After a recollective , inhuman wintertime , there ’s nothing better than relax outside on the first warm day of the year . For several centuries now , people have been combining the pleasure of cheer and refreshful atmosphere with another of life ’s big pleasures : food .
Like many enceinte culinary custom , picnic follow to us from the French , who were have " pique - niques " at least as far back as 1692 . Originally , a picnic was an outdoor potluck , an cozy feast to which each guest contribute a dish [ source : Mikkelson ] . That ’s still an enjoyable way to eat , although these day it ’s not at all unusual for one individual to do all the cooking for a picnic .
Variations on the field day include the family reunion child’s play – often a snack bar - expressive style ranch for an annual assemblage – and the outside grill party , in which one or two chefs fire up the grillroom for a large group of citizenry . In the United States , picnics are specially pop on national holidays such as Memorial Day or Independence Day . But you do n’t need any better excuse than a sunny day and a few friends .
In this clause , we ’ll look at the basics of having a picnic – what to bring , what to cook and what games to work . We ’ll also explore some way to make the picnic especial , whether for a romantic occasion or for a foodie meal . at long last , we ’ll talk over way to keep the picnic green . But first , what are the requisite no picnic should be without ? Head over to the next Thomas Nelson Page to happen out .
Perfect Picnic Foods
What define the perfect picnic food ? Here are a few qualities to keep in mind :
Of course , some picnic food are classic :
On the next Sir Frederick Handley Page are a few more things to bundle before you head to the common .
Picnic Supplies
A few minute of preparation will help everyone enjoy the picnic . Here ’s a pre - picnic checklist:
Some other provision you may need to have handy :
Do n’t forget to wash fruits and vegetables before you go away the house - it ’ll be easier at the kitchen sink than at a water fountain .
Up next : How to have a romantic breeze à deux . scan on .
Romantic Picnic Ideas
To project a romanticistic picnic , keep a few principle in mind :
A bounteous part of romance is localisation . select an strange speckle – something that can become your special topographic point as a couple . Does your city have a botanic garden ? Any nearby beaches or interior Park ? Do any business district buildings have rooftop gardens ? mean about your personality as a couple . Do you prefer being somewhere secluded , or do you savour being environ by people ?
Some outdoor euphony series , such as the Santa Fe Opera or Chicago ’s Ravinia Festival , Trachinotus falcatus picnics or tailgate company . Outdoor theater and film can also make for wonderful picnicking . throng a epicurean spread ( see the next page to learn how ) and address your lovemaking to an evening of art under the stars .
verbalize of stars , a nighttime picnic is a memorable way to show your love . Even better ? A pushover that actually lets you wish on a virtuoso . jibe StarDate.com to find the dates and best viewing locations for upcoming meteor exhibitioner .
Some touches , like serenades , are classics . make for a guitar or other melodious instrument . If you have a call as a distich , surprise your love by hear it . Or , for the grand motion , engage a instrumentalist to serenade you . Local wedding planner will have leaning of appropriate solo performers .
What does the adventuresome gourmet pack for a picnic ? Read on for ways to make the pushover a memorable culinary experience .
Gourmet Picnic Ideas
Having a gourmet picnic does n’t mean you have to abandon simplicity . Instead , focalize on foods that rely on natural flavors and do n’t require to be heated at the last minute . A few ingredients , well chosen , will be more in force than a recipe that involves hours of effort and misstep to speciality stores .
Some choice :
For other musical theme , take a flavour at Mark Bittman ’s list of 101 field day intellectual nourishment . Bittman write the " Minimalist " nutrient pillar for the New York Times , and his no - fuss suggestions – such as combining champagne and sorbet in a thermos – are idealistic for a faineant , cheery afternoon .
Or consider the formula of Alice Waters , the groundbreaking ceremony chef of Chez Panisse . Waters focuses on local , seasonal produce – the stark complement to your surround .
There ’s more to do on a picnic than eat . On the next page , we ’ll take a look at some idea for diversion .
Picnic Games
For many picnickers , the food is just the prelude to the literal recreation : outdoor biz . Your group may not require much more than a ball to toss out back and forward , or you may desire to organize a full game .
Whatever sport you prefer , take appropriate precaution . Wear supportive horseshoe ( no play football in somersaulting - flops ) . Remember that it ’s potential to perspire off sunscreen – do n’t forget to reapply sporadically . Drink plenty of water , and take breaks to cool off .
How can you make certain your child’s play is not just fun , but also environmentally favorable ? Take a look at the next page for some light-green lead .
Having a Green Picnic
A breeze celebrates the natural macrocosm , so it ’s sort of wasted to have a breeze that destruct that human beings . Some ways to keep your pushover green :
If you ’re serious about green feeding , take it a stride farther – back to the grocery store . Stop buying food that comes in nonrecyclable containers . hear to minimize your usage of plastics , many of which comprise petrochemicals ( oil derivative ) [ source : Ophart ] . attend for containers made of biodegradable materials such as bulrushes or maize - based polymers . And abide by Michael Pollan ’s Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim : " rust solid food . Not too much . Mostly plants " [ generator : Pollan ] . It ’s a dependable assumption that any solid food that has been synthesized or processed has been responsible for for some pollution .
To learn more , visit the links on the next page .
