Planning Frugal And Fun Picnics

Back in the day, picnics meant fighting off ants or eating bland food that was neither hot enough nor cold enough. With the way that food storage and refrigeration has changed, it has altered what is on the menu for modern picnics. While science can’t do much about repelling unwanted insects at this date, you can still have a lot more fun dining in the open air. With some preparation and some games at the ready, your picnic will be enjoyed be everyone. You will find below tips on Planning Frugal And Fun Picnics!

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Tips for Planning Frugal and Fun Picnics

• Find out how many people will attend. Make enough food for second helpings.
• Bring a water-based insect repellent and plenty of sunscreen.
• Find out if your chosen location allows picnics, candles, or portable barbecues on site.
• Bring some citronella candles (do not keep them lit unattended nor near dry grass.)
• Bring cloth napkins and blankets or sheets: Cotton is softer on your legs than dry grass and will deter insects from crawling on you. Plastic tarps or disposable tablecloths are not recyclable and are prone to tearing.
• Find out if alcohol is allowed on your picnic site: Even if disguised in a thermos, some places may be patrolled, and could designate fines if violated.
• Bring a first aid kit. While you hope you won’t need it, it’s better to have it on hand than not.

Find a Theme for Your Picnics

A trend in dining outdoors is finding a theme that works well. A “Butterfly” themed picnic means you might choose to set up near a butterfly garden, near your local botanical garden, or park. Use a butterfly-shaped cookie cutter to form your sandwiches to fit the theme.

“Tuscan Holiday” could mean an Italian themed picnic; select a menu of Italian foods that travel well. You can bring sliced cold cuts, such as Capicoli or Calabrese salami, with a selection of olives on ciabatta bread. If you’re lucky enough to have a vineyard that is a short drive away, you can dine by a view of growing vines.

“Beach Party” could be near any body of water, be it a lake, a creek, or even a kiddie-pool in a friend’s backyard. (If children are not present, you can use the pool to keep drinks cold.) If permitted, bring tiki torches to keep mosquitoes at bay. Added touches like leis and a selection of Hawaiian guitar music set the tone. For food, bring fruit and vegetables on skewers if no barbecues are allowed; otherwise, a range of barbecue options is open for this type of picnic.

Games For Kids During Picnics

Aside from food, picnics may be a great way to get kids outdoors, but keeping them occupied and active may be another story. Picnics are a great way to get kids familiar with nature and aware of green.

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Online Resources for More Picnic Ideas

There are several websites devoted solely to the subject of picnics and supply ideas for themes and games. You can check out recipes for picnic foods as well as tips for equipment, safety, and healthy eating.

When planning frugal and fun picnics, don’t forget to type in “Picnic” into your favourite search engine! It will yield a treasure trove of ideas! Remember to use reusable containers for your food and bring your own cutlery, and you should be in for a frugal and eco-friendly picnic!