How to Plan a Frugal Picnic

Grilled chicken

Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Labor Day are all special days that are usually celebrated with a picnic. However, with these frugal picnic ideas you don't have to wait for a special event to have a picnic with friends and family. After all picnics are a great way to bring loved ones together and build memories to last a lifetime.

A nice variety of picnic foods, family and friends and a nice day are the perfect recipe for a great time!

Things You'll Need

• Picnic foods of your choice
• ice
• paper products
• grill
• picnic table, extra seating
• activities for kids

Instructions

1. Make it a potluck. You supply the meat and drinks and have everyone else bring a dish to pass. You can save a lot of money by purchasing big packs of chicken drumsticks and thighs when on sale. Make your own marinade for tasty grilled chicken.

   For drinks offer ice water, make plenty of Sun tea and keep 2 liter bottles of soda on ice (generic is fine). Buying canned soda may seem more convenient but not only will it cost more but children tend to waste it. Be sure to include both regular and diet soda.

2. Make a few frugal dishes such as homemade baked beans, deviled eggs or pickled eggs. If you are worried about not having enough of a variety then adding these picnic recipes wont break your budget.

3. Raid your garden or visit your local farmers market. Make a fresh garden salad or keep it simple by cutting up tomato wedges and cucumbers and cucumber spears. After all nothing tastes better than home grown produce.

4. Stock up on paper products when on sale. Better yet, delegate someone who doesn't like to cook to bring them.

5. Plan some fun activities for the kids. Lay out a few large blankets and put out board games for the older kids. Purchasing a few balls and some bubbles wont cost a lot and will keep the little ones entertained.

6. Plan extra seating. While the kids love to play adults usually enjoy relaxing and catching up. A few days before the picnic borrow extra chairs and even an extra picnic table if needed.

7. Don't forget the ice. You need to make sure that you keep foods well chilled on hot days and you probably don't have a big enough freezer to make enough ice. Fortunately, buying a few bags of ice will only set you back a few dollars. Fill large bowls with ice and place the bowls of food on top. Another idea is to purchase a child's swimming pool, fill it with ice and place the bowls on the ice.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent bacteria growth cold foods should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and hot foods should be kept at 150 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Keep cold foods in coolers until right before serving.

• Always place meat on a clean tray after cooking, not the same one that held the raw meat.

• Look for more picnic safety tips in the resource section below.

Resources

• Picnic Safety