Summer Kickoff Picnic: Food, Fun, and Festivities!

Get ready to soak up the sunshine and celebrate the arrival of summer with a fantastic picnic! This article will guide you through everything you need to create a memorable outdoor gathering.

Discover mouthwatering recipes for classic picnic sandwiches, refreshing salads, and irresistible desserts that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

1. Pick the location

First things first: finding the perfect spot to unleash your inner picnic pro. We're talkin' picturesque landscapes, sunshine galore, and vibes that'll make you wanna stay all day long. Here's the lowdown on choosing your picnic paradise:

• Park Life: Think lush green spaces, shady trees for chillin', and maybe even a playground for the little ones to burn off some energy. Bonus points if there are picnic tables and restrooms nearby!
  
• Beach Bonanza: Feel the sand between your toes and the salty breeze in your hair. Just remember, beach picnics can get a little windy, so pack your snacks strategically (think finger foods that won't fly away!).
  
• Backyard Bash: Who says you gotta travel far? Your own backyard can be a perfectly epic picnic spot. String up some fairy lights, throw down a comfy blanket, and create your own little summer oasis!

2. Guest List & Invitations: Spreading the Picnic Love

Now that you've got your epic picnic location locked in, it's time to assemble your crew! Here's the deal:

• Who You Gonna Invite? Think about the kind of picnic vibe you're goin' for. Family fun day? Invite the whole fam and neighborhood kids. Grown-up get-together? Round up your besties and let the good times roll.
  
• How Many's a Crowd (But Not Too Much of a Crowd)? Consider the space you have at your chosen location. A sprawling park can handle a larger group, while your backyard might be cozier and better suited for a smaller gathering.
  
• Invitations: Let the Party Planning Begin! Digital invites are the way to go these days. But hey, if you're feelin' extra creative, whip up some DIY invitations with fun summer illustrations and details like the date, time, location,

3. Create your Picnic Menu

Get ready to impress your picnic posse with delicious dishes that are easy to whip up, travel-friendly, and bursting with summery goodness! Let's dive into the yummy and create a picnic menu that'll be the talk of the town.

Fingerfood Bombs

Aight, picnic people, listen up! Finger foods are the real deal for any outdoor bash, and here's why they reign supreme:

They are all about grab-and-go deliciousness and perfectly sized flavor bombs for popping in your mouth. We're talkin' classics like:

• Classic Deviled Eggs: A creamy, tangy delight, perfect for any occasion. They're easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
  
• Crispy Cheddar Crackers: These crispy cheddar crackers are a savory snack with a satisfying crunch. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of cayenne pepper, they're ideal for munching on the go or pairing with your favorite dips.
  
• Pizza Wheel Bites: They are a handheld party favorite, filled with gooey cheese and your choice of savory toppings.

Fingerfood Snacks are the perfect handheld option, packed with all your favorite melty cheese and savory toppings. Most are quick and easy to make, allowing more time to soak up the sun or perfect your frisbee throw.

Tomato-mozzarella salad epitomizes summer living, Italian-style, and putting it on a stick is simply an easier way for a crowd to enjoy it. It also ensures a perfect ration of cheese to tomato to basil. And if you want to continue counting up its virtues, it's also gluten-free and vegetarian. Truly a crowd-pleaser.

Looking for an easy snack the kids will love? Try our mini pizza cup recipe! These little bites are super simple, and you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings. They're a great way to use leftover pizza dough or sauce. So whether you're looking for a quick snack or a fun lunch option, these mini pizza cups are the perfect solution!

Modern pigs in a blanket with a fun (and tropical!) twist.

These golden morsels explode with melty sharp cheddar, smoky jalapenos, and tangy queso fresco. Farmhouse eggs® and creamy yogurt keep them moist and fluffy, while a hint of sweetness balances the fire. Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes for a perfect brunch, snack, or picnic companion!

Hearty Main dishes

Main dishes are a game-changer, especially if you've got a crew of hungry humans. It adds variety, keeps everyone satisfied.

We've got options that are easy to transport, delicious at room temperature, and perfect for sharing with your crew. Think colorful pasta salads, bursting with fresh veggies and tossed in a light and flavorful dressing. Savory Rice Salads piled high with fluffy rice, grilled chicken, and a variety of toppings are another crowd-pleaser. And don't forget about refreshing wraps filled with all your favorite ingredients, from Hummus and Veggies or Falafel.

We promise you won't be able to resist this Prosciutto and Basil Sandwich with a vibrant peach kick! Sweet, salty, and savory flavors make this the perfect picnic and summer sandwich.

This is truly the best easy red potato salad recipe. Packed with Dijon mustard, capers, chives and hard boiled eggs and radishes, it's creamy while still being healthy, and so simple to make. Perfect for a summer picnic or BBQ.

I absolutely love Chicken Salad with Grapes! And this chicken salad recipe is the ultimate chicken salad sandwich! It’s perfect for a hearty lunch, parties, and special events. There’s a reason everyone loves chicken salad sandwiches – it’s packed with flavor, texture and color.

Everyone will love this Mexican-inspired pasta salad recipe. We lighten up the creamy dressing with avocado for a healthier version of a picnic favorite.

This Pimento Egg Salad Sandwich is not your typical lunch! It's loaded with scallions, red onion, extra mustard, and sweet pimento. It's the perfect lunch on the go and a great addition to a picnic. They're as easy to make as delicious and fulfilling. For a healthier option, just wrap them up in lettuce or a low-carb tortilla.

Sunshine Desserts

You might be full from all the finger foods and savory treats, but there is always room for dessert! Desserts are the grand finale to any epic outdoor feast, the cherry on top of your sunshine-filled day. Indulge in sweet delights that perfectly complement the warm, joyful ambiance of a picnic, making every moment even more memorable.

We've got a lineup of picnic-perfect desserts that are easy to transport and don't require fancy plating.

• Tropical Fruit Salad with Sweet 'n Spicy Dressing: This vibrant salad bursts with the juicy flavors of summer fruits (think mangoes, pineapple, and kiwi!) and is perfectly balanced with a sweet and slightly spicy dressing.
  
• Brownies: It's a classic for a reason! Rich, fudgy brownies are a crowd-pleaser you can't go wrong with.
  
• Crunch Krispie Treats: Feeling nostalgic? These childhood favorites are a breeze to make and guaranteed to satisfy those sweet cravings.
  
• Carrot Cake Cookies: For a twist on the classic, try these carrot cake cookies packed with warm spices and crunchy walnuts. Trust us, they're a delicious way to end the picnic on a high note!

This is the best ever gluten-free banana bread! It's moist, tasty, and naturally sweet. The chocolate chips take this banana bread to the next level, it's so delicious!

Delight in the whimsical charm of our Mini Lemon Petal Pies, where flaky crusts and sunny lemon filling meet, all infused with the goodness of Farmhouse Eggs®, promising a delightful dessert experience.

Make these delicious apple pies when you’re missing the taste of your favorite fast food dessert: the ever-present and decade-spanning McDonald's classic apple pie. These little pockets of cinnamon-apple goodness are technically called hand pies, but when something is this delicious, who wants to argue about names?

Hungry for more culinary adventures?

Check out our delightful Salad recipes for a treasure trove of tasty options. Whether you're a fan of classic picnic sandwiches or crave something more exotic, there's something here to satisfy every picnic enthusiast's appetite. If you're not in the mood for Sandwiches, let your taste buds guide you. Here's to happy picnicking!