Picnics Made Perfect and Simple

Is there anything more simple, refreshing and fun than going on a picnic with those you love? My family loves getting out for a few hours at one of our beautiful, serene parks. Finding that perfect picnic table under the shade next to a creek seems a whole lot better for your health and happiness than sitting around watching television all night.

Sometimes, we invite friends along. We bring our comfy lawn chairs, light a fire in the fire pit and roast marshallows when the sun goes down. Just make sure you know when the park's closing hours are and make sure you have a water source so you can smolder the fire.

It doesn't have to be time-consuming or a very well planned event. Spontaneity can get your blood flowing and your eyes lighting up again from the routine of your job, house cleaning or whatever else is getting you down.

And don't think that it has to be a picnic on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Why not go on a Wednesday night after work and baseball practice and piano lessons?

Just remember to make things safe, convenient and uncomplicated. A troubles-free picnic will make the whole family smile. If you are single, ask some friends to meet you at the nearest park for a few hours of old-fashioned fun.

First of all, if it is spontaneous, it might be hard to get stuff together to grill. Many parks do have community grills. You also might have your own portable grill you use for tailgating or at your apartment.

Bring your charcoal, some paper to get it started, lighter fluid, matches or lighter, a grill brush to clean off debris, and some aluminum foil to place the meat on. Make sure to let the fire burn off any remnants of the last cooking endeavor.

Put on boneless chicken breasts, hot dogs, brats, or get fancy with marinated steaks, shish kabobs or lamb. Don't forget any barbecue or marinade sauces and a brush. And most people tend to forget to bring knives that can cut the meat after it is done.

For extra precaution, bring along some baby wipes or anti-bacterial hand soap for after you handle the meat.

If you decide that grilling would take too much time away from the activities, then go with deli sandwiches or soup in a crockpot (if the weather is on the chilly side). The sandwiches can be made at your own home with turkey, ham or beef slices. Use hoagie buns or multi-grain bread. Bring along the mustard, lettuce leaves and anything else that you desire for your creations.

Make dessert easy by packing fresh blueberries, raspberries and strawberries in plastic containers. Whatever you have in your refrigerator will be fine, whether it is mandarin oranges in a can or watermelon chunks.
Make sure your cooler is filled with drinks and filled water bottles. Keeping hydrated is important, especially if you are going to be active.

If you don't have frozen freezer packs (you know, those blue ice packets), then go to the nearest gas station and buy a bag of ice. Keep things cold in a cooler. Get out what you need, and put the rest back in the cooler right away. Food can heat up fast in the daytime sun and hot summer nights.

Bring a blanket or a tablecloth for those not-so-clean picnic tables. Bring along paper plates, glasses, napkins, silverware, insect repellent, sunscreen and camera.

If you don't want to just lounge, then bring along a Frisbee, football or baseball. Some parks are not installing Frisbee golf courses. It's a great way to get out and stretch your legs and compete against your kids. Don't be obnoxious to other park guests by playing your radio too loud, or throwing the Frisbee into their area.

When it's all over, make sure you clean up your garbage so the next guests will enjoy the area just as much as you did.