11 Simple Picnic Hacks For A Mess Free Picnic
There are few things so pleasant as a picnic eaten in perfect comfort. – W Somerset Maugham
Being able to see friends and family outside sounds really good right about now. Picnicking is a great way to spend quality time with the whole family, and summer is the perfect time to get into the picnic spirit. Even if you are trying to make good food choices on a road trip, or simply wanting to enjoy a meal al fresco in your favorite park, packing a picnic is a great idea. Planning the perfect picnic is easy, here are some time-tested hacks to make sure you enjoy a mess-free picnic.
Remember to keep hot foods hot, and cold foods cold. Make sure that cold foods are stored with at least two ice packs in a sealed cooler. Invest in a good quality thermos and a cooler backpack. Mishandling foods can lead to food-borne illness. You can read all about how to handle raw meat and keep foods chill HERE.
Take foods that are lightweight, easy to eat, and slow to wilt or spoil. I personally prefer foods that I can make ahead. Here are some awesome family picnic recipes. Avoid mayonnaise and ice-cream-based dishes. Transfer chilled foods directly from the freezer to the cooler. You can make popsicles in these recyclable zipsicle pouches.
You can still get the traditional wicker basket with ceramic plates, stainless steel forks, knives, spoons, wine glasses, cotton napkins, salt and pepper shakers, and a bottle opener. Be sure to pack the basket by placing nonperishable food on the bottom, then serving items and tableware, and finally the tablecloth on top.
If like me you like to have your spices always on hand even at picnics, then you can carry salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs in tic tac containers to save on space.
Freeze water bottles 24 hours before to put in your freezer bags. You can also use them as freezer packs to chill your drinks.
For keeping your sugary drinks bug-free drinks, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut an X in the center of a cupcake liner. Push the straw through, making sure you don’t tear the liner.
Use a shower cap to keep food cold. Add ice, insert the bowl, and it should all stay in place, nice and cool.
Fitted twin sheets make for an excellent table cover.
Use an old plastic shower curtain as a protective liner between your picnic blanket and grass.
Fold the bottom of a packet of chips inwards and upward, so you create a flat base that sits perfectly on the mat without toppling over so that you can enjoy your chips without making a mess.
To ensure your hot dogs or sandwiches don’t fall apart, tie them with a string.
That said even a blue check tablecloth under a leafy tree, with bread, cheese, and some fruit is pure bliss.