Spring is in full swing! With winter snow now melted and the sweltering heat of summer still months away, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of our outdoor spaces! Walks along a greenbelt, scenic country drives and brisk hikes through beautiful trails are all excellent ways to enjoy the wonder of the season, but all of us can probably think of something that would make each of these activities even better: food! A weekend outing followed by a picnic is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of spring, but it can also come with some complications. Don’t fear — follow these simple tips and you’ll be an expert in the field in no time!
(Quick tip: Fields are a great place to start!)
Prime picnic weather
With April showers come May flowers, and it’s April, so let’s be real, spring isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Make sure to check the forecast before even thinking about heading outside — we’d hate to hear the rain ruined your fun! After the sunshine and rainbows appear, finding the ideal spot may be trickier than you think. You’ll want to stay in the sun to ward off the chilly spring air. It can be sneaky though, so make sure to bring an extra blanket or two just in case. If it’s raining off and on throughout the day, try to find an area that also includes abundant tree cover just in case you need to make a run for it. Even when the rain has passed, wet, muddy ground can be a huge hinderance to your springtime fun, so bring a set of camping chairs or other seating to keep yourself dry.
What about the food?
There is an abundance of recipes that work great for picnic food. Instead of listing more you have to pick through, here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating your picnic feast:
- For starters, picnic food should be light and easy to carry. Sandwiches, pasta salads, and fresh fruits and veggies are ideal!
- Consider the weather. Bringing a thermos for soup, coffee, tea or other hot liquids could help keep you warm on a brisk spring picnic.
- Insulated lunch bags or totes are an excellent way to keep food warm (or cold!) in transport, but you may want to wrap each item in some aluminum foil to fully secure that heat.
- When hot food isn’t necessary, building a charcuterie board with your favorite cheeses, fruits and crackers can make the event a bit more special.
- If you need something easy, a pizza ordered for pickup from a local restaurant is a valid option when something quick and tasty is in order.
- Lastly, don’t forget the napkins. Half the fun is the mess you’ll make!
Be prepared
There are many problems that could throw a wrench into your picnic plans. To protect the time you’ll be investing, the name of the game is to expect the unexpected. For instance, spring is when many bugs are waking up for the year ahead, so bug repellent is a must! Non-aerosol repellents are best for when food is around.
Find a way to include some fun activities after your meal. Play catch, toss a frisbee, bring your favorite board game, fly a kite, play 20 questions, read a book, go for a walk, and don’t forget to take some pictures! There are plenty of other activity ideas online, so find one that suits you!
When the food’s all gone and it’s time to take care of the messes, Scentsy Clean products are just what you need! Scentsy Swipes are the perfectly scented, multipurpose cleaning wipe. And don’t forget to pack out what you packed in. Be kind to your outdoor spaces and those who will use them in the future.
What are your favorite tips for a spring picnic? Which of these outdoor activities are you most likely to participate in? Leave a comment and let us know!
