Plan an Afternoon Picnic

Article archived: September 2010

Nothing says summer like a day in the sun. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and plan a picnic for your friends or family. Whether you want a big gathering or a small get-together for a few select friends, our guide will help you plan a successful event with minimal work.

Easy picnic foods
Think food safety
It's all about the location
Give it a theme

Easy picnic foods

Giant Eagle^® carries everything you need to keep guests full and satisfied at your picnic.

Cookie trays or cookies from the Giant Eagle^® bakery make easy crowd-pleasers.
Bring a variety of bread and sandwich buns with some meats and cheese from the Giant Eagle^® deli for a make-your-own sandwich option.
Olives and antipasti make excellent choices if you are looking for a light, yet sophisticated meal.
Make snacks easy. Giant Eagle^® potato chips add a fun crunch to your meal. Want a calcium-rich choice? Giant Eagle^® string cheese is easy to transport, keeps well in a cooler — and the kids will love it!
Individual-serving drinks, such as juice boxes, reduce spilling and make clean up easy.
Pack a portable grill to make grilled food and give your picnic a truly outdoor flavor.

Think food safety

When considering what foods to pack for your picnic, make sure you can transport and keep your meal fresh. Decide ahead of time what you are going to bring and how you will cook it. Then follow these few simple precautions to reduce the risk of food-borne illness:

Separate raw foods from other foods. Vegetables and fruits should not come into contact with cooked meats and cheeses.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Since it is difficult to keep foods hot for long periods of time, plan to cook foods ahead of time and take them to your picnic site once they have cooled off. Make sure all food is cooked thoroughly.
Keep your perishable products cold by packing them in a cooler and add ice or a cold pack.
Bring some disposable, alcohol-based wipes to clean your hands and any surfaces that may come into contact with your food.
If you plan to grill anywhere, refer to our Grilling Safely Tips guide so your food stays safe.

It's all about the location

The best part about a picnic? The limitless options you have for planning it! Get creative with the location — but consider how much space you will need to accommodate everyone. Make sure you have plenty of shade available, too.

Many state parks have picnic coves, and some will even have grills set up right next to them.
A local park provides a perfect spot if there are kids on your guest list. Choose a spot with a playground close by, and bring a Frisbee or a soccer ball so that the kids don't get bored — and the adults can enjoy some quiet time!
Make a day of it and drive out to the country with your family to discover a fun new place.
Feeling adventurous? Rent a canoe and go down the river to find a quiet spot for your picnic. Just make sure to pack plenty of food and drinks to refuel for the ride back.
Anywhere you go, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, water and insect repellant to keep yourself healthy. Browse our Summer Health Guide to make sure you're prepared for your outdoor adventure.

Give it a theme

Adding a theme to your picnic makes it more special, and will help you narrow down what food to bring.

Plan a play date with your child's close friends, and throw a kid-themed picnic party. Let the children bring their favorite toys to play with, and prepare some kid-friendly foods like carrot sticks, apple slices, mini peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, and cookies. Bring a snack for the adults and catch up on conversation while the kids enjoy themselves.
A tea party can be put together at the spur of the moment. Brew some tea at home, chill it and add some lemons, peaches or raspberries for flavor. Transport your tea in a sealed pitcher with plenty of ice inside to keep it cool. Then, pick up some cookies at your local Giant Eagle^® bakery and you are ready to go.
In the mood for something fancy? Plan a gourmet picnic with crystal plastic wear, pretty napkins, exotic fruits, and fine foods. A platter of carefully chosen fine cheeses with some figs, prosciutto and crackers are sure to delight everyone. Just make sure to keep everything cold.
Plan a birthday party picnic this year for yourself or for a loved one. The change of scenery alone will make this year's celebration more special.

When you decide to plan a picnic, the opportunities are endless. Picnics provide a simple way to bring people together in a relaxed setting with minimal work. During your next sunny weekend, pick a location, invite everyone to bring something for the "table" — and enjoy the company!