Epic Merchandise Blog

A great picnic requires very little effort. The entire idea, after all, is effortless dining in a casual setting. But successful picnics, just like any other event, do require some advance preparation: finding the right spot, selecting foods that are appropriate – and yummy – to eat cold, and packing and serving the food in a way that makes it look appetizing.

These six tried and tested tips will help you make sure your next picnic is relaxing and fun:

1. While a traditional picnic basket is romantic and pretty, you also need a good-size cooler to keep food fresh and keep it from spoiling. I used to resist using a plastic cooler because “they’re ugly,” but one needs to be practical too: if you don’t use a cooler, your choice of foods is extremely limited. A great way to combine aesthetics with practicality is to buy an insulated picnic cooler which also includes service for two or four.

2. Remember that serving food on real china and silver, and using cloth tablecloth and napkins, feels so much better than using plastic and nylon. At the end of the picnic, when you get back home, just toss the tablecloth in the washer and the dishes in the dishwasher. Avoiding disposable items is also a great way to help the environment.

3. A blanket on the grass sounds great, but finding a shaded corner with a picnic table and benches is far more comfortable than sitting on the ground.

4. If it rains on the day of your picnic, consider having it indoors. Having a picnic indoors is a lot of fun, especially for children.

5. Keep the food fresh, delicious and very simple: instead of cooking, stop by your local deli or supermarket, and buy fresh bread, cold cuts, cheese, boiled eggs, a tray of fresh cut veggies and fruit, lemonade and a bottle of good wine.

6. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent and sunscreen for everyone, and remind your guests to dress in layers and bring a hat.

When I think about a picnic, the first word that comes to mind is “effortless.” Hopefully, these tips will help you accomplish just that.

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