Sure we’d all love to be whisked away to the Haleakala National Park in Hawaii, the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, or one of National Geographic’s other picks for the “World’s Best Picnic Spots.” But all that is really required to be able to enjoy a picturesque picnic is a nice spot outdoors and a little planning.
As New York Times writer Mark Bittman puts it, “There is something both innocent and exciting about a picnic, even if you are only packing a few things at the last minute and heading down the street to the park.” So, let’s plan a picnic!
Photo by Amy Moss via Eat Drink Chic
We think some of the best advice for a carefree picnic comes from Reader’s Digest, who says, “Take as much finger food as possible.” This way, you can travel light with less plates and sets of silverware!
In pursuit of mastering the “fine art of picnic-packing,” Washington Post writer Lavanya Ramanathan inquired from the experts on what foods are the most basket-friendly and any other tricks of the picnic trade. Stick to firmer cheeses, the recommendation was, because they will do well outdoors for hours even in the heat. Then, add fuss-free gourmet touches such as pears, almonds, and a couple of jams. Remember that “smart picnickers pre-slice.”
If you’d like to pair your cheese with wine, be sure to check the rules on booze in the area you plan to picnic, especially if it’s a public park. To chill drinks, consider skipping the heavy cooler and looking for a smaller alternative, like an insulated lunch bag. Then, you can slip in a little chocolate or other small treat (just be sure to throw them in a sealed plastic bag first to avoid any soggy messes).
And while we’re on the subject of soggy-free storage, a picnic is a wonderful opportunity to try your hand at the “mason jar meal.” These convenient and sturdy screw-top containers are ideal for carrying individual servings of salads and even beverages.
Don’t have a picnic basket? Hop over to the Hickory Farms online shop and order one of our gourmet food baskets complete with all the tasty finger foods and treats you need for a delicious picnic that requires no preparation time at all! Our new spring gourmet food baskets are ready to help you turn an ordinary lunch into a delightful afternoon of picnicking!
