HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Picnics are synonymous with the summer season. Warm weather offers us the opportunity to dine outside and share in tons of fun with the people we like best.
Picnics don't have to cost much to be a success - and in this tough economic time that's great news. Follow our top five tips on how to save money on your next picnic experience and you'll be surprised at how so little can go such a long way.
Picnics don't have to cost much to be a success - and in this tough economic time that's great news. Follow our top five tips on how to save money on your next picnic experience and you'll be surprised at how so little can go such a long way.
The easiest way to save on a picnic is to have everyone contribute.
Make it a Potluck:
Set the time, date and location for your picnic, then ask each guest to bring a dish to share with the group. You can also ask people to bring the plates, napkins, cups and utensils in place of food if they aren’t into cooking. For more potluck inspiration, check out our Three Easy Steps to the Perfect Potluck Picnic.
There are many ways to save on food.
When planning your meal, be sure to check what's on sale at the supermarket and incorporate seasonal foods into your recipe.
If you're planning on feeding a large number of people on your own, head to stores like Sam's Club, Costco or BJs to buy food in bulk and for less.
Here are our 15 favorite picks for the cheapest, easiest, but tastiest picnic plates:
If you're planning on feeding a large number of people on your own, head to stores like Sam's Club, Costco or BJs to buy food in bulk and for less.
Here are our 15 favorite picks for the cheapest, easiest, but tastiest picnic plates:
- BLT Sandwiches
- Fruit Kabobs (made with fruit in season)
- S'Mores
- Potato Salad
- Veggie Tray (A great choice to pair with a summer marinade or to grill on a portable BBQ.)
- Corn on the Cob
- Iced Tea or Lemonade
- Salad (Whether you prefer a classic garden salad or a little something different, like a Waldorf, salads are easy and inexpensive.)
- Deviled Eggs
- Pasta Salad
- Jell-O
- Wine (There are a lot to choose from, which makes it easy to find something that fits within your budget and to pair with your favorite picnic foods.)
- Hot Dogs
- Chicken Salad
- Cheese and Crackers
Think outside the box when you choose your next picnic spot. You don’t have to turn to your local park to provide outdoor space for your meal.
Find a Free Space:
Try heading to the beach early in the evening when the sea bathing crowds have disappeared and the sun is low on the horizon. The natural beauty will offer a lovely backdrop to your meal and the soft sand a comfy cushion to lounge on. Be sure to bring lanterns or candles to light the space if you plan to stay after the sun sets.
If you can’t get to the beach keep your eyes and ears open for special festivals that run near your home during the summer months. Oftentimes, the event is free of charge and the venue is located at a park. Call ahead to see if organizers are okay with visitors bringing a picnic meal. If so, eat up while enjoying the free entertainment.
Try heading to the beach early in the evening when the sea bathing crowds have disappeared and the sun is low on the horizon. The natural beauty will offer a lovely backdrop to your meal and the soft sand a comfy cushion to lounge on. Be sure to bring lanterns or candles to light the space if you plan to stay after the sun sets.
If you can’t get to the beach keep your eyes and ears open for special festivals that run near your home during the summer months. Oftentimes, the event is free of charge and the venue is located at a park. Call ahead to see if organizers are okay with visitors bringing a picnic meal. If so, eat up while enjoying the free entertainment.
Sure, there is plenty of professional picnic gear out there, but just because you can’t splurge on picnic gadgets doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy a meal outdoors.
Budget-Friendly Picnic Supplies
Reuse What You Already Have:
All you need for a successful picnic is good food, good company and a nice spot to chow down outside. Replace the cooler and basket you might not have with old book-bags lined with cold packs.
Don’t have a checkered picnic blanket? Just use an old comforter or sheet. And if you don’t have one of those, there are often tables to sit on at the local park.
All you need for a successful picnic is good food, good company and a nice spot to chow down outside. Replace the cooler and basket you might not have with old book-bags lined with cold packs.
Don’t have a checkered picnic blanket? Just use an old comforter or sheet. And if you don’t have one of those, there are often tables to sit on at the local park.
A picnic isn't just about eating--it's about enjoying the people you're with and the nature around you!
Have Fun For Less:
You don't need elaborate games or expensive tools to have fun. Go back to basics with board games, frisbees, cards, and imagination! Play games like charades, hide and go seek, relay races and red rover. If you have enough eager guests to form teams, play baseball, basketball or dodgeball.
You don't need elaborate games or expensive tools to have fun. Go back to basics with board games, frisbees, cards, and imagination! Play games like charades, hide and go seek, relay races and red rover. If you have enough eager guests to form teams, play baseball, basketball or dodgeball.
The Triple Berry
Trifle Dessert
Trifle Dessert
Pet Picnic
Everybody Must Get
Sconed: A Ritzy Tea
A...
Sconed: A Ritzy Tea
A...
