A picnic is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon in late summer or early fall. Away from the demands of work or home, you can relax and enjoy good food and the company of friends.
Like any gathering, a picnic will be even better if you prepare in advance. On a holiday weekend, such as Labor Day, we all have a little extra time to do something special.
Here are some tips for making any picnic–from a casual meal to a romantic dinner for two–a memorable event that you’ll want to recreate again and again.
The site
No matter where you live, there are bound to be several excellent picnic sites nearby. In addition to parks, ponds, lakes, woods and beaches, look into public gardens, the grounds of a local estate or museum or a sculpture park. Pick a spot where you can do some hiking or see a beautiful sunset. And don’t forget about your own back yard.
The supplies
If you’re hiking, a backpack makes a sensible picnic hamper. But for most outings, I prefer a classic basket. I always keep one in my kitchen filled with the essentials–everything but the food. If you have the supplies assembled and ready to use, you easily can go on spur-of-the-moment outings. (Sturdy, reusable supplies are not only more environmentally friendly, they’re also much nicer to use.)
Here are the things I like to have in a picnic basket: enamel plates and cups, flatware, serving utensils, serrated knife, corkscrew, pocketknife, salt and pepper shakers, cutting board, cloth napkins, a few dish towels for spills and trash bags.
You’ll also need something to spread everything, including yourself, on–try a comfortable old blanket or quilt, a cotton tablecloth or big beach towels.
For special picnics, add appropriately to the basket. On a romantic picnic, for example, take good wineglasses, china and candles. When the whole family is going, pack a kite, Frisbee and binoculars to keep children busy.
You also may want to pack sunscreen or insect repellent. If you’ll be in a remote place, it’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit.
The menu
Now all you have to do is plan the menu. Food safety is an important consideration for picnics. Keep meat and dairy products, as well as anything containing mayonnaise, in the refrigerator until you’re ready to go. Then transfer these items to a cooler with plastic-coated ice blocks or ice cubes sealed in plastic bags.
Picnic food should be easy to eat. If you don’t have time to make everything yourself, make a trip to a specialty-food store or gourmet deli for appetizers. Try spiced olives, chips and salsa, pickled vegetables, or hummus and pita bread. You also can include carrot and celery sticks and red-pepper slices. Wrap them in damp paper towels to keep them from drying out.
Pack all these things in airtight, plastic containers. A cold soup, such as gazpacho, travels well in a large jar or jug with a tightfitting lid. It can be served in bowls or sipped from a cup.
Sandwiches are packable and easy to make. Wrapping each one tightly in waxed paper or plastic wrap holds it together well. Or you can take along all the ingredients for great sandwiches and make a buffet at the picnic site so guests can create their own meals. Give them a wide selection to choose from, including good-quality cold cuts, marinated grilled chicken breasts, cheeses, breads, lettuces, fresh herbs, tomatoes, roasted red peppers and several kinds of mustard. Another option is to make one oversize sandwich to feed the whole group.
Potato salad and coleslaw always go well with sandwiches, but they certainly aren’t the only options. Try pasta salad, tabbouleh, lentil salad or couscous instead.
For the beverage, make homemade iced tea or lemonade and freeze it in plastic jugs or bottles (don’t fill them all the way to the top because the liquid will expand as it freezes). It will melt slowly, leaving it cold when you’re ready for it.
If there’s no source of water at the picnic site, make sure to take some with you; on a hot summer day, you shouldn’t be without it.
For dessert, cookies or brownies will be appreciated–and they’re not messy. And always take plenty of fresh fruit.
When you get home, just wash the dishes, flatware and linens, and store them back in the basket. That way, the basket will be ready to go whenever you are.
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Martha Stewart welcomes letters. She cannot reply individually, but you may write to her in care of the Chicago Tribune, Home section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611. Or send e-mail to TribHome@aol.com.
