We get it: Saying goodbye to summer is the last thing you want to do at the moment. Thankfully, Labor Day is right around the corner, giving us an excuse to squeeze in a little more alfresco fun before our days out in the sun come to an end. So, whether you head out to the nearest park, set up your gear by the river, or turn your backyard into a cozy outdoor haven, these genius tips and hacks will help you throw a killer Labor Day picnic for your friends and family to enjoy.
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The Blanket
Even though park picnics come with a variety of conveniences, nothing beats the feeling of lying on top of a cozy, colorful blanket spread on the grass. So, to make sure your Labor Day picnic is a success, pick a “rug” that’s big enough to accommodate all of your guests. If needed, take two blankets with you so that no one feels left out.
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The Basket
Next to the blanket, the basket is one of those picnic accessories that can make or break the deal. Thanks to its big size, the handy carry-all can help you move around everything you may need during your alfresco outing, whether that’s food, drinks, or plates. If you don’t have a picnic basket around, you can always use a regular tote bag, or DIY your own “basket” by painting a medium-sized crate and coating the inside with cloth.
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The Side Table
Even though you could go without it, a small, foldable table could make your Labor Day picnic all the more comfortable. The portable accessory could provide you with extra food/drink space which means there’ll be more room for you and your friends on the blanket. Also, thanks to its sturdy nature, a side table could provide your drinks with a solid base, and, thus, keep them from spilling. That’s especially helpful if you have kids around.
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The Cutlery
While eating with your hands is totally acceptable when you’re having a meal in the great outdoors, using forks, knives and spoons could make this year’s Labor Day a tad more sophisticated. Of course, given the insane amounts of single-use plastic that are being thrown every day, it’s best to opt for the silverware you use at home or -better yet!- invest in a set of bamboo flatware which will also add a touch of rustic flair to your picnic.
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The Food
From sandwiches to pasta salads to Mason jar desserts, the sky’s the limit when it comes to picnic fare. However, keeping those treats fresh can be a challenge, that’s why we recommend you opt for dehydrated ingredients instead when possible. Plus, most dried fruits and veggies can be consumed as is, doubling as delicious on-the-spot bites.
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The Condiments
If you are firing up the grill at your Labor Day picnic, having a variety of condiments to serve is always welcome. To avoid carrying all those space hogging bottles or -worse- providing your guests with just the basics, turn your muffin tin into a portable serving tray. To do that, add a couple of tablespoons (or more) of your go-to dressings into each case and let your guests decide how they are going to “dress” their food.
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The Drinks
Labor Day may be the beginning of the end for summer, but that doesn’t mean the temps will drop anytime soon. That said, make sure to keep your guests hydrated with your very own -but less bubbly- version of LaCroix. Just infuse water with your favorite summer fruits (think peaches, apricots or pineapple) and serve it in individual mason jars to avoid spills. And for those of you who will have your little ones around, this is your chance to feel like a kid again. Just whip up a pitcher of fruit slushie, and you are good to go.
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The Cooler
Now that you know what you’ll serve to your guests, it’s time to think how you’ll keep those drinks cold for hours and hours. One easy way to do that is to load a large tub with ice and place the Mason jars in there. If that’s not an option, you could settle for a conventional cool bag or a picnic basket with an attached cooler.
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The Games
Sooner or later, the food craze will wind down. To tackle the inevitable post-meal slump and avoid the awkward silence, engage your squad in a round of cornhole, lawn Twister, or ring toss. Not only these outdoor activities will keep your friends and family from getting bored, but they’ll also make your Labor Day picnic stand out from the get-go.
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The Music
While good food and cold drinks can go a long way when it comes to throwing an epic Labor Day picnic, a day out in the sun just begs for some good tunes. Since busting out your stereo is not an option, sneak an extra drinking glass into your basket, and put your phone in there. The concave shape of the cup will amplify the music, allowing you to jam to your favorite songs with minimum effort.
How are you going to celebrate Labor Day this year? Let us know in the comments down below!
