(BPT) – July is National Picnic Month! According to a survey conducted by OnePoll, almost half of all Americans prefer a happy hour at a picnic instead of a bar. In fact, 3 out of 5 Americans report cooking and dining outside consistently since March of 2022. Picnics can be tough to pack but we’ve got a handful of smart tips from Milo’s Tea Company, a family-owned and certified woman-owned business.
Pack your basket backward. Pack food at the bottom then layer tableware, a picnic blanket and other items on top. When you find the perfect spot to dine, you’ll unpack in the right order, starting with the blanket!
Use blanket weights. Prevent a breeze from blowing the blanket into your food by sewing a heavy trinket on the corners like a washer from a toolbox. If you’re at a picnic table, we recommend investing in inexpensive tablecloth clamps.
Pack throw pillows. One or two throw pillows are perfect for lounging and will make your picnic look extra stylish!
Have a bug plan. The great outdoors comes with the not-so-great reality of bugs, so make sure to pack bug spray. You can also keep bugs out of your food by sealing serving bowls with plastic wraps or shower caps while cupcake liners can act as a barrier on drinks (just stick a straw through the middle!) Citronella candles are great for adding to the ambiance and keeping away pests during your outdoor adventure.
Bring an activity. Whether your event is kid-friendly or adults-only, an activity like a board game, frisbee, or deck of cards ensures that no one is ever bored.
Leave no trace. Reuse your shopping bags! Bring plastic grocery bags to use as trash bags and to store dirty dishes so you can leave the picnic site exactly how you found it.
Share the love! The whole point of a picnic is to enjoy the company of your friends and family, so pack family-style foods and beverages. We recommend a refreshing pitcher of Peach Thyme Iced Tea. Check out the recipe below.
Peach Thyme Iced Tea
Ingredients:
12-ounce jar of peach preserves or jam
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme
1 gallon of Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea
Additional thyme sprigs or peach slices for garnish
Directions:
Warm the peach preserves or jam in a small saucepan over low heat for about three minutes until the texture is smooth and loose. Next, stir in chopped thyme. Pour Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea into a large pitcher and stir in the warm peach mixture. Cover the drink and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Before serving, add ice and garnish each glass with thyme springs if desired.
The Peach Thyme Iced Tea pairs well with a splash of bourbon.