Summertime ushers in one of life’s pleasures: the picnic.
Picnics celebrate the novelty of eating outside. But when happy picnickers are seen through a camera lens or in classical works of art, picnics seem effortless, as if shot in soft-focus. Both the picnic of movies (pretty girl on checkered blanket feeding strawberries to her beau) and the picture-perfect picnic (there are no pesky insects in the painting), don’t take reality into account.
The keys to a fun picnic are organization and preparation. Weather is fickle and can change at any moment. Creatures you encounter in the great outdoors may want to share your meal. Having a sense of humor helps, along with acknowledging that not everyone enjoys sitting on the ground while eating.
Here are a few ideas to make dining al fresco a memorable experience – and one you are willing to repeat.
Where
The first decision is where to go for a picnic.
– Local parks: with 40 Greeley parks, 20 Windsor parks and eight Evans parks, there’s a park near your neighborhood. If you’re assembling a large group, consider reserving a park shelter.
– Go on an adventure to the Pawnee National Grassland, Centennial Village or find a sheltered rock or bench along the Poudre River Trail. Greeley’s community gardens offer in-town options, including the beautiful patio at Houston Gardens, 515 23rd Avenue. Combine your picnic with entertainment at neighborhood movie nights or UNC’s Concerts Under the Stars. Or head up Big Thompson Canyon and go for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
– Escape to your own backyard.
What
What to serve depends on who will be joining you for the meal. Will it center on kids and families, an adult get-together or a romantic tryst? Tailor foods to location and people. Whatever style picnic you choose, prep as much as possible ahead of time. And remember that part of a picnic’s novelty lies in its casual aspect.
Kids and families
– Kids love finger foods and helping create the meal, particularly if they’re picky eaters. Make it easy and buy fried chicken or roast bone-in chicken pieces earlier in the day or night before. Add crunch with carrot and celery sticks, ready-to-serve snap peas, and washed and trimmed radishes. Serve with ready-made hummus for a healthier dipping option than ranch or blue cheese dressing. Freeze blueberries in ice cube trays and serve with lemonade. For dessert, buy or make miniature brownie cups without frosting (it melts!) and dust them with powdered sugar. A bowlful of cherries is delightful, too!
Adults
– Part of a picnic’s fun is asking friends to contribute to the meal. Make it a potluck and let the creativity flow.
– Puree ripe, chilled cantaloupe chunks and fresh mint leaves, add a splash of sparkling wine and the juice of one lime. Serve for a starter course in small plastic cups. The fruit’s own juice should provide enough liquid.
– Feature summer’s best produce: Partner peeled, diced watermelon and cucumbers with crumbled feta cheese and shredded basil. Toss with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper.
– Prepare an easy, main course salad ahead of time. Classic chicken or this easy shrimp, avocado and endive salad are quick to make. Chill until you’re ready to pack up and go.
– Food requiring assembly is fine if you’ve prepared meal components separately to transport them to your picnic spot. Once there, assemble salad elements kept in separate storage containers or create mini soft tacos.
Romantic – just the two of you
– Food is love, so don’t worry too much about impressing your sweetie. In fact, the simpler your picnic foods, the more time you’ll have for gazing into one another’s eyes, observing the flowers, the stars, the birds and having wonderful conversation. Whether it’s cheese, charcuterie and gourmet olives, an easy-to-assemble salad or finger-licking fried chicken, pack a picnic the two of you will enjoy together.
A word of warning: foods that melt and drip all over the cooler don’t make for romantic moments.
Keep it healthy
– Keep creamy potato, coleslaw and other foods prepared with mayonnaise cold. Pack in a cooler with lots of ice stored in resealable plastic baggies so food is fresh and ready to serve. Keep other foods cold with reusable freezer ice packs. Discard unused portions if food is left unchilled for longer than two hours.
– It’s the great outdoors. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, and if far from home consider packing a first aid kit.
Bring all the accoutrements (French for all the stuff)
People have enjoyed meals outside for eons, but the practice acquired a name after the French Revolution when the country’s parks, previously owned by royalty, were opened to the general public. Here are a few “must haves” to bring along:
– A comfortable blanket, one you won’t mind getting dirty that’s easily washable.
– If feasible, camping chairs for those who prefer not to sit on the ground.
– Barware, including bottle openers or corkscrews, if you’re in a location that permits alcohol consumption and open containers. Screw top bottles are ideal.
– A picnic basket, cooler, napkins, reusable plastic cups, plates, and utensils, trash bags, and paper towel or dishcloths for easy cleanup. Coolers come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional camping styles to portable backpacks. Invest in a well-equipped picnic basket or if you insist on staying connected, a Bluetooth ready cooler.
– Wine glass holders that poke into the grass to hold your beverage; small folding tables to help create a serving station.
Picnic don’ts
– Skip anything that melts, is easy to spill or attracts more bugs than you want. No bugs at all is ideal, but that’s not likely in the great outdoors.
– Food that requires cutting, other than for cheese or spreading dips. It’s a picnic, not a barbecue.
– If you’re picnicking poolside, no glass containers.
– Wear comfortable clothing. Plan for walking to your picnic destination, sitting on the grass, a rock or low camp chair.
Above all, have fun! Enjoy the sunshine and companionship of friends and family.
