Posts Tagged ‘Picnic Ideas’

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Anniversary Picnic Ideas

Monday, July 6th, 2009

If you’re anything like most of the population, Anniversary Night typically means going out to eat at your favorite restaurant, maybe followed by or following a movie. While that can definitely be great fun, I have a few other ideas I’d like to recommend to switch things up a little bit.

First the place:

  1. Where did you meet?
  2. Where do you like to go together?
  3. Where is a somewhat-nearby place that you’ve been talking about always visiting.

Once you figure that out, all you have to do is plan it out. Or don’t plan it out! Surprise your loved one with a packed picnic baskets in the back seat of the car on the way there.
Note: if you’re going to surprise him (or her), make sure that he/she LIKES surprises. And if you’re asked what you’re going to do on your anniversary, just call it a surprise.

Again, ONLY if your sweetie likes them.

So once you’ve figured that part out, plan out your day a little. One really fun thing to do is to call ahead – or visit the place a day or two ahead – and let the people with whom you come in contact know it’s your anniversary. Tip them something and see if you or they can come up with something fun and romantic to say or do for you on your little excursion. Imagine how neat it would be if three or four “strangers” congratulated your wife on your anniversary!

Have some food ready to be picked up if you’re not packing the basket. Put the food in the basket or cooler, find some grass somewhere, and sit down with a bottle of wine from the wine basket with your wife and relax the day away.

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Picnic for the Needy

Sunday, April 12th, 2009

This may sound like a huge deal and hard to organize, but it’s really a lot easier than you may think.

If you take some of the picnic ideas from some other posts of mine and combine them, you’ll find that we already know how to do this with just a little effort. And think about what you could do for someone’s day!

Arrange a time and date at your local park – let the park manager know what you’re doing – and begin. Just call a few of your neighbors, friends, and family and see what they can make for the picnic. Make a dish or two in your own home, and there you go: the food is done. Grab a bunch of 2-liters of soda at the store ($1.00 each sometimes), and off you go.

The hardest part of this type of picnic is letting the public know. A few really good places to post fliers would be the library, the grocery store, and the courthouse (If anyone has any other great places to add, please do!).

Food aside, I think there may be one or two more things we could add to this picnic for the needy in your area that I think could really add that special touch:

Call a couple friends of yours who may have managerial jobs in the area and invite them to the picnic… and ask them to bring job applications if they’re hiring. (I understand that “needy people” DO work and that many work even full-time. But there is a very large number of our fellow citizens in our communities that still can’t make ends meet. And some still can’t find jobs.) Ask a few businesses in your area whom you may not even know to come and join the fun – tell them there’s free food!

Anyway, these are just a couple suggestions. Many of you already do this and may have much better ways of tackling this. These are just mine for now.

Thanks!

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Picnic Music

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

I think the thing that people forget to take along on picnics the most is music. And if you ask me, I think it can be an integral part of picnicking.

Or taking the WRONG music.

In this first example, imagine a gentleman taking his new girlfriend out for a nice picnic at the park, with backpacks for 2. The food is out, the wine is flowing, and he pops in a Metallica CD. No. Metallica is fine and they have their place certainly, but if you’re still in “dating mode”, forget it. For these situations, I’d highly recommend some light or smooth jazz. Some examples are the saxophone sounds of Dave Koz (check out “The Dance”), anything by Michael Buble, or even the bass sounds of Wayman Tisdale.

You see, at a picnic, sometimes it’s better for the music to be in the background rather than at the forefront. Picnics are a time for people to talk and relax, and jazz can be a perfect addition to add to the ambience.

In this next example, imagine that you’re having a picnic on the beach while intermittently playing some beach volleyball. If you bring smooth jazz, you may get some strange looks from your teammates. Conversely, the right music can get you motivated to play your heart out! For this, I recommend either some current dance music or anything from the charts from the 1980s. It can get your friends motivated and excited to hear what the next song is going to be.

So as you’re planning your picnic or day at the beach, remember that music can make or break your outing.

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Winter Picnics

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

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

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Three-Bean Salad

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

1/3 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon coarse-grained mustard
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 small red onion, diced
2 cups cooked and cooled black-eyed peas
1 cup cooked and cooled lima beans
1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1″ pieces
2 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, corn syrup, oil, salt and pepper. Add the onion and black-eyed peas.
2. If using frozen lima beans, cook them in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the beans with a slotted spoon and plunge them into an ice bath. Pat dry and add to the onion mixture. If using dried lima beans, drain the cooked and cooled lima beans, pat dry and add to the onion mixture. (The beans can be cooked in advance and stored covered in a refrigerator for up to 8 hours.)
3. Cook the green beans in boiling salted water until just tender, about 3 to 6 minutes. Drain and plunge into an ice bath. Pat dry and add to the salad along with the parsley. Toss well. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste

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Picnic Potato Salad – no mayo

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

2 lbs new small red potatoes
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (see note)
1/4 cup red onion, sliced
1 shallot or green onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon each of fresh basil and oregano, minced salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1/2 green pepper, cut into thin strips
Because this potato salad contains no mayonnaise, it’s a safe bet for your next picnic or cook-out for those long hot Summer days. Be sure to taste and season well. Scrub potatoes, removing eyes and discarding any green ones. Add 1 teaspoon salt to a medium saucepan of boiling water; gently lower potatoes into water and cook, with skins on until fork tender. Rinse briefly under cold water. Cut into quarters and return to hot pan. Add olive oil and remaining ingredients. Stir for one minute over medium heat. Set aside to cool.

May be served warm or cold.

Note: 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar may be substituted for the 3 tablespoons wine vinegar for a more piquant blend. Add the garlic to the vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes before preparation to help take the “edge” off

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Hi Everyone…Welcome to Ellen’s Corner

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

Happy New Year…Welcome to Ellen’s Corner!

My name is Ellen and I am the host of what we call “Ellen’s Corner”.  Ellen’s Corner is a blog associated with www.PicnicSupplyWorld.com and set up to offer Picnic related Tips, Ideas, Recipes, Stories and More…

So, please join me and have some fun…who doesn’t enjoy a PICNIC!

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