11 Tips to Host the Perfect Picnic

Summer is almost here, and it's time to get outside and get some much-needed fresh air. The days are brighter, the evenings last longer, and there is a sense of excitement for the coming weeks of sunshine. A picnic gathering, soaking up the rays and starting off those summertime vibes, is the epitome of the start of summer. Picnics are ideal for almost every celebration or occasion, from a romantic meal for two or an anniversary to bigger gatherings such as birthdays, wedding showers, or corporate parties. So the question to ask is how to host a picnic?

A perfect picnic party requires careful consideration of the location, food, style, weather, and activities. We are fortunate to live in a country with so many open, green landscapes. Picnics are wonderful because they allow us to appreciate nature while socializing with friends, family, or colleagues in a relaxed setting. Picnics are also therapeutic, assisting in stress reduction and mood enhancement. However, there are a few things you should consider before hosting a picnic.

What Exactly Is A Picnic Party?

A traditional picnic party rounds out a wonderful summer gathering. A picnic-style meal is ideal with sack races, face painting, and egg-and-spoon races for a charming nostalgic celebration under the sun.

Picnics for the Time of Day

Picnics are no exception to the rule that timing is everything. The ideal time to witness sunset or dawn requires meticulous planning. If you want to view the northern lights, a passing comet, or a total eclipse, you'll need to plan ahead and hope for the best. All of these events, as well as your friends' availability, hinge around scheduling. As a result, you'll need to bring a picnic that meets people's eating expectations for that time of day.

• Breakfast picnic
• Brunch picnic
• Lunch picnic
• Dinner Picnic

Size of the Picnic

Surprisingly, determining a ballpark figure for the number of people who will likely attend a picnic receives very little attention. This seemingly insignificant detail, however, has ramifications for many other aspects of picnic preparation. You should make a basic list of who will be attending, as well as any specific requirements they may have.

Of course, if you're having a romantic picnic with your partner, this isn't necessary. However, the larger the picnic, the more likely it is that you will overlook this stage later in the planning process.

Picnics can come in different sizes, however, the most common types or categories are the following: 

• Romantic picnics for couples
• Family picnics with kids
• Party picnics for larger crowds
• Corporate picnics

A guest list is useful for more than just organizing food, location, and entertainment. However, it is crucial to invite your guests. If you don't send out invitations, no one will show up for your meticulously prepared picnic. Of course, this is a lot easier than it used to be, and you can do it with an e-invite, an SMS, or a group chat on one of the various instant messengers (Skype, WhatsApp, etc.) You could also go old school and give out some handmade invitation cards. 

Planning a Company Picnic

Picnics are not just for friends and family. Nowadays they are more and more planned in the workplace and if you want to consider trying something new, you might want to learn how to host a company picnic. 

Outdoor company picnics are a great way to bring everyone together as a team while also allowing your staff to relax and enjoy time away from the office. When you think about workplace gatherings, you might envision ones that include team-building exercises or scheduled activities. While there's nothing wrong with that, company picnics can provide a great outlet.

11 Tips to Host the Perfect Picnic

1. Find a Picturesque Picnic Spot

 Finding a picture-perfect picnic site, whether it's an old family secret — a favourite picnic spot that no one else knows about – or somewhere completely new, is a definite way to make memories. Picnics are a great way to see new places, especially those that are far away from the nearest coffee shop.

Picnics can be enjoyed almost anywhere. The success of your picnic will be determined by factors such as parking, shade, toilet facilities and the popularity of the picnic spot. If you plan on having children at your picnic, choose a park with a play area, otherwise, you can choose a quieter spot.

2. Style and Decor

What kind of gathering are you planning? A picnic can be as casual or as formal as you choose. Choosing a party style or theme will make it easy to select food, games, and decorations to ensure that your picnic appears flawless. Bunting, paper lanterns in the trees, large picnic baskets and huge balloons make spotting your picnic in a public park enjoyable and simple for your visitors. Flowers in jars and a few picnic baskets placed about will finish the image.

3. Use Fresh Flowers 

Flowers are a wonderful way to really embrace the outdoors. Putting together a bouquet of flowers for your picnic will provide a unique twist to a traditional picnic. You can either gather flowers from your yard or go to a local flower store and have a florist create an arrangement of your choice.

A simple yet elegant approach to elevating your picnic is to place a bouquet of flowers in the centre. You can be confident that whichever floral arrangement you choose will lend a wonderfully designed aesthetic to your picnic.

4. Blankets and Pillows 

Blankets and pillows for picnics are essential!  Sitting on the bare ground can be uncomfortable.  After finding the ideal picnic spot, the most vital consideration is the blankets and pillows. Choose blankets with a waterproof underside and add lots of pillows to improve your picnic game. It's a good idea to bring a couple of extra blankets in case someone gets cold.

