How to Pack a Picnic

Sure, going on a picnic requires considerably more effort than serving dinner at the kitchen table. But in the end, all that planning, wrapping, packing, and schlepping is wonderfully rewarding. Catherine Stovel bases much of her business on picnics. She believes that even the most ordinary food is special at a picnic. “It becomes more magical because you’re not just sitting down and having dinner,” she says; “when you go outdoors, it becomes an occasion.”

PICNIC ESSENTIALS

1. Ground cloth, blanket, straw mat, or whatever you’d like to sit on

2. Plates

3. Eating utensils

4. Drinking glasses or cups

5. Paper napkins

6. Paper towels

7. Plastic trash bag

8. Insect repellent

9. Your food!

ELEGANT OPTIONS

1. Tablecloth

2. Corkscrew

3. Candles, matches, and hurricane lanterns to protect the flame from the breeze

4. Vase and flowers

5. Wine glasses

6. China

7. Silverware

8. Cloth napkins

TIPS FOR PACKING THE BASKET

1. Be prepared. Keep one picnic basket packed with essentials stored away at all times. When the picnicking impulse strikes, all you have to do is buy or make the food and head for the hills.

2. Consider owning two picnic baskets. Unless your picnic is for two and your meal is very simple, you’ll probably find it difficult to pack everything you need into one picturesque basket. Dedicate one basket to nonfood items, and pack the food in the other. You may also want to have a cooler for drinks and cold food.

3. Keep food safe. This is the most important issue when packing a picnic. Chill cold foods thoroughly before packing, then put them in an insulated container. Heat liquids like soup until very hot, then pour into a thermos that’s been rinsed with boiling water. Wrap other hot foods in heavy-duty aluminum foil and put them inside an insulated container or wrap in a heavy cloth. If you’re bringing raw meat, poultry, or fish to grill outdoors, keep it cold until you’re ready to cook. If these items are frozen when you pack them, don’t allow them to defrost at room (or air) temperature because bacteria can form on the warm outer surface even though they may be cold or frozen inside.

4. Handle with care. Foods that will be transported in a picnic basket (or cooler) need more delicate handling than food destined only to be stored in the refrigerator. Put sandwiches, fruits, and other “squashable” items in sturdy plastic storage containers, rather than simply wrapping or bagging them. Place any fragile items not stored in containers carefully near the top of your basket. Leave sufficient room in the basket so your delicious meal doesn’t emerge bruised and mangled from the pressure of being jammed tightly inside. For fresher sandwiches, pack fillings and bread separately so tuna salad, sliced tomatoes, and other moist ingredients won’t make the bread soggy.

THROW PICNICS INSTEAD OF COCKTAIL PARTIES

Picnics are the perfect plan-ahead entertainment precisely because you must do all the work ahead of time. There’s no running to answer the door, hang up coats, or mix drinks. Once you’ve spread the picnic blanket, the heavy work is done and you’re free to relax with your guests.