Quick and Easy Picnics

I’m so excited about the new changes beginning this month at Homemaker’s Challenge! When Laurie suggested the format change, I wanted to write about all things quick & easy. Because seriously, if its not quick AND easy, it ain’t gettin’ done around here.
Since July is National Picnic Month and it’s one of my very favorite things to do during summer, I wanted to share with you how to make taking a picnic quick and easy.

Quick and Easy Picnics:

Get a Bag

Go check your stash. Everyone has a bag stash; usually more than necessary. Grab one. Even reusable grocery bags work. They work really well actually.

Fill the Bag

Fill the bag with your essentials. You can get reusable or disposable, whatever you like best. I have both, actually. Using leftover birthday plates, cups and napkins can make picnics even more fun for kids as they remember the parties.

You will need:

• plastic grocery or trash bags
• paper towels
• wet wipes/diaper wipes
• tablecloth or blanket
• a jackknife
• plates
• napkins
• utensils
• cups

Prep the cooler

Keep your cooler prepped. We have two coolers depending on the length of the journey. The small one has chemical filled cooler cubes. For the larger one, we use Simply Lemonade jugs filled with water. They fit perfectly and when they melt, you have extra water. So prep your cooler.

Plan a Menu or Two

We tend to have a few favorite picnic menus depending on what we are in the mood for. Plan 2-3 favorites menus. We have a homemade lunch menu, a store trip menu featuring fried chicken, and a homemade dinner menu. Knowing what you can pack makes prep super quick and easy.

When making your menus, keep in mind things like utensils. I read a great suggestion to make everything finger food, to avoid needing utensils. If you need more ideas, try these picnic menu ideas.

• Spur of the Moment Menu {5 Days of Picnicking} 
• Picnic Recipe Round-Up {5 Days of Picnicking}
• Picnic Menu Ideas

But don’t spend too much time on this. Remember quick & easy! Write them on an index card & put a copy in the kitchen and in your picnic bag.

Now go!

Pick a nice sunny (but not too windy) day and go for it. Like anything, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.  

 

And the pre-planning helps, too. Prior proper planning prevents piss poor performance — you can thank my high school Algebra teacher for that little gem. (Thanks Mr. Kroll!)

What are your favorite picnic tips?