The weather is gorgeous, kids are out of school, and you’re looking for a way to carpe diem (you know, seize the day). What better way to do that than to have a picnic? This post will help you plan the menu, whether you're having a romantic picnic for two, a family affair, or a neighborhood bash.

Location, Location, Location

Whether you’re in the country, on the beach, or in a big city , you can have a great picnic (hey, New Yorkers have their own picnic club). If it’s raining (or if it’s too hot outside) try a simple spread on the living room floor. The backyard is a perfect place for a close-to-home packed lunch, or try a park, the local playground, a drive-in movie, a pier, or even the rooftop of a tall building. Kathy’s idea of the perfect picnic (pictured below) actually involves no cooking!

What to pack?

For some folks, picnics are elaborate schemes that involve transporting raw meat, a bag of charcoal, condiments, folding tables and chairs, and more to their destination. For others, picnics are simple meals, involving finger foods made from fresh summer produce, a blanket to sit on, and as few plates and utensils as possible. Here are some basic essentials for any style of picnic:

• Good company, whether it’s a romantic picnic for two, a family picnic, or a neighborhood event
• Good food and drinks
• Blanket, tablecloth, or folding chairs, depending on your picnic location
• A cooler for your food. Hot foods and cold foods should not be kept in the same cooler, and raw meat should be in a small separate cooler. Read more about picnic food safety at North Carolina State University website
• Serving utensils, eating utensils, dishes, glasses. Some picnic baskets come equipped with all of these things in a ready-to-go package!
• Napkins, baby wipes and hand sanitizer
• A bag for trash, if you’re using disposable napkins or paper plates
• A small “just-in-case” kit – bug spray, band-aids, sunscreen, and tissues

Picnic Menus: Here are three menu ideas, depending on the kind of outing you want to have.

Romantic Picnic for Two:

• Location: A waterfront park, boat, or shady, secluded spot
• Company: Just the two of you
• Entrée: A Thermos of creamy soup, either hot or cold
• Side: Cheese, jam and a baguette
• Dessert: Fruit with chocolate or fruit dip (pictured above) for drizzling or dunking
• Drink: Wine, champagne or sangria

Family Fun Picnic

• Location: Your family’s favorite playground or park, a family-friendly drive-in movie, or a free open-air concert
• Company: The whole gang
• Entrée: Sandwiches. For something a little different, try a tomato basil sandwich; for something a little British, try a proper cucumber sandwich, or for something a little New Orleans, try a muffuletta, which is a sandwich on foccaccia-like bread, with sliced meats, cheese, and olive salad (the defining ingredient). The kids will appreciate good old tuna sandwiches.
• Side: Vegetables with dip, or a marinated vegetable salad
• Dessert: Chocolate fudge brownie cupcakes

Neighborhood Grill Picnic

• Location: Your neighborhood’s clubhouse, a park, or a popular backyard hangout pictured above
• Company: Friends, family, the works
• Entrée: You can make hamburger patties following Kathy’s instructions, and then grill them on-site, or make chicken kabobs
• Side: Try a perfect picnic pasta salad or Ramen Noodle Crunchy Coleslaw  (pictured above)
• Dessert: Tropical Fruit Salad

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