This may be a bit of a tease, but since there’s a little bit of warmer weather currently hanging around, I thought it would be fun to dream of summer picnics: the kind with no schedules, where you’re surrounded by your favorite people, the sun is shining, and the breeze likes to ruffle up the corner of your blanket. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Picnics can be romantic or simply a time to relax with your loved ones, but whichever the case, picnics must be three things:

1. Packable. Choose foods that can easily be wrapped or covered without leaking or damaging the food’s appearance. Store lemonade in Mason jars or wrap sandwiches in butcher paper tied with string to hold it together while also making for an easy clean-up.
2. Portable. Make sure your items can fit easily in a fun picnic basket or tote so you’ll be able to plop down in your picnic spot without having to lug a bunch of items around.
3. Easy. They don’t say “It’s a picnic” for nothing. Remember that picnics are meant to be a stress-free and playful outing, so make your picnic as simple or in-depth as you want it to be.

The prices listed below are an average price based on what’s on sale this week so you’ll have something to compare to your shopping list for your local grocery store.

Avocado and Ham Sandwiches – recipe
use the bread of your choice!

bread – $1.14
mustard – $1.50
ham – $2.14
avocado – 99¢

No Mayo Pasta Salad – recipe

pasta – 99¢
tomatoes – 99¢ lb
cucumber – 79¢
salad dressing – $1.50

Homemade Potato Chips – recipe

russet potatoes – $2.49 10 lb bag
olive oil – $3.99
sea salt – $1.09

Strawberry Lemonade – recipe

sugar – $1.50
lemons – $1.49 lb
strawberries – $2 lb

Homemade Moon Pies – recipe

butter – $3
brown sugar – $1
graham crackers – $1.99
oil – $2.50

See more menu plans!