(NC) - A sunny summer day. A plaid blanket. A wicker basket brimming with your favourite foods. Sound like the perfect picnic? Sound like something you don't have time to prepare, let alone enjoy? Think again. With a few survival tips, some simple recipes and good company, picnics can be an easy way to add a bit of pleasure to any day of the week.
Location, Location, Location
You don't have to leave the city to enjoy a summer picnic. Look around and you'll discover all kinds of hidden picnic settings.
Backyard Banquet: Pick a pretty spot in your backyard and lay down an old quilt.
Water Power: When you can't get to the beach, visit the nearest body of water-a reservoir, a stream, or even a fountain next to a skyscraper-and put down a towel on the softest space available.
Mom's Quiet Time: Few things beat a quiet lunch alone with a good book or magazine. Pick out a serene spot on the grounds of your local library, art gallery, museum or city parkette.
Picnicker Survival Tips
Take a blanket, old quilt or towel to sit on.
Keep a couple of 1-litre plastic bottles of water or juice in your freezer to use in your picnic cooler. When they thaw, you'll have ice-cold drinks.
Bring along a roll of paper towels instead of napkins. They're cheaper, more absorbent, and won't blow away in the wind.
Collect take-out food condiments in a resealable bag and toss the bag in the hamper.
Pack moist towelettes for sticky fingers and extra bags for leftovers.
If you carry a picnic cooler, keep it as full as possible-your food will stay cold longer that way.
Pack food in your cooler in the opposite order that you will use it.
Picnic Perfect Food
Visit www.homebasics.ca for perfect picnic dishes from Hellmann's, including Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad, Greek Potato Salad, Chicken Club House Wraps and Mediterranean Baguette.
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