10 Tips for Taking it Outdoors
Everyone enjoys a meal outdoors -- as simple as a family picnic in the backyard, or an elaborate gathering at the park. Here are our top tips to help you make the most out of your day outdoors!
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Location, location, location.
Plan your event location carefully. Check the hours, shelter availability in case of bad weather, cost and available activities. Will you need a grill? Parking or park permits? Running water? Is there a limit on group size? Ask the questions up front, and your outing will be smooth and troublefree.
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Make lists.
Make a list for each part of the day, such as cooking, eating, clean-up, and activities, making note of what to pack and what you need to prepare in advance (such as freezing blocks of ice in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids). Common list items: charcoal and matches, plates, cups, tablecloth or blanket, knife and cutting board, anchors to hold things down if it's windy, trash bags, paper towels and wipes, containers for leftovers, and a bag for recycling. Remember utensils for cooking, serving and eating.
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Pack safety gear.
At a minimum, assemble a first aid kit that includes bandages, instant ice pack, gauze, antibiotic ointment, first aid tape, and anti-itch cream. Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and allergy medication for those who need it.
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Remember the extras.
Bring a couple gallons more water than you think you'll need. It may come in handy for extra-thirsty kids or for dousing a cooking fire at the end of the day, especially if there is no water source nearby. Bring healthy snacks, such as apples or trail mix, in case you stay longer than you planned. Bring extra towels for sunbathers, swimmers or to blanket little ones in the cool of the evening.
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Keep the menu simple.
Sandwiches made at home and packed in a cooler make an easy and delicious alternative to hauling the grill, charcoal and uncooked meat. Fresh fruit is refreshing in the heat of the day, and it's a healthy menu choice that requires little work on your part.
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Keep food safe by packing the cooler right.
Start with food that is already cold or frozen. Ice goes in first. Put the last items you plan to eat in next and work up, so food you plan to use first is on top. Pack as tightly as possible, keeping the cooler closed to maintain a constant, cool temperature inside. At the picnic, keep the cooler in the shade.
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When in wilderness areas, be courteous of wildlife.
Don't pick flowers unless you know it is allowed, and be careful not to disturb or trample other growing plant life as you hike or play. Be especially cautious if you are in areas of the country where wild animals can be a nuisance or danger to humans. If you are in such an area, keep food out only as long as necessary, packing it back into coolers and securing in your vehicle immediately after eating. It's a good idea to research the area you will visit to gain other helpful tips, such as wearing bells when hiking or avoiding certain times of the year when animals are likely to be protective of their young.
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Remember activity gear.
If you're bringing supplies for activities, such as swimwear or volleyball gear, think through how and when it will be used. Do you need extra rope for setting up the volleyball net? An extra life jacket if you're boating? Comfortable lawn chairs for less mobile guests?
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Capture the day with photos.
Shoot with the sun behind you for the best and brightest shots. Fast action pictures, like a ball game or water-balloon fight, are best in bright light and with your camera set on action mode. Remember to take one shot of the entire group to commemorate your fun day. Bring a tripod and use your camera's self-timer feature, or ask a passer-by to snap the group picture after you have everyone assembled.
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Leave your area as clean as it was when you arrived.
Tote garbage home with you if public refuse containers are not available. If at a public park, observe posted hours, leaving prior to the park closing time. If any perishable food has been left out for more than two hours, throw it away. Clean the cooler, lemonade jug and other picnic supplies right away with hot, soapy water and dry thorougly before closing lids and storing.
Check out these additional ideas for outdoor entertaining:
Keeping Picnic Food Safe
Best Barbeques from Pillsbury
Easy Summer Meals
Block Party
Family Reunions
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