A relaxing picnic is a wonderful vision that can be realized in your own garden, in a park, or in a forest clearing. Regardless of where you decide to organize a picnic, be sure to prepare some delicacies. What food to take for a picnic? What drinks and what else might be useful?

A picnic meal doesn't have to be overly sophisticated, but it shouldn't be too ordinary either – after all, a picnic is an attraction that relies mainly on eating outdoors.

Picnic recipes:

• Sandwiches, bagels, or baguettes – you can prepare them at home and just pack them into a picnic basket. These can be simple sandwiches with lettuce, ham, cheese, and tomato, or sophisticated bagels with hummus, sprouts, and avocado. The quality of the products (bread should be fresh) and a good combination of ingredients are important.
• Tortillas – food for a picnic that is brilliant in its simplicity. Prepare them in advance and take them with you. You can make a tortilla with herbal cream cheese, salmon, and crisp iceberg lettuce. Another idea is a tortilla spread with ajvar, filled with fried sausage pieces and kimchi. Another suggestion is a tortilla with grilled chicken, garlic sauce, and a mix of salads.
• A plate full of snacks – for example, different types of cheese, cold cuts, dried fruits, nuts, and various other additions, such as olives, cherry tomatoes, and pickles.
• Pastes and dips with snacks – prepare hummus, tzatziki, and guacamole in advance. Also, take cut vegetables (peppers, celery, peeled carrots) and grissini sticks, nachos, and other products that can be dipped into dips and sauces.
• Lemonade or fruit tea – indispensable during summer picnics. It's best to prepare lemonade and tea yourself and take them with you in bottles or a special jug with a tap. To make lemonade, you only need a few lemons, water, and sugar. You can also use limes for variety. Brew tea from your favorite leaves or tea bags, and then add fruit juice to it.
• Coffee – you can take it with you in a thermos, so it won't lose its proper temperature.
• Carbonated drinks and fruit juices – can be a variety at a picnic. Traditional lemonades, tonics, and carbonated waters of various flavors quench thirst perfectly, and fruit juices provide vitamins and nutrients.

It's best to prepare all picnic meals or partially prepare them at home and pack dishes and drinks in appropriately selected containers. Food and drink containers from Pepco are perfect for this role.

A successful outdoor party depends on many factors. The weather can be crucial, but choosing a convenient location, time, and taking the most necessary things with you are equally important.

When planning a picnic, remember to:

• Check the weather forecast – both in advance and the day before the picnic.
• Choose the right place – picnics are not allowed everywhere. Make sure that it is not forbidden in the park or forest you are going to.
• Pack the necessary items – a picnic is not just about good food!

What to take with you on a picnic (besides food)?

• Blanket – it's hard to imagine a picnic without a blanket. It can be a special picnic blanket that is resistant to moisture and dirt. If you don't have one, other blankets and throws will also work – preferably in a darker color.
• Dishes and cutlery – outdoor conditions do not mean you have to give up comfort. For the meal outdoors to really resemble a picnic, it's worth serving it on a plate. If you choose disposable dishes, opt for biodegradable ones!
• Napkins – mistakes happen even to the most careful people, so it's always worth having a napkin at hand to wipe your mouth, chin, or hands.
• Container or bag for waste – this is very important, as there may not be a trash can outdoors or it may be overflowing.
• Tablecloth – if you want a more elegant picnic, take an outdoor tablecloth with you. You can place it on the blanket and thus divide the space into one for sitting and one for serving food.

Many people wonder if picnic baskets are really practical and necessary. Of course, it all depends on the model of the basket and its capacity and contents. Some are offered without any internal equipment, but most also have integrated compartments or holders for plates and cutlery – these items are often included with the picnic basket.

If you like organizing picnics and often eat outdoors, a picnic basket, a well-chosen blanket, food containers, and similar accessories will surely be useful. Fortunately, their prices don't have to be high at all.