Around the Farm

What are the ingredients for an extraordinary picnic?

Let’s cover the basics and get the food right before planning the rest of the picnic. A soggy pb&j is not exactly fabulous fare for a proper picnic experience.

Keep the food simple, fresh and of course delicious. Consider foods that are portable, retain their flavor and texture and appeal to every one’s taste.

• Hearty sandwiches on rustic bread
• Hand pies 
• Fresh fruit
• Bottled juice or flavored soda
• Wine if you’re so inclined

Sandwiches that hold up to travel and can be composed on site include heirloom tomato caprese  or cucumber with dill & feta. Have a carnivore in your party that can’t skip the meat? Add a slice of smoked turkey or bacon (or both!)

Cold pasta salads are perfect for al fresco dining.

Desserts that are individual servings such as macaroons, hand pies and mini bundt cakes make serving and clean up a breeze.

All the picnic accessories make the meal extra special; baskets, china or pottery plates and real glasses. Of course the choice of glass vs. plastic depends on your guest list and location. Using china and wine glasses for a romantic couples picnic would increase the elegance element. Planning a casual family affair should include non-breakable cups and a cooler for soft drinks and cool iced tea. Don’t despair, a family picnic can still be a stylish outdoor occasion. Bamboo spoons and beeswax food wraps can preserve foods' freshness and the environment.

Equipment:

• Basket
• Cooler
• Blanket
• Utensils
• Wipes Ziploc bags
• OXO containers
• Tablecloth for table 

Unplugging from social media and the net for an hour or so can provide an opportunity to relax without constantly trying to share or post every moment of the day. Relax. Open a novel or print magazine and stretch out on a picnic blanket.

Take this chance to practice mindfulness, focus on the sounds of nature and the surrounding countryside or park. Allow your brain to sink into the moment.

If you doze off, that's perfectly wonderful too. Want more active entertainment?

Consider lawn games that are easily transported such as croquet, bocce ball or even badminton. A kite is fun for the young and young at heart if there are no overhead power lines and the weather provides the wind. Kids love the old reliable game, Twister. 

• Croquet
• Badminton
• Bocce
• Kites
• twister