Fun and Frugal
Picnics
by Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
Picnics are one of the great fun and frugal summer activities
you can do with your whole family in the warmer weather. It is a great way to
get outside and enjoy nature and the fresh air.
In our area beautiful lakes surround us, where you can fish and
swim. Our scenery is nothing short of breathtaking when the sun is shining. When
one of my sons was younger, he would take me out in his rubber boat and just row
me while I just lay back and enjoyed the ride! What great memories.
While beautiful lakes may not surround you, there is usually
some place you can go that your family will enjoy. If you haven't done it yet
this summer, don't miss out. Here are some ideas to make your picnic special!
*Food seems to be the key to success in any activity :-) In the
same way that you set your table to look nice, plan your picnic setting. Make
your food more appetizing by displaying it attractively. Food always tastes
better outdoors. Nothing says picnic like a bright gingham tablecloth and a
picnic basket.
*Think about making picnic place mats. They are just big
rectangles with pockets sewn on them to hold the silverware and napkins. They
also have ties/ribbons on the end so that they can be rolled up and easily
stored and carried. They are easy to sew and a great convenience. Pick up some
used silverware at Goodwill and have them ready to go.
*Invest in a large cooler to protect your food, and to serve
refreshing cold drinks. It's only a one- time expense and will pay for itself
when you consider the cost of higher price entertainment, and how much you will
use it.
*Remember the tip about filling up empty plastic jars with water
and then freezing them. Pack them in the cooler and take them out to melt at the
park. You will have some deliciously cold, economical water.
*Invest in some inexpensive toys that you and your children can
have fun with. If you sent for the Frisbee Freebie in Tightwad Tidbits, that
should have come by now. Plastic buckets and shovels for sand, balls, and other
toys can often be found at thrift stores. You can also improvise, recycling
things like large plastic containers for buckets.
*Only bring as much food as you plan to eat. Then you don't have
to worry about the safety of leftovers, or waste. Bring something special like
finger Jello
If you make it easy, you will do it more often. Get
organized, and be ready to go with minimal preparations. Summer is short.
Enjoy it!