Food tastes better outdoors!
Everyone enjoys a meal outdoors -- as simple as a family picnic in the backyard, or an elaborate gathering at the park. Here's a few tips to help you make the most out of your day outdoors!
- Be a careful planner when you select a location. Check the hours, shelter availability in case of bad weather, cost and activities available at the location. Will you need a grill? Running water? Is there a limit on group size? How about parking permits? Ask the questions up front, and your outing will be much more troublefree.
- Make lists -- a menu, what to pack, and what you need to prepare in advance (such as freezing blocks of ice in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids). Think about what you'll need for each part of the day, such as utensils and charcoal for cooking; plates, cups, tablecloth or blanket, serving utensils, cutting board and anchors to hold things down if it's windy while you eat; cleanup supplies like trash bags, wipes, containers for leftovers and a bag for recycling.
- Don't over-do it when it comes to the menu. Keep it simple. Sandwiches made at home and packed in a cooler make a simple and delicious alternative to hauling the grill and charcoal.
- Packing the cooler right is important to keep food safe. Start with food that is already cold or frozen. Ice goes in first, and put the last items you plan to eat at the bottom, and work up, so what you take out first is on top. Pack as tightly as possible, and keep the cooler closed to maintain a constant, cool temperature inside. At the picnic, keep the cooler in the shade.
- If you're bringing supplies for activities, such as swimwear or volleyball gear, think through how and when it will be used. Do you need extra rope for setting up the volleyball net? An extra life jacket if you're boating? Comfortable lawn chairs for less mobile guests? Don't forget the sunscreen, no matter what the activities are!
- Capture the day with photos. Remember to shoot with the sun behind you for the best and brightest shots. Fast action, like a ball game or water-balloon fight, are best in bright light and with your camera set on action mode. You'll be glad that you took the time -- just a few seconds -- to adjust your camera to the proper setting when you enjoy pictures.
- When you get home, clean up the supplies before you stow them so they'll be ready for the next outing. If any perishable food has been left out for more than two hours, throw it away. Clean the cooler, lemonade jug and other picnic supplies with hot, soapy water and dry thorougly.
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