Picnic Etiquette
It's fine to extend invitations either by phone or
mail. And for such an informal occasion, it's okay
to write "regrets only" -- plus your telephone
number -- at the bottom of your invitation.
Since a picnic is such an informal occasion, it's
acceptable to ask each guest or family to
contribute something. Or if the hostess doesn't
know all the guests well, she might just ask those
closest to her to contribute. To make sure there's
the necessary variety, she can determine ahead of
time which items (salad, dessert, etc.) will be
brought.
It's a thoughtful -- and smart -- gesture to
invite neighbors, but only if you have a genuine
relationship with them or believe they're likely
to fit in with other guests and the type of party
planned.
Create a Picnic Kit
- It's official, the picnic season is upon us.
Following a few simple tips, you will have the
ability for a spur of the moment picnic. Putting
a kit together is very simple and will save time
when the thought occurs!
Carrier:
Choose a deep, lined wicker basket or even a deep
clean, sturdy cardboard box, Pinic basket if have
one.
Contents:
Include bright colored plates, cups, eating
utensils and napkins that can be washed instead
of the disposable type. A plastic tablecloth and
an old bedspread or blanket can provide a table
or cover the ground. I always buy supplies at the
end of the season for the next season to save a
few bucks.
Food Containers:
For keeping food hot or cold, choose an assortment
of vacuum bottles and wide-mouthed jars that suit
your family's needs, and will fit into your picnic
kit.
Coolers:
Store them with the picnic kit so everything is
right where you need it. Keep reusable ice blocks
frozen in the freezer. I have found that empty 32
oz. soda bottles frozen 3/4 of the way with water
work well and are inexpensive. The frozen bottles
also provide cold water on a picnic.
Odds and Ends:
Having a sharp knife with sleeve (Pampered Chef
has great self-sharping knife with plastic cover
that work great), matches, bottle and can openers,
salt and pepper shakers, flashlight, and paper
towel in your kit are a must. You may also want
to include bug spray (stored in a plastic bag),
and a simple first aid kit. Freeze wet sponges in
plastic bags for extra ice packs and re-use for
clean up. For easy salt and pepper shakers, fill
plastic straws and tape the ends for easy mess
free travel.
Food and Drinks:
Remember that coolers are designed to keep cold
food cold and hot food hot. Do not use the same
container for both. At our house we have one
small cooler that is red for hot food and a blue
cooler for cold items.
Cooking:
If you are using a charcoal grill, remember
charcoal briquettes, pot holders, cooking
utensils, and platters for after the food
is cooked. Never put cooked food back onto
the same plate where the raw food was.
Fun Stuff:
Bring along things that interest your family.
Balls, kites, Frisbees, fishing poles, and
towels for the beach.
Clean-up:
Pack moist towelettes or dampened towels in
plastic bags for clean up. Never leave your
picnic area dirty, keep it clean for the next
family.
