As the weather starts to get cooler in the Old Pueblo, more Tucsonans are heading outside to enjoy the beautiful temperatures. Backyard picnics offer families and friends a great way to sit back, relax, and soak up some sun. But for some people, hosting a backyard picnic may sound more stressful than relaxing.
Having people over to enjoy some tasty treats and close together time does not have to be difficult. Here are a few tips to help you throw a backyard picnic in style.
- Plan Ahead – Preparation is key to relaxation! Plan ahead to make sure you have the furniture in place, the games ready to play, and the food ready to serve. Having the majority of work done ahead of time makes it easier for you to spend quality time with your family or guests when they arrive. If you need a little extra help with the food preparation, work with a personal chef in Tucson to get everything prepared ahead of time. Then, set the food out right before the festivities begin. This will help you stay calm and collected throughout the afternoon.
- Have a Little Bit Extra of Everything – Running out of charcoal for your grill, or appetizers for your hungry family members and guests can quickly turn a relaxing afternoon into a chaotic scramble. Stock up on food, beverages, and anything else you need to make your backyard picnic a success. This will keep you worry-free and your family or friends well fed.
- Keep it relaxed – People love to feel relaxed while hanging out in the backyard. Give everyone the freedom to loosen up and enjoy the picnic. Serve food that is easy to eat, have drinks that are easy to open and enjoy, and setup your backyard picnic in a way that lets guests help themselves to whatever they want. The more laid back your picnic is, the more your friends and family will be able to relax and enjoy themselves.
Finding the right foods to match the stylish, yet laid back feel of your backyard picnic is vital. Without the right foods to serve, you may find yourself more worried than you need to be. Here are a few food ideas that you can use at your next backyard picnic:
- Veggie Cups – Fresh veggies are perfect finger foods for adults and children to grab and enjoy. To make your backyard picnic look as good as it tastes, make veggie cups for your guests. To do this, put a small amount of ranch dressing in the bottom of a small plastic cup. Then, add carrot or celery sticks. Set these out for people to pick up and eat whenever they want something easy to nibble on.
- Fresh Fruit – Fresh fruit can be very refreshing at a warm backyard picnic. Cut up some watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew ahead of time. Then, set your melon out with some grapes and serve. If you want a dipping sauce for your fruit, try strawberry yogurt.
- Sliders – Downsizing is one of the hottest new trends in backyard entertaining. Sliders are miniature hamburgers or sandwiches perfect for grabbing and eating at a backyard picnic. To make the classic slider, grill up miniature sized hamburger patties, and place them on small buns. Then, add your favorite cheese and some sautéed onions. This simple, yet classic backyard picnic dish is sure to be a hit!
As a home chef in Tucson, I know how much people love entertaining outdoors and in their backyard. Make your next backyard picnic stylish and fun for you and your guests with these tips and food ideas.
What other types of food do you love to serve at a backyard picnic?
