A little planning will make you less antsy about throwing a picnic

June 22, 2007

Sure, you can shop at L.L. Bean, Williams-Sonoma or Sam's Club and pick out a strapped, zippered, everything-in-its-place picnic basket fully loaded with dishes, flatware, tablecloth, napkins and anything else the manufacturer thinks you will need on a picnic. Unfortunately, said manufacturer has no idea of your taste or of your situation. Since you'd have to add to it anyway, better to customize your own.

For years, I kept a loaded picnic basket in the trunk of my Mazda 626LX. At the drop of a baguette, I would make a pit stop for carryout at the grocery and head for the park.

Here's how to make one. Keep an eye out for a sturdy basket with good solid handles. A lid is optional. But don't get stuck on the choice of conveyance. A canvas tote bag works, and a cardboard box will, too. A well-shaken and aired-out suitcase could be fun.

Now raid your drawers and cabinets to gather stuff for a picnic for four. (Even if it's usually just you and your honey picnicking, you never know when you'll pick up a tagalong or two.) Choose plasticware rather than china or glass, because you don't want any breakage. Remember, too, you may have to haul the basket, as well as food, a good distance to get to a picnic spot, and weight will be a factor. Consider disposable dishes and flatware, too.

Lay out everything on the dining-room table and visualize a picnic in your head. Got everything? When you think you have it together, start packing the basket in reverse, dishes first and blanket or beach towel last.

If you aren't the type to pre-pack a basket, you might make a checklist. Label a document on your computer "Picnic List." Then key in the items below. When you feel a picnic mood coming on, print out the page and use it for a checklist. Yes, it's a bit compulsive, but if you've ever looked forward to a sip of wine under an oak tree and forgotten the corkscrew -- well, you get the idea.

The Picnic List

Napkins, cloth or paper

Plates, both large and medium

Flatware, knives, forks, spoons

Serving utensils -- three should do it

Mugs for soup or cold drinks

Thermos for soup or cold drinks

Stemless wine glasses -- small tumblers are good

Corkscrew or bottle/can opener

Paring knife

Cutting board

Coarse salt in a jar and pepper mill, or salt and pepper shakers

Damp wipes, soft cloths or paper towels for washing up

Little flower vase for wildflowers

Plastic bags for leftovers

Garbage bag

Blanket, bedspread, beach towel or quilt -- cotton is best and can go in the wash; never wool, which can be too itchy

Insect repellent -- don't leave home without it

On occasion, I've also included bird and flower field guides, a flashlight and a deck of cards. Cowboy bandanas are fun. Pick them up at a dollar store and use them for napkins, trail markers or a do-rag. And I usually find room for peanut butter, a jar of Nutella and wee packs of crackers with a plastic knife because you never know.

I also keep a medium-size foam cooler in the trunk at all times. It keeps cold food cold, whether we're bringing it from home or have just made a stop at the grocery store or farmers market.

When you get back home, wash the dishes, freshen what needs to be freshened and repack the basket, all ready for the next time.

(Marlene Parrish can be reached at mparrish@post-gazette.com.)