Well prepared on the road
“It’s nice weather! Let’s go on a picnic.” An impulse is born. The picnic basket is taken out and promptly filled with all the goodies that are available. We are ready to go! However? Not quite.
An unprepared picnic can fall into the water. And we’re not talking about suddenly exaggerating rain clouds. Just think of ants on the cake, falling lemonade (on your new throw), melting chocolate, hot rosé and crushed sandwiches. Gone atmosphere. Fortunately, there are tips to make your picnic a success.
Preparation
In fact, a picnic can be classified among the camping activities. Readers who are used to camping know that this method of recreation requires some skill. And: think ahead. This also applies to the preparation of the picnic.
• Provide thermoses, picnic basket(s) and cool bags to transport your belongings.
• Stock up on disposable cutlery, plates and cups.
• Think of serving spoons, knives, corkscrews and cutting boards.
• Use airtight containers to store the food.
• Buy manageable quantities that go up easily. For example: drinking single packs, sugar sticks and milk cups.
• Choose treats that can be closed tightly to prevent spillage and spoilage.
• Place bottles of drink in the refrigerator at least four hours before you leave. This way they stay warm for longer.
• Don’t forget to pack the napkins or wet wipes!
What are we eating today?
You are of course free to throw anything tasty in your picnic basket. However, it is nice to keep a theme. A French picnic for example, an Italian one, or an English one. Whatever ingredients you choose, ask yourself how practical they are. Not everything is equally ‘picnic-proof’…
• Donuts and jam are tasty, but remember: sugar sticks in the sun and attracts uninvited guests.
• Think of the melting factor of the delicacies. Herb cheese in a container is more convenient than expanding brie.
• Hard buns and baguettes are cosy, tasty and easy to take with you. Or make your sandwiches at home and transport them in sealable boxes.
• Salad wilts quickly in the sun. But prepared at home and carried in a cooler bag, it is an ingredient not to be missed.
• Also useful: prepackaged quiches and salads.
• Cupcakes, muffins and brownies are popular treats and very practical.
• And how about fresh strawberries or a homemade bowl?
Drinking party
The amount of booze you drink during a picnic is sometimes underestimated. Adults can easily drink a liter of water. Half a liter applies to children. However, packs of fruit juice are not very handy, because of spillage. A good alternative are bottles with a screw cap or lemonade. The alcohol has also been thought of. Cans of beer are more convenient than bottles. And two-person bottles of wine with twist liquorice are easier to handle than liter bottles with cork. By the way, don’t forget the water bottles! Excellent thirst quenchers, but you can also wash your hands with it.
Prakti Gadgets
Picnics move with the times. Complete picnic baskets are available in various (web) stores. But also websites with handy picnic materials can be found everywhere. Here is a selection of nice ‘wannahaves’ that can make your trip more pleasant:
• Folded picnic cutlery set. This includes: knives, spoons, a corkscrew and a spatula.
• A wine cooler. Ideal to enjoy a delicious cold wine.
• Do you find your cups very unstable on your new plaid? Then purchase a sturdy cup tray for six cups.
• Keeping your products cool is desirable. You can buy a cute mini fridge or a trendy cool bag. Place the cooling elements in the freezer well in advance.
Finally, don’t forget the…
• Plaid to sit on.
• Citronella or litsea candles; cozy atmosphere makers and a no go for six- to eight-legged friends.
• Garbage bag; practical and responsible.
• Sunscreen.
• Shade seeking! Sunlight is not good for all your displayed treats. In any case, make sure that products that can spoil are not left out in the open for long.
