There’s something special about a picnic: You’re outside with the people you love, enjoying good eats and fresh air, and there’s plenty of space to sprawl out and stretch those legs in the sun. It’s simply perfect, provided you come prepared. Get ready for the ultimate picnic date with these simple tips:
Don’t forget a surface to rest your food on.
This is something a LOT of people overlook. The ground may look flat, but it’s never going to balance that huge bowl of Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella that you brought! You wouldn’t want an ounce of that zesty Healthy Choice® Creamy Italian Dressing leaking out—it’s what gives this vibrant salad its big, bold flavor. Bring a small folding table, wooden board, or other flat surface to your next picnic and place all your dishes on it for minimal spillage.
Don't forget the cutting board either.
Another item that’s often forgotten but almost always needed—a cutting board. Whether you’re chopping up cheeses and meats for a charcuterie, getting ready to divvy up slices of bold, inventive Naan Thai Chicken Flatbread Pizza, or just need to top it all off with a drizzle of sweet and tangy P.F. Chang’s® Home Menu Sesame Sauce, you’re gonna need a cutting board to catch the mess and provide a stable surface. They even make cool little travel-sized ones that integrate the knife into the board for simple storage and safe use. (Psst: Need some help making that charcuterie board? Check out our expert tips here.)
Transportation is key.
These days, mason jars practically make the world go ‘round. People use them for just about everything, from smoothies, to meal prep, soups, preservatives, jellies, jams, and now, cake! We love using them for these individual No Bake Mini Cheesecakes—you can see every lovely layer, from the crunchy gluten free pretzel crust to the rich and creamy cheesecake filling—before you even dig in. Pop a lid on your mason jars and voilà! Cake on the go.
Bringing extra is always a good thing.
You truly can’t have too much of a good thing, and when it comes to picnic recipes like these Banana Muffins, that fact is truer than ever. Made with perfectly moist Duncan Hines® Signature Banana Supreme Cake Mix, they’re sweet enough for dessert… and nobody can resist dessert. That’s why, when in doubt, bring extra! Worse comes to worst, you bring it back home with you and save it for later.
Clean up after yourself.
One of our all-time favorite picnic goodies is a big batch of Confetti Puppy Chow Snack Mix, made with delicious whole-grain Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP® Real Butter Popcorn, Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Frosting, and lots of sweet rainbow sprinkles. It’s the perfect blend of snack and dessert! But you could drop some crumbs during that munching session, and it’s never cool to leave behind any kind of trash. Do the world a favor and pack a trash bag and wipes for your plates and utensils when you picnic. It sets a good example and it’s good for the earth!
Get creative.
Picnics are inherently fun. You’re going on a small-scale adventure! You’re eating away from the table (or computer desk or couch). You’re getting out of your everyday zone, and that right there—that’s pretty awesome. So, try something new, like these crunchy and earthy Beet Chips, and explore some fun new flavors and textures while you’re exploring a new setting, too.
Now that you’re a picnic-prepping pro, get some more recipe ideas to fill up that basket. Check out of a few of our top picks for the perfect picnicking menu.
