Lifestyle & Wellness
Fall will be here before you know it, so enjoy the warm weather while it lasts! Pack a basket with your favorite treats, grab a couple of friends and spread a blanket on the grass. After all, July is National Picnic Month.
Packing a picnic doesn’t have to be hard. The more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll have a healthy, tasty meal when the sun, fresh air and your appetite call.
Here are 4 tips to help you pack the perfect picnic:
1. Be Picnic Ready
There’s nothing worse than arriving and realizing you forgot the plates. Use this checklist to keep your picnic kit stocked with the essentials:
The Picnic Checklist:
♦ Picnic basket: Choose a sturdy, easy-to-carry basket that fits your food and supplies.
♦ Dinnerware: Pack utensils, cups, plates and serving pieces for 4–6 people. Reusable items are best—lightweight, sustainable options like bamboo work great.
♦ Cutting knife & bamboo cutting board: Wrap the knife in a kitchen towel to protect the blade (and your fingers). The towel doubles as cleanup cloth.
♦ Moist towelettes: Handy as napkins and for wiping down dishes after eating.
♦ Ice packs: Keep food cool and fresh.
♦ Picnic blanket: Bigger is better.
2. Choose Simple, Healthy Foods
Simple meals are the easiest and most enjoyable at a picnic. Skip messy, complicated dishes and pick low-maintenance options like sandwiches, salads and healthy snacks—fruit, veggies and a selection of cheeses—that you can make ahead of time.
Looking for salad ideas? Try our Superfood Tomato Salad—your taste buds (and your skin) will thank you!
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is essential in warm weather. If plain water feels boring, try one of our fruit-infused water recipes. Don’t want to prepare it ahead? Slice fruit like watermelon, lemons and summer berries and store them in empty Eminence jars. You can snack on them or toss them into your water for flavor.
Quick tip: If bottled water makes your basket too heavy, choose water-rich fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, lettuce, celery and tomatoes (Health.com) to hydrate and satisfy.
4. Find Shade
Skip hauling a big umbrella—find a grassy spot under a tree for natural shade. If you prefer more sun, make sure to stay protected: bring a hat, sunglasses and your favorite Eminence Organics SPF.
Have any tips for the perfect picnic? Tell us in the comments below.
Happy picnic season!