Everything You Need to Know to Have a Fun Fall Picnic

It’s the perfect time for a picnic and I’m sharing with you everything you need to know to have a fun fall picnic.

The weather is cooling down a bit which makes it a perfect time for a picnic. If you don’t have a picnic basket you can pack your food and drinks in a cooler and head to a fun spot for a meal.

Take a break from your fall decorating and get outside!

1. Where to Go

• A park is a great place for a picnic, especially if you have kids and there is playground equipment
• The beach or waterfront area can be a fun place to swim or fish
• If your a hiker a place off a trail can be a perfect place to have a fall picnic
• Urban spaces can be fun. Think of museum grounds, roof tops, a town square or urban garden.
• The Zoo – Bringing a picnic to the zoo makes for a really fun day
• A botanical garden
• Your own backyard, balcony or deck

Eating outside is just a fun change of pace for anyone. If it’s with a group or just by yourself, there is something to be said for eating a meal in a different environment and bringing your own food can save some money. However, if you want to splurge, getting a salad or sandwich as take-out can be just as fun.

2. What to Bring

• Picnic Basket or cooler with ice
• Something to sit on if they don’t have picnic tables. A picnic blanket or bag chair are perfect.
• Food & Drinks
• Plates, glassware, utensils, napkins, corkscrews, cutting board & knife
• Bug Spray, Sunscreen & Sunglasses
• Trash Bag, Wipes & Paper Towels

3. Fun Picnic Food

• Salad
  • Heirloom Tomato Salad
  • Chicken Salad
  • Parmesan, Brussel Sprout Salad (Recipe from Delish) – My version HERE
  • Roasted Beet, Goat Cheese, Salad (Recipe from Delish) – My version HERE
  • Chicken Ceasar Salad
• Sandwich
  • Italian Sub
  • Turkey, Cranberry & Brie
  • Caprese Sandwich
  • Pimento Cheese Sandwich
  • Turkey, Roasted Red Pepper & Cheese
• Picnic Charcuterie
  • Meats: Salami, Turkey, Priscuotto,
  • Cheeses: Cheedar, Goat Cheese, Manchango, Swiss
  • Crackers: Gluten Free, Pretzel, Flavored
  • Nuts & Fruit: Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Grapes
  • Veggies & Dip: Carrots, Celery, Asparagus Tips, Peppers
• Fried Chicken & Fixings
• Grilling Food if you have access to a grill or bring a small grill with you (be sure to check fire restrictions in your area)
• Drinks
  • Apple Cider
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Red Wine or Sangria
  • Carmel Apple Martini’s
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Desserts
  • Apple Pie
  • Pumpkin Cookies
  • Carmel Cheesecake
  • Double Chocolate Cookie Bark
  • Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

4. Picnic Entertainment

• Music Venue (We live very near Ravinia)
• Lawn Games (Bags, Frisbee, Football)
• Board Games (Chess, Backgammon, Candyland)
• Water Sports (Floaties, Fishing Pole, floating lounge, life jackets)
• Play List on Phone
• Book, Newspaper, Magazine
• Scavenger Hunt (leave, nuts, feather, rock)
• Listen to a Podcast – Did you know that Emma and I have a Podcast. You can read about it HERE

5. Take it to the Next Level

• Candelabra or lantern (battery operated candles is the best idea)
• Champagne in a Wine Bucket with beautiful glassware
• Linen tablecloth & napkins
• Uber eats delivers a high end dinner
• Romantic location; secluded beach or amazing view, place you met or went on a date
• Ways to Travel: Boat, Bike, Rent a vintage car, Horseback, Limosine,
• Make the adventure a surprise!

Picnics can be so much fun even if it is in your backyard and I have given you everything you need to have a fun fall picnic.

Remember it doesn’t have to be lunch. While we typically think of picnics as a lunchtime ritual. It can be dinner or even bagels & cream cheese for breakfast. Just making time to enjoy the great outdoors is fun.

I hope I’ve provided you with everything you need to know to have a fun fall picnic. Get out there and enjoy this amazing fall weather.

Peace,

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