Useful Picnic Tips and Tricks

Check out these useful picnic tips and tricks just in time for summer and outdoor dining!

Summertime is all about picnics and/or eating on your patio, porch or backyard. One of our favorite picnic spots is a nearby vineyard called Arrington Vineyards. If you live in the Nashville area or come to visit, you really need to check it out. It’s such a beautiful place with lovely views and often live music.

But wherever you picnic, here are some great tips and tricks to help you as you plan your picnic or outdoor meals!

• If you are packing sandwiches, wrap them in wax paper and tie them with string. This does a couple of things – the wax paper will help them not get soggy because it absorbs moisture way more than plastic wrap or foil. Tying them together with string just helps all your toppings stay on your sandwich instead of falling out everywhere.
• Invest in a picnic backpack or basket. There are so many options and price ranges for these. If you go on a lot of picnics or want to start, this is a great and fun investment.
• Have a “bug plan”. You’re outside. There will be bugs, but you can plan accordingly! My husband gets devoured by mosquitoes, so we take this mosquito repeller that actually works. Try to bring drinks and food containers that have lids as much as possible. Another thing that I’ve heard and plan to try soon is to cut an orange in half and stick a bunch of whole cloves in them and set them on the table. Apparently the smell of the combo of citrus and clove is not appealing to insects.
• Bring salads! It’s summertime! So load up on pasta salads, quinoa salads, potato salads, green salads (but don’t put the dressing on until you are ready to toss), etc. Another fun way to do salads is to layer them in mason jars. Here’s a good pasta salad recipe.
• Think outside the box – fritattas are a great picnic food because they are good hot, cold or at room temperature. They’re full of protein and veggies (if you choose to add them) and just plain delicious. Just add a good loaf of bread and you’re good to go! Here’s a fritatta recipe.
• Use a fitted sheet as a tablecloth. If the table is the right size, the sheet will fit nicely and not blow off!
• If you are taking watermelon, cut it into sticks – way less messy! Here’s how to do that.
• For raw veggies, I absolutely love Pampered Chef’s cool and serve tray. You keep the bottom of it in your freezer and then pop it into the bottom and your fruit or veggies will stay perfectly chilled! Check it out here.
• Frozen grapes make an amazing treat! Try them!
• Don’t forget wipes, paper towels and a garbage bag!

Happy Picnicking!