Welcome back to Nantucket Gate Blog! This week we want to help you celebrate National Picnic Month, a great excuse for getting out of the apartment and enjoying the rest of Tacoma, WA with a quaint snack or two. Read on for some essentials to remember as you plan your picnic!
Pick a time and place.
Sometimes the fun of a picnic comes from being spontaneous. But however far into the future your picnic will be, you still need to decide on a concrete time and place for it. This will lead to you thinking about who you want to include, which will determine the scale of your picnic, and inform all your later decisions. Confer with your fellow attendees and choose a time that works for everyone.
If you’re unsure of where to host your picnic, think of what other activities that could supplement your time there. The City of Tacoma website is a great reference for finding community gardens, dog parks, and other parks in Tacoma you can try.
Craft a menu.
A picnic is a prime chance to go all out in terms of delicious food. Choose menu items based on the scope of your picnic so it can be appropriate for the type of outing you’re hoping to have. If it’s more of a small get together in the evening, consider finger foods or one main dish, such as these ham, cheese, and spinach puffs. If it’s a mid-day lunch, consider more filling dishes, such as this BLT pasta salad, this summer corn salad, or this caprese sandwich with parsley pesto. Ask your friends to contribute by making a dish or bringing along a side or drink to ease some of the burden off your shoulders.
Gather your essentials.
While you’re packing up your food, don’t forget the utensils, plates, containers for storing your extra food, napkins, cups, water bottles, serving spoons, garbage bags, and anything else you think you might need for eating and cleaning up. Also remember items for everyone’s comfort! Blankets are fun for lounging on and sweaters are important if you’re staying out late or if you’re worried you might get chilly. Bring along some insect repellent and sunscreen if you’re spending time in the glaring sun.
Of course, remember to have fun and enjoy the last few weeks of summer! You deserve a break, and a picnic is a perfect time to have that.
What are your favorite picnic recipes or spots near our apartment community in or around Tacoma? Share your suggestions with the rest of us by leaving a comment. Thanks for reading!