Did you know that July is National Picnic Month? With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time of year to get outdoors with friends, family, and loved ones to enjoy a picnic on a sunny and warm July day. A picnic can be as simple as a sandwich enjoyed in the park, or as elaborate as a family affair with tons of food and delicious summer cocktails. However you want to celebrate National Picnic Month, there are a few key factors that can make any picnic a success. Here are some of our tips for planning the perfect summer picnic.
Potluck Style
For an al fresco party with your family and friends, it’s a good idea to plan what everyone will bring ahead of time. When each guest is responsible for a part of the spread, you have less to worry about, and you can be certain that there will be a dish that everyone can enjoy! Plus, this is a great way to make sure there’s a wide variety of fresh and summery foods available.
Get Creative with Your Spread
When it comes to your next summer picnic, consider leaving the peanut butter sandwiches at home and opt for some more creative or elevated options instead. An Insalata Caprese salad or some prosciutto and melon are classic summer Italian foods that are refreshing, delicious, and sure to become a summer picnic staple. These dishes are also a great way to elevate your spread for an upscale feeling at your next picnic.
Always Pack Games
There are a few non-food staples of every picnic as well: cutlery, bug spray, and games included. Even if the day’s brutally hot or the food was gobbled up super quickly, your picnic can keep going strong when guests are entertained with a game of charades, Taboo, Scrabble, or other favorites.
Bring Extra Herbs
A great way to make sure your spread stays fresh and the food is enjoyable over the course of a long afternoon in the sun is to bring extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges. These are a great way to brighten just about any dish in your picnic basket and keep the flavors fresh.
Don’t Forget the Wine
What’s better than enjoying some delicious food and wine outdoors with friends on a sunny day? Be sure to pack a perfect wine pairing to your picnic spread to elevate the meal and please any foodie guests. Just don’t forget the bottle opener!
VISIT BASTA PASTA
For more than 12 years, Basta Pasta has given Maryland diners delicious Italian food made from local and fresh ingredients. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes, unlimited salad and breadsticks, and fine wine at one of our locations in Timonium, Fallston, or Eldersburg. Contact us online or give us a call at the location-specific phone number listed here. Read our menu and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! You can also order our signature crab cakes online and enjoy delicious Basta Pasta from home!