Planning a picnic
Choose a scenic venue for your outdoor meal. Nearby parks, rooftops, beaches, mountain ridges or meadows are just a few ideas. You can have a wonderful picnic almost anywhere.

Invite someone (or a group of people) to join you in the fun.

Plan a menu based on the amount of people and the load you can carry. Ask friends to bring certain items to lighten your responsibilities.

Outfit yourself with the necessary equipment. A picnic basket filled with plates, utensils (don't forget the bottle/can opener and corkscrew), cups, plastic containers and napkins is recommended. Pack trash bags to carry away any disposables.

Line the bottom of your picnic basket with plastic or a towel to catch any spillage along the way.

Pack your food. Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on the top.

Bring along a blanket, large sheet or extra large towels, folding chairs for your sitting and dining comfort. Pack flashlights or lanterns for nighttime picnics, or in the event your daytime adventure carries on into the night.

Carry sunscreen, insect repellent and extra clothing layers. You never know when you'll need them. It is always a good idea to carry a first aid kit in case of any stings or accidents.

If you are bringing children, make sure that your bring plenty of things to keep them occupied and happy.

Take along a camera and take turns taking spontaneous photographs throughout the day. For a special surprise, make copies of the pictures and them to your friends who shared the picnic with you.

OOOOOHHHHH I love pic-a-nic's Boo-Boo!!

I take my whicker basket along and I always feel like Dorothy from Oz.

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Sandalwood's Cosmic Creations: Working with the magic of love....

This time you will have to put some food inside instead of Tigger.

Yep sure will...I usually carry wine,cheese, bread,fruit and chocolates of course.

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Sandalwood's Cosmic Creations: Working with the magic of love....

I put Avon's Skin So Soft on my skin to keep the mosquitos from biting me.

Here's another good mosquito deterrent: Mix equal parts of Mix Dettol (an antiseptic) and Baby Oil and shake it before you use you apply it to your skin. It really works wonders, and it smells nice. You can also use this mixture on scratches as well.

Bringing this up for PrincessPatty.

Let's help PrincessPatty plan a nice romantic picnic for Valentine's day.

The best picnic foods are those that don't require much in the way of utensils...especially a knife when using paper or plastic plates. Try sticking to finger food that are not too messy.

As for romantic the best picnic I've ever been on was at night, on the beach. It might be a little too cool in February though so consider having an indoor picnic...a blanket on the floor, lights turned down low, candles, soft music...

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What if the Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about!?

Don't forget to bring your own ants in case there are none at the picnic site.

Don't picnic on a golf course in case the sprinklers come on.

Bring a sheet of plastic to put down before the blankets are arranged. The ground may be damp (see golf course, above).

The basket of wine is ok, but why would you want to add unnecessary items like cheese, bread, fruit and chocolate. Just a cork-puller, unless you drink screw-cap wine, is needed. Please don't even consider bag wine unless you are with very close friends who are also alcoholics.

Enjoy!!

fjohn, actually, the best picnic I ever had was at a table just off of a little golf course! (Obviously, out of the way of any flying golf balls! ) But, it was great. Clean, no ants, beautiful scenery, a restroom at the 19th Hole to wash up afterwards. I'm not sure I could think of a better place than that course!

LOL! fjohn!

Bringing this up to get some additional tips. What was the best picnic that you've ever been to?