As the weather warms up, people start heading outside to eat. Maybe it’s dinner on the deck or a picnic in a park, on the water or at the beach. And just like everyone has their own idea of the perfect picnic spot, they also have different ideas of what food to pack.
Some people are picnic packing experts with a list of must-have items. Others don’t know where to start, other than their favourite chips, soda and water. That’s where your local Co-op Food Store can help.
A-tisket, a-tasket, a well-packed picnic basket (or cooler)
When packing your picnic, you need to first think about the location. Many parks have picnic tables and firepits or barbecues. Choosing one of these spots opens up the possibility of a freshly cooked burger or smokie with all the fixings. The perfect sides can be easy — think Co-op Gold Creamy Potato Salad, freshly baked buns, a store-made veggie tray and Co-op Gold Pure Hummus.
Maybe you prefer lake life and spending your day fishing or tubing on the water. If that’s the case, easy-to-grab lunch items such as hard-boiled eggs, fruit, buns, deli meat, cheese and Co-op Gold Pure Pickles for sandwiches can be enjoyed on the boat or carried to shore if you spy a perfect picnic spot. Make lunch even easier by making the sandwiches before heading out for the day.
Believe it or not, the easiest picnic to pack is the last-minute beach day picnic. You don’t really need to think about it — just stop at a Co-op Food Store on the way and pick up easy items like Co-op Gold Bison Snacking Sticks and Jerky, Co-op Gold Beach Party candy mix, chips, a fruit tray and drinks. You can even grab a cooler box at the checkout and pack everything straight into it.
Let’s get practical
You’ve got the food packed and the list of items to pick up on the way, but did you remember your paring knife, napkins, wet wipes, garbage bag and blanket or tablecloth? Be sure to toss some sunscreen in your bag, too. The only things that should get burnt on a sunny day are hot dogs and marshmallows.
Finally, don’t forget to bring Co-op Gold Pure Compostable Dinnerware made from sugar cane and Co-op Gold Pure Birch Cutlery. They’ll come in handy when everyone is dishing up.
