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Happy National Picnic Day! There’s no better time to take advantage of the delightfully warm spring weather, so pack up your basket and head outside for a day of fun, food and sun with your loved ones. Whether you’re laying out your blanket on a sandy beach or a grassy park, use this step-by-step planning guide to ensure your National Picnic Day celebration is a success!

1. Plan ahead.

A few days before your picnic, think about what food you’d like to serve. Give yourself enough time to shop for all of the ingredients and prepare your meal. Once you’ve fully prepped your menu items, place them in tightly sealed containers or sandwich bags and store them in the refrigerator overnight so they’re ready to pack and go on the day of the picnic.

2. Pick the right food.

So you don’t waste time heating food at the last minute before you head out, opt for dishes that are best served cold or at room temperature. You should also stick to portable food that is easy to eat by hand. Single-serve fare—like salads, sandwiches, bread, cheese, fruit and cookies—is the easiest to serve and eat at a picnic.

Your menu should consist of salad, a main course, an appetizer, dessert and a refreshingly cool drink. The picnic baskets at 1-800-Baskets.com already come with delicious gourmet meat and cheeses as well as fruit, so most of the work is already cut out for you! If you need some help figuring out the rest of your food and drink selection, check out these picnic food ideas and picnic punch recipes from the party experts at Celebrations.com.

3. Pack the perfect picnic basket.

A big, sturdy picnic basket will keep your food and supplies safe and help you transport everything to your favorite picnic spot. The picnic baskets at 1-800-Baskets.com aren’t just charming; they’re also durable and come in the perfect size for all your picnic needs.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you make sure your picnic basket is equipped with all the supplies necessary for you and your loved ones to enjoy your outdoor meal:

_    Cozy picnic blanket or tablecloth
_    Any utensils you need to eat your meal, like plates, forks, spoons, knives and cups (help save the environment by using lightweight and reusable acrylic utensils that can be washed and stored away for your next picnic)
_    Napkins, paper towels, and wet cleaning cloths
_    Can opener or a sharp knife to open packaged food
_    Wine or bottle opener
_    Extra aluminum foil or food containers for leftovers
_    Three plastic bags: one for garbage, one for recyclable items, and one for dirty dishes
_    Ice packs
_    Thermos
_    Sunscreen and bug spray
_    Outdoor toys or sports equipment, like a Frisbee, volleyball, jump rope, etc.

To make serving easier, pack your picnic food and supplies in layers: Keep anything you’ll be eating or using first at the top of the basket. Here’s the ideal way to pack your basket, layer by layer:

• Bottom: Line the bottom of your basket with paper towels and cleaning cloths, since you won’t need them until the end of the picnic. Then, stack heavier items on top, like wine bottles, thermoses and ice packs.
• Middle: Neatly stack your plates and cups along the side of the picnic basket so they’re easily reachable when you’re ready to eat. Nestle the food and dessert containers in between the cups and the plates, and lay utensils individually wrapped with napkins on top. Make sure all perishable food is sitting on top of the ice packs.
• Top: Softer items—like salad, bread, individually wrapped sandwiches, chips and cookies—should sit at the top of the basket to prevent them from getting crushed. To cap everything off, fold up your picnic blanket and place it at the very top of the basket. That way you won’t have to dig around for your blanket when you’ve arrived at your picnic spot, and it’ll give your basket some extra protective cushioning.

4. Scout out the best picnic location.

You’re ready to grab your basket and go! A great picnic isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the fresh, natural surroundings. Pick a beautiful, sunny spot that’ll set the mood you want for your picnic, whether it’s romantic and secluded, or lively and family-oriented.

Where will you be enjoying your perfect outdoor meal on National Picnic Day?