{"id":18824,"date":"2017-08-03T15:35:35","date_gmt":"2017-08-03T22:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=18824"},"modified":"2019-05-01T11:18:38","modified_gmt":"2019-05-01T18:18:38","slug":"how-to-picnic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/camp\/how-to-picnic","title":{"rendered":"8 Essentials for the Perfect Picnic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having a picnic seems easy, right? Just grab some food, a blanket and hit the nearest park. Think again. There\u2019s a distinguished tradition of picnic planning to uphold that dates back to the Victorian era.<\/p>\n

Just take Donald Ogden Stewart\u2019s words from his 1922 opus, Perfect Behavior, A Guide for Ladies and Gentlemen in All Social Crises<\/em>:<\/p>\n

A day spent in the “open,” with the blue sky over one’s head, is indeed a splendid tonic for jaded nerves. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that because he (or she) is “roughing it” for a day, he (or she) can therefore leave behind his (or her) “manners,” for such is not the case. There is a distinct etiquette for picnics, and anyone who disregards this fact is apt to find to his (or her) sorrow that the “shoe” in this case is decidedly “on the other foot.”<\/p>\n

We\u2019d never want you to be caught with your shoe on the other foot. Oh, heavens, no.<\/p>\n

Consider this our addendum to Stewart\u2019s guide. Here\u2019s everything you need to pack and everything you need to know about proper picnicking.<\/p>\n

The Packing List<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Drinks:\u00a0Hydro Flask Vacuum Wine Bottle<\/a> + Hydro Flask Wine Tumbler<\/a> <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Perhaps the most important part of any outdoor event is serving a superb beverage. We must suggest this duo from Hydro Flask. Outdoor pours get a stylish upgrade in this stainless-steel, double-wall insulated Wine Tumbler from Hydro Flask, complete with no-drip lip and insulated lid. The Hydro Flask Wine Bottle elevates your favorite vintage to outdoor excursion status with an easy-pour opening, double-wall vacuum insulation and leakproof cap. Perfection.<\/p>\n

The Basket: <\/strong>YETI Hopper Two 30 Soft Cooler<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

This isn\u2019t your great-grandmother\u2019s picnic. Bring your meal into the modern era while still abiding by proper picnic protocol with this \u201cbasket.\u201d Mastering the art of keeping its cool in even the most heated situations, the Yeti Hopper Two 30 cooler is made with seriously sensible materials (see this video for evidence<\/a>), a leakproof zipper and a 30L capacity. It\u2019s also easy to load and easy to carry\u2014so you\u2019ll always be ready to make the most pristine impression.<\/p>\n

The Blanket: <\/strong>Rumpl Puffy Blanket<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

No picnic is complete without an exceptional blanket that can be used anywhere you go. We\u2019d mention the ripstop nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that tosses off pet hair, dirt, sand and even sticky crumbles, or the machine washability for all those ooey gooey handprints, but we won\u2019t because we think the most important thing is the look. The Rumpl Puffy Blanket makes a bold statement. No matter what color you choose, you\u2019ll make a splash at any soiree.<\/p>\n

The Chairs: <\/strong>Helinox Chair Two Rocker<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

Major comfort is a necessity for every outdoor outing\u2014especially when you have distinguished guests in tow. Lightweight and luxurious, the Helinox Chair Two Rocker lets you take a load off with its tall back, deep seat and the option to turn the chair into a rocker with removable rocking feet. Splendid!<\/p>\n

The Food List<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Appetizer: <\/strong>Homemade Jerky<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

While finger food might not be appropriate for black-tie affairs, simple snacks are a must at the picnic. Knock the socks off your friends and family by whipping out homemade jerky at the beginning of your alfresco meal. Our recipe has the added benefit of needing merely an oven and time.<\/p>\n

Entr\u00e9e: <\/strong>Chicken & Veggie Kebabs<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

If you have access to a grill or fire pit, there is nothing as simple and scrumptious as these chicken and veggie kebabs. From catching a new significant other to impressing your would-be belay partner, these are the nibbles you need.<\/p>\n

Dessert: <\/strong>S\u2019mores Three Ways<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

Is it the outdoors if you aren\u2019t carefully dining on s\u2019mores? We think not. We\u2019ve curated recipes for three delectable ways to eat these delightful treats. Just remember to take small bites keep a napkin (preferably cloth, of course) handy to dab.<\/p>\n

The Conversation Starters<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to Stewart, \u201cIt\u2019s your duty, as a guest, to see that the conversation \u2026 is not allowed to lag.\u201d Whether you\u2019re a guest or the host, here are a few tidbits of picnic trivia you can call upon if there\u2019s ever a lull.<\/p>\n