A Guide to Great Picnic Ideas

 

Picnics have been enjoyed for centuries by many, with some really great picnic ideas formulated by some very creative minds for special occasions or any occasions.  One of the best things about picnics is that there are no right ways or wrong ways to plan one; anything goes on these popular informal get-togethers.

 

In the 17th century France, the word “piquenique” came into being; the origin thought to be formed from the word “piquer”, meaning to pick/peck.  Later on in the mid 1700’s, the word appeared in England verbage; referring to the item that individual guests were contributing toward a meal.  In those days, when people where invited to social events, or picnics, they were expected to bring a dish to share with the other guests.  Over time, the word picnic was an automatic term used for an informal meal in a countrified setting. 

 

Portrayed often on television as a gingham checked cloth spread out over lush green grass under a sprawling shade tree with hand held foods packed in a wicker basket, the picnic has taken many forms in reality.  There are countless ways to plan a picnic, and to adapt the foods and decorations to meet a particular theme or occasion.  One of the most popular picnic ideas is to use the intimate setting as a romantic gathering between two lovers, but families often get together in the guise of themes, special occasions and location picnics.

 

Romantic Picnic Ideas

There are few more romantic settings than a pastoral scene.  Beautiful blue skies, leafy branches providing a shady haven at the base of an expansive shade tree and bird songs and light breezes serving as gentle music may be the traditional setting for a romantic picnic, but may not fit everyone’s idea of the best setting.  Those allergic to pollen may not have an intimate frame of mind when a sneezing fit ensues.  Fortunately, adapting this meaningful occasion to meet your own personal needs is an easy matter.  Even a park bench can serve as a memorable spot.  Food can be as light as a warm loaf of crusty French bread, a wedge of cheese and a chilled bottle of wine, or a more hearty meal of thick steak sandwiches and fruited sangria.  Avoid foods that will spoil quickly; nothing is less romantic than spending the afternoon at an emergency room having your stomach pumped.  Candles in the great outdoors should be avoided, unless inviting the entire fire department to your soiree was your intent!  Some rules of thumb to remember:  check your location ahead of time for signs of poison ivy, take insect repellant in case mosquitoes invade, a thick, warm blanket to sit on, warm jackets if the evening turns chilly, a first aid kit for incidentals and some towels in the event there is a place to swim or wade.  The most important aspect of romantic picnic ideas is to make it special for the two of you.

 

Family Gathering Picnic Ideas

Getting together with family is a favorite pastime of summer.  Whether in someone’s backyard or at a roadside park, this will be a day long event of fun and laughter if planned right.  Food will be the spotlight of the day, so be sure to stay along safe themes of popular foods enjoyed by the majority of guests.  Often, the fare consists of hamburgers and hotdogs, but can be expanded to include barbequed chicken, ribs, beef or even fresh caught fish by the anglers in the family.  It can be helpful to include a few vegetarian offerings, as well; for example, grilled portabella mushrooms or vegetable skewers.  Side dishes can be more inventive when the picnic gathering is at a family member’s home, since refrigeration opportunities will be available.  It is always fun to have each guest contribute their favorite dish; some of these recipes are treasured memories for years to come.  Remember always to maintain foods at proper temperatures for safe eating; cold foods should always be kept cold, and hot foods hot.  A great way to display cold foods is to fill a child’s stiff plastic swimming pool with ice and nestle salad dishes within it; keeping a covering, such as a plastic tablecloth or unused shower liner, over the top to keep the cold in and the bugs out works well.  A large upright cooler with a spigot is handy for serving ice cold lemonade or tea when needed.   Planned activities can keep everyone’s fun at a peak; horseshoes, treasure hunts, volleyball, lawn croquet and lawn bowling are easy games for young and old to enjoy. (continued...)