Avia Ustanny, Freelance WriterIN THE summer parks, gardens and the backyard beckon with their dry grassy areas, cool shade and refreshing breezes. Then of course there's the watery embrace of rivers and beaches. Do you remember running boat in summers past, biting hungrily into buttered, roasted yam wrapped in foil, sitting on tree stumps with a plate of chicken and dumplings balanced on your knee?
This summer, get together with family and friends and enjoy a day of fun, games and catching up.
Get a picnic basket or food carrier. The ideal item should have separators so that food containers will not topple and your drink will not spill. Your thermos of coffee should not be squashing the cheese. Invest in sturdy plastic containers as well as a cooler.
In the absence of a picnic basket, a left over gift basket will do. Stuff kitchen towels between breakable items to keep them from damage.
Picnics are no longer limited to fried chicken and sandwiches. Try barbecue, or any thing that catches your imagination and stimulates your taste buds. Pack a portable barbecue grill and fire it up once you get on location.
Get paper napkins and towels to catch spills.
If you are planning a romantic getaway -- by all means take along wine and wine glasses, but for a stress-free event turn to sturdy plastic, or disposables instead of glass items.
Choose brightly coloured tableware to add that essential note of festivity.
Remember to take cushions, folding chairs and towels so that after the feast you can lie supine and recover from all the gourmandising.
Plan games or bring along various board games. These will keep the youngsters out of your hair while you sleep in the sun.
Places to go picnicking
Parks, the likes of Hope Zoo or Devon House in Kingston. Castleton Gardens, St. Mary; Cranbrook Flower Forest, St. Ann; Somerset and Reich Falls, Portland; YS Falls, St. Elizabeth; Bath Spring, St. Thomas; Cashoo Ostrich Farm and Apple Valley Park; St. Elizabeth; and numerous other such parks and farms. Whatever the location, find a hospitable tree and, after checking that there are no critters around, spread your tablecloth beneath its shade.
The beach or river. In the spirit of running boat past, the sea or riverside is a good place to start a fire going and bake deliciously flavoured fish wrapped in foil.
Your own back yard. If you have neither the time nor the inclination to go out of town, how about turning the afternoon's home repast into an outdoor affair?
The rooftop on a moonlit night. Creep upstairs with your goodie basket and a bottle of wine for a romantic tête-à-tête.
Settle down in any garden. With summer's blooms and a hearty appetite, bite into apples and sandwiches.
In your car. If all else fails you can drive to some spot and, observing the spectacular view, break out the muffins, coffee and juice. Goood morning, world.
