Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Method One: Romantic Picnic for Two
• Method 2 of 2: Method Two: Family Picnic
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

If the weather is fine outside and you have a free day, then there is nothing better than a picnic. It doesn't take long to set it up, and you can have a great day out with your family and friends! Here are some instructions on how to prepare a picnic, as well as a helpful checklist that you can modify to suit your needs.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Method One: Romantic Picnic for Two

1. 1 Plan your meal ahead of time. Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time so you don't have to waste time at the grocery store.
2. 2 Prepare food that everyone likes. Choose easy-to-prepare meals that don't have to do a lot at a picnic. You may all like fondue, but lighting a fire in a park isn't such a good idea.
3. 3 Take the basket. Lovely baskets can be found in craft stores, gift shops (especially those that sell wine) and even some grocery stores. A good bottle of wine in a plastic bag doesn't look too romantic.
4. 4 Consider the location of the picnic:
   • If having a picnic on the beach, make sure the blanket is large enough to keep out the sand, and the chairs or pillows are sand and waterproof.
   • If you are going to the park, bring a good, soft blanket, and you can also bring a waterproof, canvas mat. The grass can be watered or just damp.
   • It is good to relax on pillows if you have them. Some people prefer low chairs.
5. 5 Don't forget about romance. Flowers, candles, even a pair of battery-powered speakers with good music on your iPod can create a surprisingly romantic mood. Don't take the whole tape recorder. You want to create an intimate atmosphere, not a beach party.
6. 6 Think over everything to the smallest detail. You don't want to run home for something in the midst of a romantic picnic.
   • Bring a pair of sweaters in case it feels cool.
   • Take an umbrella in case it rains.
   • In case the weather turns bad before you go on a picnic, have a backup plan.
7. 7 Dress nicely. We're talking romance - made from jeans, shorts and a T-shirt are perfect for an impromptu day at the beach, but you need to put in the effort to make the day memorable.

Method 2 of 2: Method Two: Family Picnic

1. 1 Plan ahead. As with a romantic picnic, a family picnic is much more ceremonial with foresight. Nothing spoils the pleasure more than the absence of a corkscrew or a fork at the right moment.
   • Get a picnic box. Store plates, napkins, plastic utensils, a spare bottle opener, corkscrew, plastic food containers, packaging material, bags, and other non-perishable items in it.
   • Also put copies of your favorite picnic recipes in the box.
2. 2 Think about comfort as much as about food. A picnic is fun, unless you have to sit on damp or rocky ground, on a very small blanket, in the rain and with damp paper towels.
   • If you are on the ground, use pillows or chairs.
   • If the weather is changeable, put some umbrellas in your car.
   • The bedspread should be large enough to fit everything. If there is not enough space, bring an extra blanket. A lot of space is good, and it will be more difficult for ants to get to food.
3. 3 Visit stores in advance. Prepare everything for the event in advance. But prepare food as late as possible to keep it fresh and tasty. If you're making potato or pasta salad, keep the food cold to prevent spoilage.
4. 4 Play! Take a ball or board game. Flying saucer is always fun. There are games that anyone can take part in.
5. 5 Take care of your safety. A family picnic can have a variety of activities: running, playing ball, flying saucer, etc. In case of minor injuries, bring a first aid kit, including sunscreen, insect spray, antiseptic, and bandages.
6. 6 Check out the list below. We've put together a list of what you might need for a picnic.
   • Copy this list into a text document and modify it according to your needs. Put it in a picnic box.

Tips

• You can purchase cake lids to keep insects out of your food. They fold well and make a great picnic addition.
• Wash all the items you used for the picnic and use the food. This way, your picnic set will always be ready to use.
• Try to use non-disposable dishes. If you're worried about breaking your favorite set or losing your special cutlery, buy a cheap picnic set from a second hand store. It will add an eclectic and vintage ambiance to your picnic.
• Tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks are tastier in glass or metal containers. Avoid disposable glasses and cups whenever possible, but remember to consider the park's glass packaging policy.
• Save old, used foil. Wash it and place it in a picnic box to use again.

Warnings

• Pay attention to the weather forecast. Bring raincoats and umbrellas with you if there is a possibility of rain, and come up with a backup plan if a storm is expected. Many picnic areas have shelters in case of rain.

What do you need

• A tablecloth, rug, or bedspread, if your bedding is not waterproof, take a tarp as well
• Napkins (cloth is the best and most environmentally friendly option)
• Plates, cutlery and bowls
• Mugs, cups and glasses
• Cutting board for bread and cheese
• A bread knife and possibly another sharp knife for slicing fruits and vegetables
• Serving tongs
• Food containers and serving plates
• Paper towels
• Pieces of foil, cheesecloth, plastic wrap, or foldable cake lids to cover food
• Thermos for keeping drinks warm, hot or cold
• Salt and pepper
• Favorite sauces, marinades, condiments and spices
• Garbage bags (use old shopping bags or paper bags)
• Hand wipes, tissue paper and possibly toilet paper
• Residue containers: plastic bags plastic containers and jars
• Hats
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Food and drink
• Camera