During this time of social distancing, we have been spending a lot of time inside. Before you feel cabin fever start to set in, plan the perfect picnic for you and your family! You can do this right in your back yard, or you can go to a local public park (most of them are still open, just make sure to stay at least 6 feet away from other park goers)! Why not grab the kids, pack a basket and head outside for an al fresco meal? With these quick tips, your picnic will be the perfect spirit-lifter!
Best Foods to Bring
Unless you are bringing a cooler with you outside, you should avoid any mayonnaise-based foods, like potato salad. And instead of precut fruit, consider whole alternatives (such as apples, grapes and easy-to-peel mandarins), which will not spoil as easily. For dessert, opt for cookies, brownies or cake rather than pies or ice cream, which can require refrigeration. While sandwiches may be the easiest to eat sans table, your main dish is up to you. Or, depending on how hungry your bunch is, you may opt for an array of snacks to munch on instead.
Controlling Pests
Nothing can ruin your picnic faster than a horde of ants invading your piled- high plate. Be sure to cover any food that is not currently being eaten to prevent a buggy addition to your meal. You may also consider packing a distractor for the ants and other insects at the park. Try filling a saucer with sugar water and placing it a distance away from your setup. If you and your kiddos are enjoying your outdoor meal at a park that provides picnic tables, consider placing the legs of the table into bowls of water. Ants and water do not mix, so you won’t have to worry about ants crawling up the legs of your table and invading your feast.
Aside from food, be sure to pack something for entertainment! Whether you pack a book, a kite, a football or all three, no picnic is complete without some post-meal fun!
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