Summer is on the way. You need to start thinking about being prepared for picnics, especially those times when everyone, at the last minute, cries, "Let's go on a picnic!" Oh dear. A picnic. Whatever will we take to eat?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live. John 3:16 (NIV)

There are some things you can do to plan ahead for a picnic. Then, with a few items stocked and a game plan to follow, going on a picnic at the drop of a straw summer hat will be a piece of cake!

Picnic ideas-- what to do to plan ahead:

1. Pack a box or container with all the reusable, plastic
   dishes and utensils your family needs for a picnic. Don't
   forget a knife to cut food, a pitcher for drinks, a can
   opener, serving utensils, etc. In your picnic box, you
   could include an old bed sheet for a table cloth. Twin-
   size bottom sheets work very well for this, as the elastic corners help it to stay on the picnic table without blowing
   off. Close up this box when packed and label "picnic." If
   you will be using a park BBQ to cook food while out, then
   pack another box for the utensils needed, including pot
   holders, and label it also.

2. Pack a box or two to put in the pantry with nonperishable
   food items such as: juice, cookies or crackers, pork &
   beans, canned fruit, canned fish or meat. Tuna in foil
   packets works well because it doesn't need to be
   drained. Chips or pretzels could be included but go easy
   on these as they don't deliver much nutrition. If you go
   somewhere that doesn't have drinking water available,
   you could either pack bottled water or take a large water
   canteen.

3. Keep some reusable freezer packs in your freezer
   to avoid having to buy ice at the last minute. They also
   don't create the mess that the melting ice does. Keep
   your picnic cooler clean and in a handy place. Also,
   freeze some water in small empty yogurt containers,
   which are not bigger than the mouth of your water
   canteen. These can be emptied into the canteen to make
   instant ice water to take on your picnic.

Once you have planned and packed the items above, going on a picnic at the last minute really is a piece of cake. You'll be ready in only a few minutes to head out the door. No muss, no fuss, no going to the store.

• Open your clean cooler and put ice packs inside.
• Throw in whatever you can find in the fridge: apples,
  carrots, cheese, leftover cooked chicken, etc.
• Place bread or buns on top.
• Cover food with a towel and facecloth and close the lid.
  The towel and facecloth are for washing sticky hands
  later.
• Grab your picnic box with all your utensils and dishes
  in it.
• Grab your pantry box with the nonperishable food and
  juices in it.
• Fill up your large water canteen with the ice cubes you made and some water.

Picnic Ideas: Brainstorm about where to go to enjoy your family picnic:

A picnic can be a fun, inexpensive family activity to do in the summertime. One thing extra you could do to be prepared is make a list of all the places you could possibly go on a picnic. Include your favorite parks and see what else the surrounding area offers. Decide how far away you are willing to travel and then make a list of all the possible picnic places within that area. One fun idea is to make a goal to visit each place once over the summer vacation. Don't forget to encourage your family to give you input for new and exciting picnic ideas to try for next year.

Picnic Ideas: Pack a Picnic from your Pantry

Peggy Hurd is a Mother and Family Manager for her family of seven. She has many years experience in providing quick, easy, cheap meals for her large family; many times at a moment's notice.

You want more recipes and tips? Go here:

http://www.quick-easy-cheap-meals.blogspot.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Web recipes-on-the-net.com

2 Great Cold Picnic Food Recipes by Akilah Moore
3 Great Summertime Cole Slaw Recipes by Shelly Hill
10 Safety Tips for Planning a Picnic Date by Don Diebel
Another Great Picnic Menu by Brenda Collett
A Quick Dinner Recipe Perfect For Home Or Picnic by Diane Watkins
Barbecue Picnic Recipes by Ed Stein
Easy Picnic Recipes You Need to Try by Roy Maloney
French Picnic Tart Recipe by Kim Steele
Gourmet Picnics by Lauren McNeal
How to Prepare a Perfect Romantic Picnic by Lauren McNeal
Let's Eat Outside – Great Kid-Friendly Picnic Ideas by Susanne Myers
Meat and Vegetable Combinations For Grilling and Picnics by Lisa Moses
Old Fashion Recipes For a Great Picnic Including Honey Fried Chicken by Linda Carol Wilson
Old Fashion Recipes Perfect For Picnics and Potlucks by Linda Carol Wilson
Pick at Picnic - Food Handling Tips by Benedict Yossarian
Picnic at the Beach - Easy Dinner Recipes and Dinner Ideas For Family Fun by Julie Languille
Picnic Food Ideas by Joseph Devine
Picnic For Two at the Concert - Rachmaninov by JoAnn Jagroop
Picnic For Two at the Concert - Vivaldi by JoAnn Jagroop
Picnic Ideas - Pack a Picnic From Your Pantry by Peggy Hurd
Picnic Menu and Recipes Suitable For Diabetics by Linda Carol Wilson
Picnics and Backyard Barbeque - Plan a Healthy Deck Party by Rosanne Rust
Picnics Made Easy by Christine Steendahl
Planning a Picnic? Here's a Complete Menu Just For You by Alan Kassirer
Popular Picnic Recipes by Lauren McNeal
Thinking Outside of the Bun - Unique Picnic Menu Ideas For Family and Company Picnics by Jamie Rose Erickson

< Back to Picnic Recipes