It looks like our Summer weather may be returning, so more hot sweaty sleepless nights preceded by great days out which end in really tired toddlers, result!  Sunny days can only mean one thing it’s picnic time in my household J

 

Picnics are the perfect way to spend some time together with minimal fuss, which is what I’m all about these days! You don’t need to spend a fortune either – make food, pack food, get in car, GO! I’ve jotted down a few notes which will hopefully help you have a great picnic.

 

 

So, this time round I thought I’d try a few new things that would appeal to fussy kids and dieting adults. After a quick Google search I managed to come up with some great dishes that aren’t too time-consuming to make either (hooray).

 

Disney’s Family Fun site was really helpful and has a huge section dedicated to picnic food and treats. One of the ideas that jumped out at me was Animal Chips, which look great – little animals cut out of tortillas! Simple is the name of my game. Once they are made you just have to add the perfect dip.

 

And for the sweeter aspect I’m going to try Caramel Crisp bars, definitely a hit for those with a sweet tooth! I’ll also be sticking with some family favourites – salt and vinegar chip sticks, potato salad, a random assortment of sandwiches from whatever’s in the fridge, apples and lots of orange squash

 

If you’re looking for the ideal picnic blanket or basket (I already have mine!) then The Picnic Shop is great – it does exactly what it says on the tin. Plus everything is pretty reasonably priced so there’s no need to worry about spending ££££ on a luxury quilted wicker picnic basket that you’ll never use again. Not that I’ve ever done that. Ever.

 

Adding a child into the picnic equation can make it a very fun outing! For me, I would like nothing better than a quiet relax in the sun, but strangely kids are a bit harder to amuse. However it’s always amazing how many different activities you can find with something as simple as a ball! Or a twig! Or a piece of lint! Ok maybe the last one is pushing it, but everyone can get involved in a family football game (though in my household it usually gets rather competitive!!) or any other imaginative games you can come up with. It can be a good idea to invest in a set of boules, a small cricket set or a bat and ball set, just so the fun can be varied!

 

Even on a picnic there is a lot to remember especially with kids flying around you. So the best idea is to make a checklist with everything you need. That way there is no stress over forgetting anything. The main things to remember are:

 

~ Plastic cutlery and plate sets and cutlery

~ Plastic cups or mugs

~ Napkins or paper towels

~ A nice big rug to sit on (and a couple of deck chairs for those who’d rather not sit on the floor)

~ Food and drinks

~ Sun cream

~Stuff for the kids to do!

~ Stuff for the adults to do! Although don’t kid yourself that you’re going to have time to do anything more than read half an article in G2.

~ Umbrellas and coats (there is no guarantee with the weather)

~ First aid bits and bobs (usually antiseptic cream and plasters do the job)

~ Your camera (for those ‘special’ moments)

 

Enjoy your picnic!!