By: Alyssa Deguzman
Summer is a perfect time to gather with friends and family to enjoy each other’s company. A fun way to get together is by having a picnic. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors enjoying delicious snacks and refreshing beverages. Just grab a blanket or tapestry to sit on and find a nice spot in the shade to stay out of the sun.
What to Bring to a Picnic?
If you’re going to be outside, it’s convenient to pack disposable products. Using recyclable items will save the trouble of worrying about flatware and will also help the environment.
Some essentials include a blanket (or any type of cloth or tapestry to sit on), a basket (or bag) to carry everything in, disposable utensils and paper dishes. Of course, the crucial part to a picnic are the food and beverages. It’s ideal to have accessible and easy to assemble foods that aren’t too messy.
Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards have become a worldwide phenomenon. People show their creativity by curating their own themes that go beyond the traditional meats and cheeses. All over social media, there are a variety of charcuteries to gain inspiration from.
A mixture of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and flavored sauces are typically the ingredients that are on a classic board. However, the best part about this trendy snack is it’s meant to show off your creativity. Dessert boards, vegetable boards and fruit boards are just a small list of other charcuterie versions people put together.
Bringing a board might be an inconvenience, so try using food trays instead. They’re lightweight, but still sturdy enough to hold the charcuterie. Make your picnic a little more fun and have everyone attending create their own trays. Use skewers to keep everything in place and decorate to your own styles.
Finger Sandwiches
Sandwiches are always a considerable go-to for light snack options. Finger sandwiches, also referred to as tea sandwiches, are an excellent alternative when seeking smaller portions and are very simple to make. Instead of two slices of bread, you’ll need three. Build the sandwich as normal, incorporating the third slice in the middle.
When assembling, it’s important to have a specific structure to prevent the slices of bread from getting soggy. Try to use a water-breaker spread such as cream cheese, butter, or avocado as a base. It’s also best to make sure the meats and cheeses are against the bread slices and the wet ingredients (condiments, tomatoes, pickles, etc.) are on the inside. To keep everything intact, use a toothpick or mini skewers.
Lemonade
Lemonade is the perfect beverage option to have for a picnic. It’s refreshing and compliments the flavors of most snacks. It’s also a summer essential for distracting your mind from the heat and cooling down. This sweet and tart drink is exactly what any picnic needs to be complete.
There are various lemonade flavors to choose from, it all comes down to taste preference. A store-bought bottle will do or get creative and follow a homemade recipe, just be sure to store it in an insulated pitcher or a cooler to ensure it stays cold for serving.
Using eco-friendly cups to enjoy your refreshments makes it easier to dispose of afterward.
Why Have a Picnic?
There’s nothing better than spending the day alongside your favorite people or person. If you’re in search of a peaceful summer activity that involves lounging outdoors, have a picnic. Indulge in some yummy food and drinks and sit around in the shade. Picnics are great for soaking up the fresh air and appreciating the weather.