Planning Frugal and Fun Picnics

Inexpensive Ideas for Dining Al Fresco

May 20, 2009 Naomi Szeben

Picnics are no longer about staid potato salad and soggy sandwiches. Menus are getting more sophisticated, and can be a great date idea.

Back in the day, picnics meant fighting off ants, eating bland food that was neither hot enough nor cold enough. With the way that food storage and refrigeration has changed, it has altered what is on the menu for modern picnics.

While science can’t do much about repelling unwanted insects at this date, you can still have a lot more fun dining in the open air. With some preparation and some games at the ready, your picnic can be both fun and frugal.

Planning For Your Picnic

1. Find out how many people will attend. Make enough food for second helpings.
2. Bring a water-based insect repellent and plenty of sunscreen.
3. Bring some citronella candles (do not keep them lit unattended nor near dry grass.)
4. Bring a first aid kit. While you hope you won’t need it, it’s better to have on hand than not.
5. Bring cloth napkins and blankets or sheets: Cotton is softer on your legs than dry grass, and will deter insects from crawling on you. Plastic tarps or disposable tablecloths are not recyclable, and are prone to tearing.
6. Find out if your chosen location allows picnics, candles or portable barbecues on site.
7. Find out if alcohol is allowed on your picnic site: Even if disguised in a thermos, some places may be patrolled, and could designate fines if violated.

Find a Theme for Your Picnic

A trend in dining outdoors is finding a theme that works well. A “Butterfly” themed picnic means you might choose to set up near a butterfly garden in or near a your local botanical garden or park. Use a butterfly shaped cookie cutter to form your sandwiches to fit the theme.

“Tuscan Holiday” could mean an Italian themed picnic; select a menu of Italian foods that travel well, such as, some sliced cold cuts, such as Capicoli or Calabrese salami with a selection of olives on ciabatta bread. If you’re lucky enough to have a vineyard that is a short drive away, you can dine by a view of growing vines.

“Beach Party” could be near any body of water, be it a lake, a creek, or even a kiddie-pool in a friend’s backyard. (If children are not present, you can use the pool to keep drinks cold.) If permitted, bring tiki torches to keep mosquitoes at bay. Added touches like leis and a selection of Hawaiian guitar music set the tone. For food, bring fruit and vegetables on skewers if no barbecues are allowed; otherwise a range of barbecue options is open for this type of picnic.

Games For Kids During Picnics

Aside from food, picnics may be a great way to get kids outdoors, but keeping them occupied and active may be another story. Picnics are a great way to get kids familiar with nature, and aware of green

Online Resources for More Picnic Ideas

There are several websites devoted solely to the subject of picnics, and supply ideas for themes and games. The following sites include recipes for picnic foods as well as tips for equipment, safety and healthy eating.

Healthy Picnics is a site that features everything from themes and recipes to safety tips and blog sites. Their list of games range from toddlers to adults, and are great ways to familiarize yourself with those attending the picnic as well as getting in touch with nature.

Picnic Recipes and Games is a site that features just that: Recipes and games that involve your theme as well as ways to keep kids away from iPods and electronic games and involved with nature.

Typing in “Picnic” into your favourite search engine will yield a treasure trove of ideas; remember to use re-usable containers for your food and bring your own cutlery, and you should be in for a frugal and eco-friendly event!

The copyright of the article Planning Frugal and Fun Picnics in Green/Simple Living is owned by Naomi Szeben. Permission to republish Planning Frugal and Fun Picnics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Bring reusable, recyclable goods to your picnic