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It’s officially summer and it’s time for some fun. Summer is great for spending time with family and friends and I’ve got just the activity for you.

If you live near a park, have your own backyard or a backyard you can “visit”, have a picnic! I don’t really see many people doing this much anymore, but it can be fun. It doesn’t have to be fancy but it certainly can be frugally elegant fancy. If you need ideas, keep reading. If not, still keep reading :)

Your first question might be, “What else can we pack besides sandwiches?” I’m glad you asked. Why not pack some deviled eggs?  Be sure to put them on top of an ice bath so they don’t spoil! These are easy to make and are relatively inexpensive as well. If you like coleslaw, that’s also an option.  A creative way to transport it is in Chinese take-out boxes lined with wax paper. You can get the boxes at arts and craft stores for about 30 cents each or less. To be really creative, you can decorate them. This is especially fun if it’s a family picnic. Don’t like coleslaw? That’s fine. I’m not a coleslaw girl either :) You can bring salad instead. Put in some chicken or tofu for protein. Add some fruit and nuts (if no one has allergies) for variety. Another non-coleslaw idea is pasta salad. An orzo salad with mix-ins of your choosing is both inexpensive and filling.  All of it is portable in a cute little take out box!

 


There’s always room for cheese and crackers. To add a new twist, use pita chips instead of crackers. Using a soft spreadable cheese also makes serving a bit easier and it looks fancier .  Grab a dab of cheese, spread and you’re set!

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You can also never go wrong with the old picnic staple of fried chicken. Oven fried works for this as well. Have vegetarians in your picnic party? That’s fine. In addition to the chicken, grill some soy burgers or mushrooms.

Now if you really do want sandwiches, I’ve got an idea for you. An easy and fancy looking sandwich to bring to the picnic is a pinwheel sandwich. You can be really colorful if you use tomato or spinach tortillas. You have many options with these sandwiches. You can even please a vegetarian with them by making some with black beans or carrots or cucumbers. There are plenty of options.

Subs are also a good option. These can be preassembled at home or right at the picnic.  You can also do “regular” sandwiches with a twist by using foccacia bread, bagel thins, sandwich thins or pita bread folds.  Try some new spreads for the sandwiches. These are simple ways to create new picnic traditions!

Fruit is great to pack.  It’s healthy and can add a bit of sweet to the picnic. That’s in addition to the sweet company you’ll enjoy of course. If you freeze some grapes or cut strawberries, they make great ice cubes for punch. How’s that for a simple way to add some “wow” to your feast.

For dessert, you can go simple with cookies or brownies. If you want to take it up a level, try cheesecake bites.  You can create these using no bake cheesecake mix and cupcake liners to create the small, bite size treats. This is also another part of the meal where fruit can do double duty.  A cup of fruit with a glaze or even some fruit salsa with cinnamon tortilla chips makes a great dessert. It’s simple but elegant.

So this weekend, why not do your own picnic. I bet you’ll add it to your summer fun ideas list! Enjoy!!!