Picnic News, Ideas & Picnic Product Reviews from Ellen’s Corner | Recipes for Picnics & Cookouts | Picnic Fun

As I look out at the morning sun glistening on the newly fallen snow I think to myself,
“What a wonderful day for a picnic!” That’s right, a picnic in the middle of winter!

To me there is nothing quite like a well planned family picnic during the winter months. The feel of the crisp fresh air after spending weeks shut indoors can be invigorating. There is just something about the feel of the sun on your face and the natural winter time beauty that revitalizes and rejuvenates you in a way no other activity can.

I know you’re thinking, “But it’s COLD out there!”
Don’t distress. By dressing correctly and using the correct picnic supplies a wintertime picnic can be very rewarding and very easy to do without freezing your fingers, or your toes off. And your family will thank you for the effort!

Here are a few tips for helping you plan your next winter picnic:

• Quality picnic baskets and picnic backpacks keeps all of your picnic items organized and easy to transport along with adding a bit of elegance. There is a wide variety or picnic baskets and picnic backpacks to choose from to fit your occasion.
  A small wine tote makes an elegant addition to a romantic picnic.
  A waterproof tote keeps your items out of the snow and dry.
• Warm foods are always refreshing while playing out in the snow. Picnic coolers and thermoses can keep foods and beverages warm or even hot for long periods of time. An insulated water backpack with a 2-liter reservoir is invaluable on those long winter hikes.
• Picnic blankets not only can keep your picnic fun and comfortable they can also be wrapped around picnic coolers to keep foods and beverages warmer for longer periods of time. Picnic blanket duffels, such as the “Siesta Picnic Blanket Tote”, come in handy for keeping your picnic organized.
• A small bbq grill not only serves as a cooking utensil it also serves well for warming cold hands and drying gloves. A quality bbq utensil set is essential when cooking out in the open during the winter months. Their large size is much easier to handle with gloves on than smaller utensils are.
• Be sure and dress in layers. You can add or remove layers as needed and not be too cold or too hot. Take an extra pair of pants and socks for each kid. Kids have a way of making the most out of freshly fallen snow.

So what does one serve on a wintertime picnic? Whatever one likes! There is no limit on the type of foods to serve at a winter picnic. Small grills will enable you to cook or warm your meals. Sandwiches and soup are a favorite of kids and easy to make. Steaks are easily grilled on a small propane grill or on an open fire if the area permits it. Side dishes of macaroni salad and green salad can be pre-made and served in their storage containers.

One thing is certain, a well prepared meal will be enjoyed by all after a long day of playing in the snow and will add a special magic to the day. Be creative and have fun with it. And adjust the meals according to the group. For some good winter picnic recipe ideas be sure and check out our picnic recipes section.

So don’t let the winter keep you inside! Take the kids sledding at the local hill. Or take your partner on a romantic picnic for two. Spend a day of horseback riding in the country or enjoy a tailgate sunset while parked on the beach. Just get outside and enjoy the fun and beauty that only winter can provide. The memories made from a well planned winter picnic can last a lifetime.

The important thing is to get out of the house and enjoy the day!

Ellen