Having a Picnic Party
Large gatherings of people you care about are joyous occasions - but if you're the one planning the party, it can be a headache. Sometimes in the midst of trying to determine meal ideas, make restaurant reservations for large parties, and figure out how you're going to organize everything, you can miss out on the fun. Why burden yourself with so much trouble? There's an easy way to throw a party that's relaxed, casual, and above all - fun! Spend your time enjoying your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen all day. Throwing a picnic party will take the stress off your shoulders, and ensure that everybody has a good time.
Family Reunions - More often than not, extended families are spread out across the country and getting everyone together for a day or two is a real reason to celebrate. In any large group, you're bound to get some picky eaters, and some little ones who aren't likely to behave sitting in a restaurant for long periods. Potluck picnics are the perfect solution. Have a few of the good cooks in the family cook up a side dish or dessert. Out-of-towners can pick up some party trays full of vegetables and fruit, drinks, or chips and dip. If you're doing all the cooking yourself, make it a little easier by spreading it out over the few days before the party - make sure to choose recipes that will freeze well or stay fresh in the refrigerator. Then you'll just have to pull it out and pack it up. Some great ideas are potato salad, rotisserie chicken, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. Spread out the picnic blankets, break out the coolers and have some fun.
Children's Birthday Parties - If you've ever hosted a child's party at your home, you know that the clean-up process is never easy - and it's hard to keep kids from touching or playing with items that aren't toys. You could spend days afterward trying to get your living room back to normal. But throwing a picnic party at a local park or playground eliminates that step - and provides some built-in outdoor fun. Let the kids run around until they wear themselves out - they'll be getting some exercise and really enjoying themselves. There are so many different activities that can be played outside, and you could go all out and hire a clown or a magician to entertain them as well. Kids love picnics - just make up a bunch of sandwiches and bring along other kid-friendly items like fruit, crackers, and chips. If you aren't up to the catering job yourself, pizza is always a hit at kids' parties - just have it delivered right to the park. No red sauce or colored frosting on your white couch!
Rehearsal Dinners - The evening before a wedding, there are so many things to be done. Brides-and-grooms-to-be and their families are often preoccupied with last minute worries and details. The rehearsal dinner should be a time to relax and enjoy one another's company before the big day. Often, rehearsal dinners are semi-formal affairs, held in a private room in a restaurant where everyone dresses up and sips cocktails. But what if you're having a casual wedding - or you just want the rehearsal dinner to have a relaxed, easy vibe? Have a cookout! Local parks are perfect for this, and it will really save you some money. Call your parks and recreation department to reserve a pavilion that has picnic tables and grills. Many catering companies can take care of the food for you very inexpensively - ask the company that's catering the wedding if they can add the rehearsal dinner to the package at a reduced cost. Or, you could make a run to a discount warehouse like Sam's Club or Costco, and stock up on some hot dogs, pasta salad, chips, and cupcakes. Personalize it even more by giving it a theme, like a luau party or a western barbecue.
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