds completely flat and has a handle for easy transport and storage, and even has a couple pockets on the sides to stick your sunglasses and other accessories in.


Tailgater Picnic Set on Wheels for 4 – This deluxe set takes care of half your tailgate party shopping list.  Instead of gathering a bunch of disposable tableware and napkins, just slide this baby out of your trunk and set it up on a folding table.  This durable pack with its rugged wheels and telescopic handles comes complete with stainless steel flatware, melamine plates, acrylic glasses, cloth napkins, salt & pepper shakers, a wooden cutting board & cheese knife and a stainless steel multi-purpose corkscrew.

Want more cool gear for all your upcoming tailgate parties?  Check out the tailgating category on PicnicFun.com.  It’s full of great holiday gift ideas for sports lovers!

Send Summer Off with a Bang

Tips for Planning a Memorable Labor Day Party

Labor Day began in the year 1880 as a way to honor workers for their efforts.  In the years since, tradition has taken that idea and blended it with the transition between summer and fall to make the holiday what we know it as today.  Take this Labor Day weekend as a chance to throw a relaxing bash that allows your guests to really unwind.  As the host, you shouldn’t work too hard either – make it easy on yourself with these simple party planning tips.

No-stress food prep: Let the bounty of the summer harvest do the work for you.  Keep it fresh and simple with delicious cold salads made with juicy tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, corn, zucchini, watermelon and peaches.  Ask guests to bring side dishes, buns, and soft drinks.  Of course, the grill always takes center stage.  Cook up some hot dogs, burgers, barbecued chicken or fish.

Comfortable seating: Hammocks, portable sports chairs and lounge furniture with comfy cushions are ideal.  You could even bring your couch out onto your deck or patio and cover it with a colorful tapestry to liven it up and protect against spills.  Make sure there are enough spots for at least half of your guests to be seated at a time.

Easygoing vibe: Choose décor that melds the bright, vivid shades of summer with the golden hues of fall.  Yellow, orange and red are great colors to use.  Bright white tablecloths help colorful buffets and decorations pop.  Keep the mood casual with simple décor such as bowls of ripe lemons and peaches and galvanized buckets filled with daisies or sunflowers.  As the sun sets, tiki torches and fire pits will keep the party going and give it a relaxed atmosphere.

Cool drinks: Think Bellinis, margaritas, daiquiris, sweet tea, punch and other fruity summertime beverages.  Frozen or iced drinks that incorporate seasonal fruits and other flavors will be a hit.  You should also have some water, soft drinks and beer (unless you’d prefer to go the non-alcoholic route).

Need some folding outdoor seating, BBQ tools, tableware and party accessories?  Check out PicnicFun.com, where you’ll get up to 25% off retail prices and free shipping on orders over $100.

Fun & Creative Summer Date Ideas

Summer’s almost over – only a month left, and many people feel that it unofficially ends with Labor Day weekend.  Take advantage of everything this season has to offer by going on fun, creative summer dates set in the great outdoors.  Whether you live in a large urban city or the countryside, one of these date ideas could be just the thing for a memorable night out.

Go on a city gallery walk.  Many cities have organized walks that local art galleries and shops participate in, generally held on Friday or Saturday night once or twice a month during the summer.  The art galleries often hold openings for new exhibits on these nights, offering complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.  It’s a great chance to get to know your city a little better, enjoy some beautiful art and meet new people.

Pick fruit at a local farm.  Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, peaches – there are all kinds of different fruits you can choose from, depending on what grows in your area.  Many farms will give you a basket or bucket and allow you to stroll around their grounds, leisurely picking fruit and enjoying the sights.  Bring a picnic basket and some snacks and beverages along with disposable wipes to clean sticky hands. 

Take a scenic cruise around a lake, river or the ocean on a rented boat.  Many major bodies of water have companies along the shore that offer pontoons, paddle boats, canoes and sailboats that you can rent hourly or by the day.  If you don’t have prior boating experience, some boats are easy to learn, or you can have a captain come along.  Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery, fish, and go swimming.

Scope out the goods at a local flea market on a laid-back Saturday or Sunday afternoon.  This casual date is the perfect time to score some LPs, vintage clothing, kitschy knick-knacks and antique finds.  It’s fun to go through the bins at each table, never knowing what you’ll discover.

Enjoy a nighttime picnic with a map of the constellations, a comfy picnic blanket and some wine and cheese.  Choose a good lookout point like the beach, an overlook on a scenic road or a rooftop.  This informal yet impressive date makes an ideal setting for ultra-romantic and memorable proposals.  Take it up a notch with an elegant wine and cheese picnic set that includes real wine glasses, a cheese board and cloth napkins.

