Spring is one of the best seasons to get out and enjoy some fresh air. The flowers and trees are blooming, and the birds are singing. It’s the perfect time to grab your picnic basket and head outdoors for a spring picnic. Keep reading for some inspirational ideas that will make your outing a success.
Spring Picnic Ideas
Location
One way to elevate your spring picnic is to choose a unique location. Instead of heading to your local park, how about taking your picnic to a botanical garden full of beautiful spring flowers? Or, maybe a lakeshore with a sandy beach? If you have a furry friend, you could even try your local dog park. If you live close to a zoo, many of them allow you to pack your own food and drink while you spend the day visiting the animals. Live in an apartment? Check out the rooftop deck and enjoy a picnic while watching the sun set. Finding an unexpected location for your spring picnic can add a touch of magic to your event.
Theme
A picnic theme doesn’t have to be elaborate. Focus on a particular color or type of food such as American, French or Italian. You can also center your theme around a mood you want to create, adventurous, relaxing or intimate. This will help you make decisions about what type of food you want to bring and what kind of decorations you might use. Remember, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Maybe you want to mimic the picnics you remember as a kid. Red and white checked tablecloth, melamine plates and cute plastic tumblers. After all, it’s still a picnic.
Food
Sandwiches spring to mind when you are planning a picnic, however, there are lots of options for your picnic menu. Wraps stuffed with fresh vegetables, cheeses and gourmet spreads are a welcome change from lunchmeat on bread. Seasonal salads with fresh strawberries and goat cheese are another favorite. Or, how about packing a charcuterie board with a loaf of crusty bread. Don’t forget to pack some fun drinks like homemade lemonade or sangria. For a more elaborate picnic, why not bring a selection of wines and cheeses for an outdoor tasting? Use your imagination and do something out of the ordinary. Ending your picnic lunch with a treat like a strawberry shortcake station or fruit with chocolate fondue will surely be a hit.
Ambiance
To kick it up a notch, consider adding soft blankets, plush cushions, and vibrant throw pillows to your picnic scene. Table linens are essential for any picnic. Try layering them with complimenting materials to add visual interest. Small tables can be incorporated as well. Set them with flower arrangements, the perfect centerpiece for a picnic. And, don’t forget to bring along some background music to set the mood.
Occasions
If you have a special occasion, like an upcoming birthday or date night, consider having a luxury picnic catered especially for you. Picnic catering companies will create the perfect atmosphere for a memorable moment. From outdoor movie experiences to gender reveal parties, they can take care of the set-up and pack down, giving you time to enjoy the day with your guests.
Activities
Adding outdoor activities to your spring picnic will add some fun and adventure to the day. Set up a painting station with easels, canvases, and watercolor paints. Organize a game of badminton or bring along a frisbee to get everyone moving and enjoying the sunshine. Take a hike or relaxing nature walk. You can even bring some board games like checkers and Scrabble for entertainment.
Supplies
Make a list of the items you want to bring on your picnic to be sure that you don’t forget anything. Some standard picnic items to get you started are: blanket, umbrella, lawn chairs, table linens, plates, cutlery, serving utensils, bottle opener, cups and a trash bag. Also, it’s always a good idea to bring sunscreen and bug spray when you are spending time outdoors.
Wheels
One good tip for your spring picnic is to buy a wagon or borrow one! Getting all your picnic essentials from point A to point B shouldn’t be a struggle. Pile everything into a wagon, it will make things much easier!
Electronics
Leave your phone at home or place it on mute while you enjoy your picnic. This should be a time to relax and unwind while you enjoy the outdoors. Don’t let phone calls and texts interrupt while you are making memories with the people you care about the most.
Enjoy
A spring picnic is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. By selecting a unique location, devising a delicious menu with seasonal ingredients, adding thoughtful touches for ambiance, and incorporating outdoor activities to keep guests entertained, you can create a memorable picnic experience. So, gather your friends and family, pack your picnic basket, and head outdoors to enjoy an epic spring picnic!
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Photo courtesy Pixabay/1877syomina
Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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