The quarantine has allowed us to find ways to safely entertain ourselves while enjoying the sun. And while restaurants, bars, and other attractions are starting to open with limited capacity in certain areas of the country, many people naturally still want to avoid areas where germs and bacteria can easily spread.
A picnic is the perfect solution. Ns lets you have a fun time while staying safe if we take the right precautions. Better yet, a picnic is the chance to create a classy event special enough to share on social media or celebrate any milestones this summer. If you want to get it right, these tips from expert party planning might help.
How to choose a safe picnic area
When venturing outside the home, you must maintain a safe distance from others, according to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "I suggest finding a place in a park or beach that is away from other people, and the best way to find it is to go into the park instead of sitting in the entrance," says Seri Kertzner, Party Director for Little Miss Party Planner, a party planning business based in Manhattan and the Hamptons. She recommends finding a spot under a shady tree. If there are no trees available, it is smart to bring your own umbrella.
Regardless of the game, the key is to stay with your group and wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, avoid touching too many things, and wear your mask. Kertzner emphasizes the importance of spreading your blankets at least 6 feet away from other groups, staying on your blanket whenever possible, and being aware of distances even while playing or socializing.
What to bring to a picnic during Covid-19
Picnics are great, but you'll have to remember to bring more than just food and drinks to make it a success. According to Keren Precel, founder and creative director of New York-based Simply Perfect Events, what you bring to a picnic today is not much different than what you would bring before. Prioritize having gloves and face masks available.
"Thinking about it and making sure you remember all the essentials will make for an incredible and memorable picnic," says Kertzner. She recommends making a list before you go out to make sure you don't forget anything at home. She also advises that people avoid foods with ingredients that could spoil in the sun to have one less thing to stress over.
During these times, it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to stay safe and avoid getting sick. Our planning experts advise that you keep these items as an extra precaution while you are out of the house: hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, water, tissues, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Read on for some unexpected items that we think will make your next picnic the best yet.
BruMate Stainless Steel Insulated Can Cooler ($ 24.99; amazon.com)
This stainless steel cooler is a must for keeping your drinks cold on a sunny picnic day. It can hold a 12-ounce can or a 16-ounce can, or be used as a 16-ounce glass. Don't worry though, it also keeps hot drinks warm so you can use them during the colder months.
GoGirl ($ 12.99; amazon.com)
It is totally unfair that women cannot normally go to the bathroom as easily as men. This device is the perfect solution to that problem. Hide it discreetly in your purse and use it when walking to the bathroom is a hassle.
Bamboo-X Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set ($ 13.45; amazon.com)
Precel suggests using high-quality disposable utensils to avoid contamination. It also emphasizes investing in reusable items whenever possible, especially if you are having a picnic again. This eco-friendly set is reusable and biodegradable.
Fujifilm SQ6 Instax Square Instant Camera ($ 92.99; amazon.com)
Sometimes iPhone photos and Instagram stories just aren't enough. Take photos of your beautiful picnic and print the photos instantly using this Fujifilm Instax camera, which comes with color filters for an extra cool effect. Now each guest can have their own souvenir to take away.
Coghlan Portable Trash ($ 14.99; amazon.com)
Parks and other outdoor areas are notorious for placing garbage cans widely separated. Because you never know where the closest trash will be, Precel recommends bringing your own trash and storage bags. Critics love this trash can because it folds up easily, has stakes to secure it to the ground, and even has a zippered top to keep flies away. There is also a recycle bin option for all your cans and bottles.
YF Mask Storage Clips, 5-Pack ($ 10.88; amazon.com)
Do you want to remove your mask once you are socially estranged at the picnic spot? Hand out these mask storage clips to fold up your mask and place it in your bag until you are ready to use it again. Just make sure you remember what clip or color you had so you don't mix skins with your friends and family.
DII Rustic Blanket (starting at $ 14; amazon.com)
A rustic blanket is the first piece to create a stylish picnic setting. It is large enough to fit a small family gathering.
Oniva Picnic Time Collapsible Adventure Wagon ($ 187.08, originally $ 244.95; amazon.com)
Suddenly you realize that you have too much stuff but you don't feel like making trips to and from the car. Use a car. Kertzner recommends this one from Picnic Time because it's easy to store after use. Just pull the handle to make the wagon fold into a compact bag.
Hiware 12-Pack Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws / Straws with Case ($ 7.99, originally $ 12; amazon.com)
Give your guests the option to drink from a straw under their masks with this colorful ensemble. It's a great inexpensive package so every person can have one. The straws are BPA free and dishwasher safe, and they even come with a carrying case and two cleaning brushes for easy transport back home.
ValBox Gift Boxes with String, 12-Pack ($ 12.99; amazon.com)
Kertzner recommends packing individual meals for each guest using a kraft box like this one. "If you are going to picnic with other families, have everyone take care of their own meals so there is no cross contamination," he says. These are simple but cute and festive and can be easily assembled.
UJoylify Durior Wicker Picnic Basket ($ 24.99; amazon.com)
No picnic is complete without a picnic basket. This one features a cream cotton lining with a lace trim that is a sophisticated alternative to traditional picnic tables and will complement any décor.
Allcamp Outdoor Gear Oversized Picnic Basket ($ 24.63, originally $ 27.99; amazon.com)
Simply Genius Pop-Up Mesh Food Covers, 6-Pack ($ 12.99; amazon.com)
If you serve different types of food, you won't regret protecting your dishes with these meshes. Covers protect food from insects, but are easy to open to access food.
Apollo Walker Picnic Backpack (starting at $ 52.98; amazon.com)
A multi-tasking backpack is necessary to facilitate the transport of all picnic supplies. Not only does this one come with essentials like plastic plates, utensils and wine glasses, it even features a detachable insulated bottle holder and a fleece picnic blanket.
Tirrinia Outdoor Folding Portable Picnic Table ($ 37.98; amazon.com)
Make your life easier by keeping your wine and snacks stable with this portable picnic table. It features versatile holders that can accommodate cans, bottles, or wine glasses and help prevent food from rolling.
All Purpose First Aid Kit ($ 21.96, originally $ 23.75; amazon.com)
Prepare for any emergency with this fully equipped first aid kit. It is so extensive that it has generated more than 15,000 positive reviews.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.