Escape Your Normal Routine with a Summer Girls’ Day Out

A day out with your girlfriends can be exhilarating, rejuvenating, and just what you needed.  Take some time to catch up, laugh, pamper yourselves and relive good memories from the past.  Plan a fun day that takes advantage of summer weather with these girls’ day out ideas.

Spend a relaxing afternoon lounging on the beach with guilty-pleasure gossip rags, comfy lounge chairs and a cooler full of fruity drinks and snacks.  Naturally, the beach is most women’s number one choice for an all-girl get-together.  You get to work on your tan, sip summery refreshments and cool off in the crashing waves.  Pack a big, bright, colorful cooler like the Metro Basket (pictured left) full of cool treats like fruit salad, hummus and veggie sticks and avocado sandwiches.  Don’t forget a large, waterproof picnic mat for everyone to sit on (check out the new designs ‘Very Berry’, ‘Sea Breeze’, ‘Salsa Stripe’ and ‘All Spice’!).

Have an outdoor adventure – go canoeing, hiking, or charter a boat to take you on a 3 to 6 hour ocean or lake getaway.  You can have a blast enjoying nature, getting some exercise and stopping to enjoy a hard-earned picnic lunch.  Use a rugged, durable picnic backpack to tote all the necessities along, from food and beverages to swimsuits and towels.  Many chartered boat trips include a catered lunch; splitting the cost between a group of friends makes it a great, inexpensive option.

Spend the day shopping and dining in the closest big city with a chic shopping district.  Having friends along always makes shopping more enjoyable, especially when you’re trying on uber-expensive designer clothes just for fun.  Take a break halfway through the day to recharge and have some lunch at a sidewalk café. 

Have a picnic among the vineyards at a nearby winery.  You can go all stereotypical Hollywood-style girls’ day out and rent a convertible for the day, cruising down back roads and enjoying the journey as much as the destination.  Many wineries offer picnic lunches that allow you to relax on their grounds and enjoy the scenery after an afternoon of wine tasting.  You could also bring along your own chic picnic set to enjoy a bottle of the company’s finest along with some bread, cheese and fruit.  (Bordeaux Cottage Garden Picnic Basket for 4 pictured left).

See more stylish, feminine picnic and outdoor living items at PicnicFun.com.

Keep Cool with a Beach Picnic

Beach picnics are an ideal way to celebrate summer.  You’ve got the sun warming your face, the ocean breeze blowing through your hair, and the soothing sound of the sea to help you relax.  Pack some cool beverages and snacks in a cooler, grab your gear and enjoy the season – it’ll be over before you know it!  Here are our favorite beach picnic necessities that effortlessly mix style & practicality.

Beach Day Large Beach Tote – This colorful tote features a bold flip-flop design in cheery pink and green.   Stuff it with a towel, change of clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen and reading materials – it’ll keep them protected from the sand and surf with its strong, durable outer cover.  It’s super roomy, and has convenient pockets for your keys and other small items.

Radio Cooler – Take your pick of four hot colors – silver, red, lime or yellow.  This hot summer picnic item combines two functions in one – a radio and a fully insulated cooler that holds up to 18 cans of your favorite beverages.  The AM/FM radio has an input jack for your iPod, mp3 player or portable CD player so you can load up your summer playlists and listen with our without headphones (not provided, but there’s a speaker jack).

Rose Beach Chair – this folding beach chair is lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable.  The durable nylon seat features a pretty rose motif with red striped accents.  It’s small and flat enough when folded to store in the trunk of your car, pulling it out as needed.  If you’re looking for something a bit less girly, the original Beach Chair is for you.

Santa Cruz Waterproof Picnic Mat – Want a chic & stylish waterproof picnic blanket that you can use for year-round outdoor events?  The Santa Cruz Waterproof Picnic Mat has a beautiful blue-and-brown striped design, and folds up compact into a clear carrying case.  The blanket is a full 55”x55”, big enough for the whole family.  It’s machine washable, so you can just toss it in the washer when you get home and enjoy it again tomorrow.  If you like the Santa Cruz look, check out the whole collection, which includes coolers, totes, wine carriers and duffels.

Leaf Pop-Up Sun Shade – Make sure you keep your skin and eyes protected from the sun, especially if you have little ones.  The Leaf Pop-Up Sun Shade is a great way to seek shelter from the sun’s harsh rays – it’s cute, easy to use, and very portable.  It comes with a nylon carrying bag and shoulder strap, and you can adjust the height as needed once it’s set up.  The UV and reflective coating offer extra protection, above and beyond what a normal beach umbrella provides.

Get more great picnic goods for summer and beyond at PicnicFun.com.

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 tha