The Summer Picnic

There is nothing like a summer picnic to bring family and friends together. Planning a successful barbeque need not be stressful, if you plan ahead. The following tips will help make your picnic or barbeque fun as well as safe and stress-free.

Choose A Location - It is important to choose an appropriate place for your cookout. If kids are coming, you will want to choose a place that has a playground nearby so the kids can be occupied while the adults prepare the food and socialize. If it is adult party, however, choosing a spot away from the kids areas is more ideal - this way, watching your language and conversation topics will not be as necessary. Some popular picnic areas allow reservations - call your city's park department if you think reserving a table might be needed.

Choose A Menu - Chicken or hamburgers? Hot dogs or brats? Grilled corn or veggies? Have an idea what kind of food you would like to have at the picnic. Be sure to keep dietary needs in mind - a vegetarian will not enjoy a big, juicy hamburger, and a diabetic might not appreciate only colas for beverages. Will your event be a potluck or a one-man show? If it is a potluck, people will usually ask for suggestions on what to bring, so having a menu plan in mind will help when they do ask.

Invite Friends - Chances are, you already know who you'd like to invite to the picnic. Make a list of people you'd like to come, and give them a call. Ask what they would like to bring (don't forget napkins, silverware, cups, and plates) and note it on your list. Be sure to give your guests and idea how many people are expected to come to the event, so they can plan to bring enough food to share.

Safety Tips - Coolers are needed so that the food will not spoil. Keep the cooler out of the sun and keep the lid closed, so that the temperature inside stays constant. Cool temperatures discourage bacteria growth, and your food will be fresher, tastier, and safer. Take plenty of serving spoons and forks so that food is less likely to become contaminated. Grill your meat well, and remember that rare meats are more likely to contain bacteria. The more well-done you cook your meat, the safer it will be to eat, especially on a hot summer day. Remember to keep plenty of cool drinks ready, so nobody gets dehydrated, and encourage consumption of beverages other than alcohol, which is dehydrating to the body.

Things to Bring - To avoid getting to the picnic and wishing you had brought something, plan ahead and make a list of what you might need. Moist towelettes are great for cleaning surfaces and hands. Matches are needed for starting the grill. Cloths will help with spills or other messy accidents. Bug spray and sunscreen will help protect you from the elements, as will sunglasses or a hat. Consider bringing toilet paper, as public restrooms are often under-supplied. Don't forget at least one sharp knife, and a small first-aid kit may come in handy as well. If you are serving wine, don't forget a corkscrew. Snack foods are also a good thing to have on hand, especially if children will be there.

Make It Fun - Bring a portable radio and some music to liven up your picnic. Picnic staples, such as Frisbees and balls, are also a good idea, but don't limit yourself to the normal picnic activities. Playing cards, horseshoes, jump ropes, water guns...use your imagination and be creative. Make your picnic unique, and your family and friends will remember it for years.

Be Responsible - Don't let anyone drive home if they have had too much to drink. Don't forget to be safe with fire and please clean up after your picnic...nobody likes to come to the park to a dirty picnic table. Respect others and have fun!