Picnics in the park offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while indulging in delicious food and quality time with loved ones.
Whether you're planning a romantic date, a family gathering or a leisurely afternoon with friends, here are some essential tips to ensure your picnic is a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Choose a picturesque spot with ample shade and comfortable seating options, such as picnic tables, blankets or lawn chairs.
Check the weather forecast beforehand and pack accordingly, bringing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and extra layers in case temperatures fluctuate.
When it comes to food, opt for portable and easy-to-eat dishes that can be enjoyed outdoors. Pack a variety of finger foods, sandwiches, salads and snacks that are simple to prepare and transport. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and refreshing beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Pack a frisbee, soccer ball or deck of cards for some outdoor fun, or bring along a Bluetooth speaker to enjoy your favorite tunes while you dine al fresco.
Clean up after your picnic and leave the park as beautiful as you found it. Bring along trash bags or recycling bins to dispose of any waste responsibly, and be sure to pack out any leftover food or belongings.
Here are a few portable recipe ideas to spice up your picnics.
Caprese Skewers
(Recipe is from Allrecipes)
Ingredients
20 grape tomatoes
10 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespons fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
20 toothpicks
Directions
1. Gather all the ingredients.
2. Toss tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, basil, salt and pepper together in a bowl until well coated.
3. Skewer one tomato and one piece of mozzarella cheese on each toothpick.
Watermelon Feta Salad
(Recipe is from The Pioneer Woman)
Ingredients
5 Persian cucumbers, sliced
1/2 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 12 c.)
1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped, divided
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup rice vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
1/3 cup chopped roasted pistachios
Directions
1. Combine the cucumbers, watermelon, 1/4 cup mint, the salt and a generous amount of pepper in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and vinegar and toss well.
2. Spoon the salad onto a platter. Sprinkle with the feta, pistachios and remaining 1/4 cup mint. Grind a little more pepper over the top.
Easy Fruit Cobbler
(Recipe is from Allrecipes)
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
2 cups sliced peaches
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Melt butter in a 9-by-9-inch baking dish.
2. Blend together flour, baking powder, sugar and milk.
3. Pour batter in baking dish over the butter. Sprinkle fruit on top of the batter, do not stir. Bake for one hour or until golden brown.
Mocktails: You won't miss the booze
A NielsenIQ survey in 2021 showed that 22% of consumers said they were cutting back on consuming alcohol.
They said they don't go out as much as they once did and are working to have a healthier lifestyle. In 2023, NielsenIQ reported that no- and low-alcohol sales were at $565 million, up 35% from the year before.
If you're interested in lowering your booze intake, here are some mocktail recipes that refresh.
Blood Orange Mocktail Spritzer
Makes one drink. (Recipe is from Delish)
Ingredients
Ice
3 ounces blood orange juice
2 ounces ginger beer
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
Sliced blood orange, sliced ginger and fresh mint, for garnish
Directions
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add the juice, ginger beer and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with sliced blood orange, sliced ginger and mint.
Watermelon Nojitos
Makes eight servings. (Recipe is from Taste.com)
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/3 pounds cubed watermelon
2 limes, sliced
2 cups chilled soda water
1/3 cup lime juice
1 small bunch of fresh mint, sprigs picked
1 tablespoon sugar, set aside
2 teaspoons finely grated lime rind
Ice cubes
Directions
1. Place 1/2 cup of sugar and a cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for five minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil and boil, without stirring, for five minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
2. Place the watermelon in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Place the lime slices in a large jug. Crush the lime slices slightly to release juice. Add the watermelon puree, soda water, lime juice and cooled sugar syrup. Stir to combine and add mint.
4. Combine the extra sugar and lime on a small plate. Place ¼ cup of water in a bowl. Dip the rim of a serving glass into the water and then into the sugar mixture.
5. Divide ice among glasses, pour the watermelon mix over. Serve immediately.
Spicy Lemon Ginger Switchel
Makes one serving. (Recipe is from Allrecipes)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
Directions
Place water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, fresh ginger and cayenne pepper in a glass jar. Stir or shake well to combine. Serve chilled or over ice.
Take a picnic in the park. (Submitted photo)