How to Throw a Holiday Picnic Party

Don’t shut yourself indoors just because it’s cold out – winter provides endless possibilities for creative outdoor fun. Just keep yourself warm with some delicious food and beverages by centering your traditional outdoor activities around a fun cold weather picnic.

First, figure out your budget and decide upon a guest list based on how much money you want to spend. You may want to invite your child’s class, your book club or friends from work. You could organize a block party, or invite family over in lieu of the usual holiday dinner. If you’re planning to do a ‘Secret Santa’ gift exchange, make sure you have guests RSVP.

Use that ‘magical’ holiday spirit to enliven a romantic picnic date. Falling snowflakes, colorful holiday decorations and twinkling lights will set the backdrop for you – all you’ll need to do is plan a meal to remember. It’s easier than it sounds – check out our previous posting, ‘Planning a Romantic Picnic for Two’ for details.

Create opportunities for new traditions to come to life. Thanksgiving is about more than just food, or pilgrims and Indians – it’s about your gratitude for the wonderful people in your life, building memories, and creating traditions that will be lovingly repeated again and again. There are tons of fun fall activities for kids that they can enjoy right in your backyard, or you can challenge them to be more creative – provide them with materials to stuff a scarecrow, or put on a Thanksgiving play.

You could even create a spectacular edible centrepiece such as a mini Christmas tree made from a Styrofoam base, toothpicks and sugary green and red gum drops. Have a beverage table set up in a central location with hot cocoa, cider, and other warm drinks. If you like, you could lay out a buffet of small finger foods or platters of delicious comfort food such as sliced ham, dinner rolls, mixed veggies, and glazed sweet potato slices.

Don’t forget about the decorations – this is the surest way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. You can do this inexpensively with some twinkling lights, red bows and poinsettia plants. If you want to go all out, holiday yard decorations are bigger and cooler than ever this year – check out places like Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart and other large discount chain stores for the best selection.

Of course, the most fun part of every holiday party is the activities. For an outdoor holiday picnic party, nearly anything goes! If you have an evergreen in your yard, you can have a tree-decorating party – have guests bring an ornament with them, or set up an area where they can make and decorate their own.

After months of bitter cold, stale air, and confinement indoors, chances are your whole family is ready to get out and stretch their legs. Spring is here, the breezes are warm, and once again we’re being treated to the all the delights of this season. Spring family outings don’t have to be costly to be fun, and they don’t have to be boring to be educational. Here are ten ideas for memorable, almost-free family excursions that will make you love spring even more.

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