![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Picnic-Tips-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"Picnic")
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Nothing says summer quite like a picnic! It doesn\u2019t take a lot of planning, just a little bit of preparation is all you need for a memorable afternoon. Here\u2019s a list of everything you need for the perfect picnic from favourite spots to the best recipes.<\/p>\n
Pick a Spot<\/span><\/strong> Working in downtown Stouffville? Memorial Park is a great escape for a lunch break.<\/p><\/div>\n Food<\/span><\/strong> Appetizers<\/strong><\/em> Salads<\/strong><\/em> Sandwiches<\/strong><\/em> Sandwiches in all shapes and sizes are ideal for picnics.<\/p><\/div>\n Picnic Drinks<\/strong><\/em> Desserts<\/strong><\/em> These Mason Jar desserts are perfect Picnic pleasers.<\/p><\/div>\n Things you need<\/strong><\/span> A fully equipped Picnic Basket is quite handy, also makes a good gift idea for someone special.<\/p><\/div>\n Including your Pet<\/strong><\/span> Pets love being part of family picnics, just be sure to follow a few safety tips.<\/p><\/div>\n Indulge<\/strong> in the warm weather and enjoy a perfect outdoors with family and friends!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Nothing says summer quite like a picnic! It doesn\u2019t take a lot of planning, just a little bit of preparation is all you need for a memorable afternoon. Here\u2019s a list of everything you need for the perfect picnic from favourite spots to the best recipes. READ MORE ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3607,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90,10,36,8],"tags":[549,625,364,550,478,647,576,89,440,646,86],"class_list":["post-3591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertaining","category-lifestyle","category-outdoor_entertaing","category-outdoor-living","tag-aurora","tag-pet-safety","tag-pets","tag-pickering","tag-picnic","tag-picnic-recipes","tag-recipes","tag-summer","tag-summer-fun","tag-summer-recipes","tag-whitchurch-stouffville"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3591"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3591\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3610,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3591\/revisions\/3610"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3607"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nChoose a spot that\u2019s flat, has a few trees to provide shade and offers a great, or relaxing, view. You probably already know a few close to you; here are some of our favourites close to Geranium communities: Scarborough Bluffs<\/a>, Sheppard\u2019s Bush Conservation Area<\/a> in Aurora<\/a>, Pickering’s Rotary Park<\/a>, Beachfront Park<\/a> or Petticoat Creek Conservation Area<\/a>. Picnicking in Stouffville? Try Bruce’s Mill<\/a> and of course Memorial Park<\/a> in downtown Stouffville has always been a local favourite.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/MemorialParkEntrance-1024x683.jpg\")
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\nA picnic is only as good as the food! Make sure you choose food that\u2019s packable, fresh and doesn\u2019t require a lot of utensils. Choose a menu that ranges from savoury to sweet to satisfy the whole crew! It\u2019s always a treat to get fresh produce from your local farmer\u2019s market. Grab your blanket and basket and stock your picnic with the following dishes.<\/p>\n
\nA simple hummus dip<\/a> served with crunchy veggies and crackers for dipping is a great way to start your adventure. It\u2019s easy to pack and takes little preparation.<\/p>\n
\nA picnic is not the same without the staple potato salad. This mayonnaise free recipe<\/a> makes the perfect addition to your picnic basket.<\/p>\n
\nEasy to make ahead and travel ready, you can\u2019t go wrong with packing sandwiches. There\u2019s a lot more options than just PB&J \u2013 check out these 16 summer sandwich and wrap recipes from Woman\u2019s Day<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/picnicsandwiches.jpg\")
\nDon\u2019t forget the refreshments. Bottles of water or lemonade for the kids are important. Or have some fun with these ideas<\/a>!<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t forget the dessert. Fresh local fruit is always a popular choice, but if you\u2019re looking for something different, you\u2019ll love these mason jar desserts<\/a> perfect for any picnic! Be the star of your next picnic and <\/span>#ShowYourRedandWhite<\/span><\/a> with these crowd-pleasing Canadian-themed <\/span>desserts<\/span><\/a> in celebration of <\/span>Canada 150<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Mason-Jar-Desserts.jpg\")
\nNot all of us have a traditional picnic basket, no worries you can always improvise<\/a>. A portable cooler is a must have to keep your food and refreshments at the right temperature. Don\u2019t forget to bring a blanket, plus stackable cups, plates, napkins and utensils. Don\u2019t forget the serving utensils for the salads and condiments and salt and pepper so that everyone can eat their meal the way they like it. Be sure to have trash bags and paper towels for packing up and cleanup time.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/PicnicBasket.jpg\")
\nTo many, a family picnic always includes our furrever friend(s). Your pet will enjoy the adventure, as long as you keep a few things in mind. Close the picnic basket to keep curious noses away from food that’s not safe for pets. Bring plenty of water, make sure there’s shade, and don’t forget the sunscreen. Believe it or not, dogs can get a sunburn, especially those with short or light-coloured coats. Be sure to check the weather because if it’s too hot, your dog may be happier and safer staying at home. And one last thing, don’t forget a picnic blanket for your pet, it\u2019s a dog bed, and on the way home it\u2019s a car seat cover to protect against dirty paws! Visit the Pet Health Network<\/a> for more pet safety tips. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/PicnicWithPets-1024x678.jpg\")