5. Choose Your Picnic Basket

The key to any picnic is keeping your spread successfully — and stylishly. There is no picnic without a hamper basket. They are an essential part of the picnic party. Before leaving for your picnic, double-check that all of your containers are securely closed and safely placed in the picnic basket.  Wrap anything pungent or likely to spill in a plastic bag or sandwich bag ahead of time. For small children, disposable cups are best and bring a tray to place any wine glasses for the adults in between sips. Don't forget to bring a cooler and ice to keep your meal cool all day.

6. Plan Your Picnic Food

The Brits have a reputation for devouring sandwiches. Sandwiches are a nice go-to option, but picnics don't have to be boring ham sandwiches. You may make your picnic cuisine more interesting by using different components than your standard packed lunch.

Without requiring much preparation, crusty bread and deli selections like cured meats, creamy cheeses, and olives make the meal an occasion. Salads made with couscous, pasta, or potatoes can also feel more exceptional than salads made with limp lettuce leaves. Don't forget to include some sweet goodies as well.

7. Games and Activities 

Your guests will be entertained all afternoon with a few outdoor games and activities. Giant Jenga, Croquet, Boules, and Quoits are always popular lawn games. Anything with a ball, kites, water guns, or even basic games like sack races or three-legged races will appeal to children. Depending on your budget, you may organize a friendly game of cricket or Bubble Soccer with more open space.

8. Make a List When Packing

This will remind you to bring minor but vital stuff. You'll remember to bring your drink, but will you also remember to bring the opener? Writing this down will make it easier for you to put together everything that has to be packed.

9. The Practicalities 

There are a few practical items to remember for a stress-free picnic. In the United Kingdom, no outing should be attempted without first checking the weather forecast. Knowing the weather ahead of time allows you to be prepared, whether it's with sunglasses and sunscreen or an extra sweater just in case.

Summer also brings a higher number of bugs than normal, so try using sealed containers or avoiding sticky, sweet foods that may attract them. Though easy to overlook, napkins or hand wipes can assist tiny ones to avoid sticky fingers and wiping sand away.

Finally, it’s a good idea to purchase picnic basics such as a thermos for a hot beverage and a cool bag to keep items fresher for longer.

10. Know Your Limitations and Goals

It's difficult to plan for your limitations because no one wants to admit they have them. However, being realistic is essential to your preparation. You can't arrange a gourmet picnic if your wallet or purse is a little light this month. If you're extremely busy you'll have to come up with quick picnic ideas. And the most difficult limitation to admit is your culinary skill level; if it's on the low end, you'll require simple picnic ideas.

Your goals are clearer; are you planning a healthy picnic, one that is vegetarian-friendly, or a seafood platter? There are numerous goals you could pursue, each with its own set of planning requirements.

11. Clean Up After You

It will only be a perfect picnic if you clean up after yourself once everything is finished. Carry garbage cans and properly dispose of litter.

The issue about enjoying beauty spots is that they can only stay that way if they are properly maintained. If there are no bins available, don't forget to bring plenty of garbage bags. If you're having a campfire, carry some extra water to moisten the ashes when you're through. 

Extra Tips To Have in Mind 

• Parking options
• Public transport
• Toilets
• Shade (good options include trees, gazebos or umbrellas )
• The number of people in the area (How early will you have to get there to secure your favourite spot?)
• Is there enough area for children to run around if they attend the picnic? Or a place where they can play?

Best Places to Have Picnic (if in London) 

Finding the ideal London picnic place is just as crucial as having the ideal food, company, and picnic basket.

Despite the fact that London has a population of over nine million people, there are lots of tranquil, serene, and idyllic picnic spots. There are many parks to select from, from Hyde Park to Greenwich and Richmond Park, where you can host the perfect picnic.

• Hyde Park
• Richmond Park
• Hampstead Heath
• Greenwich Park
• Alexandra Palace Park
• Primrose Hill
• Holland Park
• Victoria Park
• Green Park

We hope you take enjoyment of dining outside this summer. Take advantage of the warm days ahead and enjoy and explore the beauty of the British countryside. 

FAQs:

How Do You Conduct a Picnic?

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to picnic planning. Weather circumstances, the number of attendees, cost, and even dietary requirements all have an impact on the decisions you must make.

How Do You Throw a Picnic Party?

Outdoor entertaining during the summer is so fun. The way you throw a picnic party really comes down to your personal preferences but the key elements remain the same: a beautiful location, cohesive theme, comfy blanket, delicious food, fun activities and your favourite people. 

How Do You Plan a Simple Picnic?

A picnic does not need to be big or expensive as long as there is nice food and lasting memories. You may have the nicest picnic ever in the nearest park or garden. When you plan a simple picnic make sure to bring only the essentials like a picnic basket, food and drinks, a blanket and good company.

How Can I Make a Picnic Special?

There are many factors that go into making a picnic special. From selecting the ideal location to catering the food and beverages to arranging and organizing entertaining activities for your guests. However, at the end of the day, you should enjoy the time outside and have fun with your friends and family. That’s what makes your picnic special!