Picnic Day
I pack my basket and take with me? Practical tips for an outdoor picnic
With a picnic basket, food and drinks can be transported conveniently and easily
© martinedoucet / Getty Images
With the first warm rays of sunshine, nature really blossoms – and with it the desire for a long picnic outdoors increases. Everything you need for this is stored in a basket. Below you will find out which models are suitable for this and what you should avoid when picnicking.
Whether you’re walking in the woods, at the nearest outdoor pool or on a bike ride in the countryside, you can always find time for a picnic anywhere. The basis for this are essential things like a blanket, cutlery and crockery as well as some provisions – for example small snacks and cold drinks. All accessories are stored in a classic picnic basket. In contrast to the past, today’s models have many more functions. Also to keep food fresh longer outdoors. What these are and what you should definitely pay attention to when packing is explained in more detail in this article.
Three types of picnic baskets in comparison
A open rattan basket may look nice, but it is not particularly practical for a picnic. Firstly, there are no fastening options, and secondly, there are no cooling functions or protection against insects. The following three models are better suited for an outdoor lunch.
Wicker basket
Typical for the wicker basket is its rectangular shape, which is usually closed with one or two flaps. For safer transport, the model from Display4top two straps and a carrying handle. What’s particularly practical is that the basket is delivered already filled: It contains four sets of dishes including cutlery, wine glasses, napkins and a bottle opener. And so that the sets don’t roll around in there, they can also be secured in the picnic basket.
Basket with cooling function
On a hot summer day, easily perishable food does not last long outdoors – and drinks that are best enjoyed chilled also heat up more quickly. In this case, it is a good idea to use a thermal basket with an integrated cooling function: like this model from NavarisThe fully insulated inner lining with food-safe PEVA foil and a zipper ensure that your food and drinks stay fresh longer in the foldable basket.
Picnic backpack
A well-filled picnic basket is not always light, so your arms quickly get tired when you carry it over long distances. For longer routes or bike tours, a picnic backpack is a good option, as it can be easily carried over your shoulder and is therefore less of a burden. There are also suitable models (in different colors), for example from Sunflorawhich are already equipped with dishes and cutlery as well as a blanket – and on top of that have an insulated cooling compartment.
Packing a picnic basket: This is important
For the upcoming picnic, in addition to the basket filled with food and drinks, you will need a few important details:
- A classic outdoor picnic usually takes place on the ground. For this reason, a large blanket is an absolute must-have. Ideally, you should choose a foldable modelwhich is waterproof and at the same time well insulated.
- If the picnic basket does not have a cooling function, it is advisable to store perishable food in Food storage containers to store. You can also Ice packs Put it in the basket to keep the snacks and drinks cold for as long as possible.
- If the picnic basket is delivered exclusive of crockery and cutlery, you must use your own. It is best to choose reusable plates and glasses – or at least recyclable disposable tableware and cutlery.
- It should be obvious and yet must be mentioned: Take enough food to every picnic Garbage bags so that you can dispose of your waste properly. To protect the environment, especially the flora and fauna.
- Since finger food, which is eaten with the hands, can cause dirty and sticky fingers, you should think about napkins for adults or Wet wipes for children. Alternatively, a tea towel and some water will do.
- Last but not least, it is advisable to put on sunscreen for a picnic outdoors when the sun is shining – and a suncream In addition, it is not wrong to add something to the basket prevention and Aftercare from mosquito bites.
Which foods are suitable for a picnic?
For a lunch outdoors with friends or family, you can take (almost) anything you like with you. Bite-sized snacks and finger foods, for example, can be prepared at home and stored in a picnic basket. However, you should be careful with sweets, as they not only stick to your fingers, but also attract hungry insects such as flies and wasps. Sweets such as chocolate, which melt more quickly in the sun, should also be left at home – “dry” desserts such as cakes or muffins are better. And what other foods are missing from a picnic?
The following list of snack suggestions is intended to serve as inspiration:
- Sliced fruit, for example melon
- Carrot and cucumber sticks (plus dips)
- Pizza rolls or dumplings
- Olives, grapes and nuts
- Sandwiches or bread rolls
- Pasta or potato salad
- Cheese cubes
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