Hot Tips for a Summer Picnic

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Contributed by Amanda Bach

        Want to dine out without dressing up? Want to take the kids out, but don't want a long wait? Through out the Spring and Summer, a picnic is a perfect solution.  With many parks in your area, many with easy drive, the WHERE is not a problem. The question is when to go and what to carry with you. Preparation is the key.

        First, consider what type of picnic you want. Are you the spontaneous type, willing to stop at the first spot and sit on the ground? If so, pack waterproof blankets or perhaps a vinyl tablecloth to set on the ground. Would you rather have tables and a more structured set up? Are you planning to barbecue? Are you willing to bring your own grill? Then you'll need a little more preparation.

       Secondly, consider whether or not weather is an issue. If your family doesn't mind a few clouds or a few sprinkles, then pack a rain jackets and tarps and you're set. But if they do mind and you're thinking of driving over the hill, then check the online or radio weather tips they day of your picnic and plan accordingly.

Don't Forget the Goodies

        Time to think about food. Keep in mind that your favorite potato salad with a mayonnaise-based dressing can spoil in the heat. If you're set on using mayo, chill those dishes in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before packing them in the cooler.

        If you're brining along hot foods, your cooler can keep them warm. Wrap them well. Then select a cooler just for the hot items and line it with a heavy towel and place your hot dishes inside. For maximum effect, always use a cooler as close to the size of what you're trying to keep hot or cool as possible, leaving little or no open space.

        You can economize on cooler space while giving everyone a cool treat, fill plastic bottles half way with water, ice tea or clear juice and freeze overnight. Fill the other half before packing in the cooler. The bottles will keep your food cold, and will provide self-chilling drinks for the family.

        To keep bugs off your food, sprinkle the area around your blanket with talcum powder. Bugs find the sweet odor unpleasant.

        Remember to pack:

Contributor - Amanda Bach is co-founder and co-creator of SingleMom.com. The co-creator currently resides in California and Washington, DC. She was raised by a single mom and so she learned it first hand how difficult it was to watch her mom struggled everyday life. And that is the main reason she co-founded SingleMom.com to create this wonderful Website/organization. Her energy, natural creative ability and superior business intuition make her contributions to this website immeasurable. As you know, lots of tough decisions are made as a parent, let alone as a single parent. Her hobbies include volunteer, Internet, reading, ballet, traveling, snowboarding, and especially wine & food.