Picnic Perfect

Rethink clunky wicker baskets and fussy foods. We've rounded up simple, crowd-pleasing recipes and smart products sure to make your picnic a walk in the park.

By Jessica Leigh Hester from Parents Magazine

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Paula Hible
Scrumptious Sandwich

Sandwiches are great picnic fare. But you don't have to resort to an everyday PB&J -- make the outing feel special with out-of-the-ordinary combos like hummus and diced bell peppers.
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Ann Stratton
It's a Wrap

This fresh take on tuna is packed with protein, thanks to cannellini beans. Chopped carrots and cucumbers add a fun crunch. Stash in a cooler until you're ready to serve.
- Get the recipe for Tuna and White Bean Wraps.
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Paula Hible
No-Cook Kabobs

This skewered berries-and-pound-cake combo gives kids something sweet to nosh on. Use cookie cutters to slice cake into fun shapes.
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Paula Hible
Grab-and-Go Granola Bar

Prepare this wholesome and hearty snack in advance -- you can store in the freezer for up to three months. Just defrost a few on the morning of your picnic.
- Get the recipe for Cranberry-Apricot Granola Bars.
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Frances Janisch
Berry Nice Pasta Salad

Your family will eat up this revamped pasta salad, which features strawberries, basil, and mozzarella.
- Get the recipe for 15-Minute Pasta Salad.
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Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond
Blanket Statement

The Velcro closure and a handle make this picnic blanket super easy to tote. Bonus: It has a waterproof backing, so you don't have to worry about sitting on wet grass.
- Buy the Sunshine Picnic Blanket at bedbathandbeyond.com.
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Courtesy of Crate and Barrel
Cool It

This chic cooler folds flat, so storage is a cinch.
- Buy the Collapsible Picnic Basket at crateandbarrel.com.
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Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids
Box Lunch

Separate compartments make it easy for kids to snack on fruits, veggies, crackers, and nuts without anything getting soggy.
- Buy the Spencer Bento Box Container at potterbarnkids.com.
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Peter Krumhardt
Outdoor Entertainment

Organize activities to keep kids entertained between bites. Go on a nature scavenger hunt, then use leaves, pinecones, or twigs to play a game of tic-tac-toe on your picnic blanket (just pack a bit of tape or ribbon to make the board). Devise an obstacle course race around trees or playground structures. First one back to the blanket wins! Your little ones will be sure to work up an appetite.

Copyright © 2012 Meredith Corporation.
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