Family Matters: How To Pack for a Picnic

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Saturday, May 26, 2012

Anisa Raoof, GoLocal Family Expert

Memorial Day weekend conjures up the possibilities of summer expeditions, backyard BBQs, and picnics. Here's a fail-safe checklist of tips for being picnic-ready all season long.

Pack the cooler

Pack the food in water-tight, reusable plastic containers. Pack family style or separate the food into portions and pack into individual containers. (no need for extra plates). We try to plan things that do not need utensils: Sandwiches, watermelon still on the rind, chips, carrot sticks, etc.

Line the bottom of the cooler with ice or cold packs.

Put the plastic containers of food in the bottom of the cooler. Pack the most perishable foods that need to be kept the coldest at the very bottom.

Pack condiments in small plastic containers.

Freeze beverages in plastic bottles and place on top to help keep your food cold.

Essentials to have on board

Take time this weekend to get your picnic gear organized and packed in a picnic basket or heavy duty totebag that will not fly away in the wind. Then, it will just be about the food, and last-minute inspiration when the sun comes out and the outdoors calls.

Anti-bacterial Wipes & Cloth Napkins (less likely to blow away in the wind than paper ones)

Plates / Cups / Utensils / Cutting board / Toothpicks (Your food will determine what you need to bring.) Keep it to a minimum, less to lose. Reusable plates and utensils can be washed at home.

Trash Bags (One for dirty dishes, one for your trash, and extra one for diapers if needed)

Tablecloth / fabric / blanket to cover ground or not-so-clean picnic table

Inset Repellent + Sun Screen

Baby powder (if you plan to picnic there) will remove sand from skin instantly

Sunglasses

Toys for the kids (Frisbees, sketch pad, playing cards…)

Anisa Raoof is the publisher and founder of Kidoinfo, the parents' guide for Rhode Island and beyond.

 

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