What is it about eating outdoors that makes it so exciting? If you love to sit outside at your favorite restaurant or enjoy a patio on nice afternoons, a picnic may be a great option for you.
Are your kids getting bored indoors? A picnic is also just a great way to shake things up and take boredom out of the equation. Take the party – and meal – outside! Find a good green space and enjoy the late summer or early fall days with a fun and festive meal in the open air. (Before the winter weather drives you indoors!)
After you find the perfect location, gather your favorite recipes. And maybe your friends would enjoy a picnic, too! Try a potluck picnic, where you each bring something. It may be fun to spend a few hours prepping your dishes together then head outside for fun in the sun.
No matter how you choose to do it, make it simple, smooth and stress-free. Whether it’s a nice cool breeze or a warm sunny afternoon, you can never go wrong with a lazy day outside. Soak up vitamin D and spend quality time with friends and family (or just on your own!) But, of course, don’t forget about the delicious food!
Start by making your list of vegan picnic food and then gather all the essentials. Here are a few things you may need to bring with you that will be perfect for a picnic.
Packing a Picnic
If you want to eat outdoors, you’re going to need a few things to make it happen.
- Blanket and/or folding chairs
- Picnic basket or tote
- Pillows (Hey, it’s OK to be fancy!)
- Plates and napkins
- Silverware and serving utensils
- Cups and drinks
- Ice and ice packs
- Water bottles and your favorite True Lemon Hydration Helpers
- Games
- Hats and sunscreen
Make It A Green Picnic
If you like opting for healthy recipes, chances are you like to be more sustainable and less wasteful, too. Here are a few tips to make your picnic a little more environmentally friendly.
- Use Mason jars (or other recycled jars you have at home) for food and drinks. Jars are great for storing everything from snacks to sauces, salads and more. Plus, it provides an easy glass for your favorite refreshing beverage!
- Wrap food in waxed paper or pack in reusable silicon food bags.
- Make all the friendly finger foods you love and leave the extra dishes at home! Bring hand sanitizer or biodegradable hand wipes to help clean up.
- If you need to bring disposable plates or other items, choose the ones made from recycled paper that can be composted.
- Clean your picnic area thoroughly and recycle whatever you can afterward!
And for the main event… we’ve got a little inspiration to help you plan your picnic foods! Aim to make it simple but with a good variety of sweet and savory. Here are a few of our favorites to get your vegan picnic ideas flowing.