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A PICNIC! What a great idea.

Whether you're planning a family get-together, a romantic getaway - or a full-blown company picnic for the entire staff - a picnic is great way to just kick back, relax, and casually pick at a prepared feast in beautiful surroundings.

Preparing to picnic

Sure, a picnic takes a bit more planning than usual. Dining a la fresco means tranporting food to a favorite outdoor spot, and observing picnic food safety precautions. And, of course, carrying along an entire set of plastic utiensils, plates, napkins and a picnic blanket or folding table to enjoy all that yummy picnic food!

Make it easy on yourself by choosing tasty, transportable picnic foods. These traditionally include cold deli meats, cheeses, potato or macaroni salads, as well as chilled wine or champagne, cold drinks, bottled water, and bite-sized fruit such as grapes or sliced watermelon.

As a safety measure, always have enough ice or cooler packs on hand to keep food from spoiling -- especially if you are going to be spending a whole afternoon out in the summer sun. Because ants are the proverbial picnic spoiler, don't forget the bug spray and repellents, as well as plenty of sunscreen protection for yourself and others.

Keeping picnic bugs away, naturally

If you would rather not use sprays, then keeping ants and other bugs away from the picnic table takes some thinking ahead.

That includes plastic cups with covers to keep honeybees from being attracted to sodas and fruit juices. And always cover foods after your spread has been served. Planning on a centerpiece of fresh flowers for your picnic table? Make it a fresh pot of marigolds, a natural bug repellent. In place of a citronella candle, let fresh oranges serve double duty by placing discard peels around the table to repel insects.

Although it might be the ideal spot to have your picnic, bugs also favor a scenic spot near a river, lake, or stream which often attracts mosquitoes and other flying insects.

Finally, if all else fails, there are always ways to appease the enemy. That is, by placing a selection of sugary fruit and half-empty soda cans in a spot away from the picnic table. They will be attracted to the treasure trove of eats you've left for them.... and not yours!

Around the Web, find expert advice at top sites offering how to's, safety tips, recipes and menus ideas, along with more on what else to pack for a great outdoor summer feast without the hassle.

Have fun!

also see -> Tailgate Party Ideas

Barbecue Party Ideas

More picnic ideas & recipes around the Web:

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Summer Picnic Food Ideas - Check out good, general advice on what to bring along, with a recipe for Picnic Pitas.

Company Picnic - Party411.com features a complete how-to for planning a perfect picnic with ideas for fun & games, team building activities & entertainment.