The Art of the Perfect Picnic: A Guide to Creating Memorable Outdoor Feasts
Picnics are our favourite way to soak up nature and the sun during the summer, especially with so many great parks and beaches in Toronto! The key to a successful picnic lies in careful planning and thoughtful packing. Let's explore the art of packing the perfect picnic, so you can feel confident knowing that you always have all the essentials for a memorable outdoor feast.
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Choose the Right Location: Before you start packing, it's important to choose the perfect picnic spot. Look for scenic locations that offer shade, a great view, and easy accessibility. Parks, lakesides, and gardens are our favourite choices!
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Prepare a Menu: Our ideal picnic menu consists of a selection of healthy snacks, finger foods, salads, fresh fruit and veggies, and of course a few treats. Some of our favourites include Better Than Yia Yia's hummus & Joey's crackers, Pizza Libretto pizzas, Aiyana salads, Siete chips & Mad Mexican salsa, Hu Kitchen cookies, More Granola chunks, Bjorn Qorn popcorn and of course our signature gluten free & vegan Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies!
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Pack Essential Supplies: You want to make sure your picnic is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, so it's important to pack the right supplies...Here's a list of essentials:
a) Picnic Blanket: Choose a big, durable blanket to make sure you have a comfortable place to eat and relax!
b) Utensils and Napkins: Preferably, pack reusable plastic or bamboo cutlery, plates, cups, and napkins, which are better for the environment compared to single use. Always bring extras just in case!
c) Picnic Basket or Cooler: A sturdy picnic basket or cooler to transport and store your food and drinks is always a must! Opt for insulated options to keep food fresh.
d) Garbage Bags: Pack a few garbage bags to dispose of any waste responsibly and keep your picnic area clean. Or make sure there's garbage and recycling cans at your location of choice!
e) Food Storage Containers: Pack your food in reusable containers to make sure you avoid any leaks or spills, and to make it easier to bring any leftovers home!
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Beverage Selection: Quenching your thirst is essential during a picnic. Make sure to bring an assortment of refreshing drinks to suit everyone's tastes. Water, flavoured sparkling water, iced tea, lemonade, gut healthy sodas, adaptogenic mocktails and non-alcoholic beer are our favourites!
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Additional Comforts: Bring your picnic experience to the next level by packing these few extra items:
a) Sunscreen and Bug Repellent: Always protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays and pesky insects with sunscreen and bug repellent.
b) Entertainment: Bring along games, books, or a portable speaker.
c) Shade or Umbrella: If your picnic spot lacks natural shade, bringing a portable umbrella or shade canopy is a great idea!
d) Blankets and Pillows: Extra blankets and pillows will make sitting on the ground that much more comfy and cozy.
- Don't Forget the Extras: These little extras truly make all the difference in ensuring you have the most smooth and seamless picnic experience:
a) Condiments and Seasonings: Pack small containers of salt, pepper, condiments, and your favourite seasonings to add some punch and zing to your food.
b) Cutting Board and Knife: If you're planning on cutting fruits, veggies or cheese on-site, a small cutting board and a knife will definitely come in handy.
c) Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer: Keep yourself and your fellow picnickers clean and germ-free by packing wet wipes or hand sanitizer.
Packing the perfect picnic needs thoughtful planning, a delicious assortment of food and drinks, and the necessary supplies. By picking your ideal location, building a diverse menu, and ensuring you have the necessary picnic essentials, you can create an unforgettable outdoor dining experience. So grab your picnic basket, meet up with your favourite people, and enjoy just how good a picnic can be!
