kiwis love a picnic and we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to location with all our beautiful parks and beaches. read on for our tips on how to make the most of your time spent eating outside.
It may seem obvious but you should check the weather a few days in advance. If it looks questionable and you still want to go choose somewhere which has tables undercover. Take a pack of cards or a board game to play. Also have a back-up plan so the kids don't get too disappointed if you can't go on the day. A picnic on the lounge room floor is a fun alternative if it's raining.
There is no place for plastic disposables in 2020! Op shops are a great place to buy cheap metal utensils to keep in your picnic basket. You will also be able to find picnic basics like bottle openers, a sharp knife, breadboard, and plates there as well. Op shops have remnants of fabric which can be made/cut into cloth napkins. After the picnic take them home and wash to be reused instead of throwing away disposable paper ones.
If you don't have a waterproof backed picnic blanket laying down a tarpaulin or thick woollen blanket first will keep any damp from seeping through. Bring along some cushions for lounging back on after the meal is finished.
Pre-make as much food as possible and keep it simple.
~Long baguettes can be filled with chutney and cheese and sliced up to be filled with salad when ready to eat.
~Avoid leafy salads and stick to chunky hard vegetables.
~Rice paper rolls with dipping sauce.
~Cold quiche.
~Hand pies.
~Corn on the cob.
~Savoury muffins.
~Scones.
~Hummus and veggie sticks.
~Potato or pasta salad.
~Whole fruit like apples, mandarins, grapes, strawberries, watermelon and avocados are convenient.
~Sweet treats which travel well like biscuits, dry slices and bliss balls.
Empty egg cartons are fabulous for transporting softer treats like little cakes, tarts, filled eggs and the like because they keep them separate and protected.
Make sure your picnic spot has shade. If not pack umbrellas or one of the many portable shelter options out there.
The mozzies love picnics too! Insect repellent is a must. And it also wouldn’t hurt to pack the first aid kit too.
Freeze drink bottles the night before and put them in with the food before you leave. They will keep the food fresh and cool and you get to sip on icy water as they defrost. Also pack damp flannels in recycled bags or wet bags to wipe grubby hands and faces.
Take wet bags for dirty used cutlery and plates. And remember to take all rubbish home with you. Anything which can be composted can go home in empty containers to be put on the compost heap.
Consider how far you will be walking with all your picnic gear. A great option is a trolley/beach cart/ or wagon to simply put everything into and pull it along. You’ll have the kids fighting over who gets to pull it. Parenting win right there!