When you think of the word “picnic,” do you automatically associate it with warm and sunny outdoor excursions to the park or the beach? If we open our minds a bit, though, we can quite easily visualize picnics happening anywhere, at any time of year.
Picnics don’t have to take place out of doors. A picnic meal can be set up on the living room floor, at the office, or in the treehouse out back. All it takes is a little imagination and a bit of whimsy. What really makes a picnic a picnic is a thoughtfully packed snack or meal, a blanket for sitting on, and good company. It doesn’t require sun, warmth, or outdoors if those three ingredients are not available.
Consider using a Picnic Basket or Tote that includes cloth napkins and washable, shatter-proof dishes and utensils. Not only do these picnic sets give a picnic style, they make the experience environmentally friendly, too. Here are a few tips to ensure a perfect picnic:
- Packing a salad? Take your dressing along in a separate container and add it to your salad just before eating. Your lettuce and veggies will stay crisp and delicious.
- Avoid bringing foods that need to be reheated if you won’t have access to a microwave or other cooking device.
- Hard cheeses, fruits, hummus, crusty bread, and chopped veggies like broccoli, carrots, and cucumbers make excellent picnic fare. They’re healthy and don’t require refrigeration if they’ll be consumed that day.
An increasing number of apple orchards have expanded their offerings beyond picking fruit. Many have on-site cafes where you can enjoy a meal after you’ve spent time meandering the rows of apple trees searching for the perfect specimens. Our family prefers to take along a 
