The days are getting longer; the sun is peeking out, and the temperature is rising. These are all ingredients for the perfect picnic! But, one question remains, what food do you take?
There are hundreds of different options out there. But, whether you want to make your lunch one to remember, or you fancy trying something new, read on! Below, we discuss the items you need for the perfect picnic!
Firstly, what is a picnic?
A picnic is simply a meal outside. The term originates from the French ‘piquenique‘ meaning ‘a meal eaten outdoors’. Alfresco dining became incredibly popular in 18th Century France, where friends would come together to enjoy a meal of bread, cheese, fruits, and wine in the comfort of the warm sun.
A true summer staple, a picnic is the best way to get friends together for an informal event, with food, fun, and great conversation!
Picnics are so well-loved that there is even a National Picnic Day in America! We celebrate this on April 23rd, when Spring has sprung and the weather is just right for a perfect picnic!
Top 10 tips for a successful picnic
- Don’t get carried away. Stick to a simple menu of summer favourites you can serve at the same time. If you have a lot of guests, they can help themselves while you relax.
- Try to spice up the evening. You could update classic dishes such as fried chicken, mac and cheese, or potato salad with a new recipe. Alternatively, you could visit a gourmet market or deli to pick up picnic goods made by professionals.
- Keep drinks colder longer by freezing bottles of water or juice to use as ice packs. You can also freeze the cooler several hours ahead of time to keep drinks colder longer but set some ice aside for drinks.
- If you pack in plastic containers with lids, the food will stay fresh and won’t spill. To avoid soggy salads, separate dressing from your salad and fill your containers with condiments. Some brands offer convenient “picnic packs,” but you’re best off with individual fast-food packs, so be sure to save your extras!
- Try to keep your supplies, cutlery, and packed food light. This will make it easier to carry as you may have to trail a bit to get to your spot.
- Bring extra plates or platters, large spoons for salads, at least one sharp knife, and an opener for wine or bottles to keep things organized and separate the coolers for food and drinks.
- You should have sunscreen, bug spray, a waterproof picnic blanket, umbrellas, and a first aid kit to handle most of the elements.
- You should avoid foods that don’t transport well (ice cream, puddings, frosted cakes). Don’t forget that sweets and sticky foods attract wasps and bees.
- You can never have enough wipes for clean-up, especially if you have a barbeque. Also, make sure you bring plenty of bags for leftovers and trash.
- It doesn’t matter how well laid a picnic is, the weather will always dictate the outcome, but no one ever said you couldn’t go picnicking indoors! If the skies open up, just move the meal inside, lay the blanket on the floor, and keep the summer spirit going!
What food should I bring to the perfect picnic?
Ah, onto the important stuff! Having great food is key to a fantastic picnic! It really is true that nothing brings people together like good food. So, make sure you bring a wide variety of treats to suit everyone’s taste buds!
Maybe you’re dining with some American Expats and you want to remind them of a taste of home? Or maybe you just want to make your picnic one that everyone will remember! Whatever the reason, packing some delicious American treats will be sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
Here are some of our favourite food items that we think you should pack if you want the perfect picnic!
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Dipped Pretzels 120g
No matter how old you are, most people love chocolate treats! And, combine them with the salty pretzels and these are the best treats for any sweet or savoury tooth!
We love these Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Dipped Pretzels! They make the perfect American snack, full of flavour and sure to impress everyone at your picnic!
Get yours here!
Flamin’ Hot Chips and Crisps
Spice up your picnic with this selection of flamin’ hot snacks. From Takis to flamin’ hot Funyons, we have a range of snacks ready to be devoured.
Get yours here!
Macaroni Cheese
An American classic, nothing beats macaroni cheese! This yummy dish is super simple to make and package up, ready to be eaten cold or reheated.
We love this Kraft dinner that is so easy to make. Not to mention it is jam-packed with protein and calcium!
Get yours here!
Father’s Day Gifts
Use these dates to appreciate your father with these father’s day gifts. Perfect bundles for a fantastic day out. For those dads who have a taste for sugar, here we have Mr Sweet Tooth.
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing American Root Beer to treat your taste buds at a picnic! You can buy this splendid drink in cans and keep it in a cooler. If you wish, you could also be interested in the Beer Connoisseur Father’s Day Gift.
And why not, let your dad satiate his savoury desires with The Indulgent King bundle. Trust us, he will love it!
Get your Father’s Day presents here!
There are so many treats you can take on a picnic, but we think these four cover your main staples! Our American Foods store has plenty of options, however, so look and see for yourself. There’s something for everyone!
So, there you go. Everything you need for the perfect picnic! Why not grab your blanket, cooler, and sunscreen and dine outside with friends soon?
Don’t forget to visit our website for more great articles, products, treats, and more at www.americanfoodmart.co.uk. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel and get linked to our Instagram page too!
