by Eva Perry

Created on: July 08, 2011   Last Updated: September 15, 2011

Picnics, fun, family, and friends can start in your own backyard.  It seems the perfect place to start a summer picnic is in your own backyard. Here are some ideas to help you plan your backyard summer picnic.

   ♦ Creativity

Be creative when you’re planning an outdoor summer picnic in the backyard. Plan a theme the whole family will enjoy. For example, you can turn your backyard into a tropical haven, starting with a few bamboo torches that surround your picnic area, and a few tropical looking plants, either real or artificial. Next, either spread a safari looking blanket out on the lawn, or simply use a picnic table, adorned with a tropical looking tablecloth, or place mats. Tropical fruit like pineapple, or watermelon carved out in an array of festive pieces, then placed in a carved out coconut, completes the tropical theme for a nice added touch.

   ♦ Beach party in your own backyard

A beach party picnic in your background is sure to bring fun for the whole family. Simply focus the party around the backyard pool, a slip and slide, or even a sprinkler, lay out blankets across the lawn, pack a picnic basket filled with your favorite sandwiches, vegetables, and fruit, a cooler packed with your favorite drinks, and you’re all set.  Plan games the whole family will enjoy, such as badminton, volleyball, or play catch with a few beach balls.

   ♦ Picnic buffet

Another idea for a backyard summer picnic is a picnic buffet potluck for all your family and friends. A large table is set out in the backyard for everyone to set out their favorite picnic dish that they brought.  If it’s a large gathering, it’s a good idea if everyone brings their own lawn chair to set out in the backyard. Now, everyone can sit out and enjoy their favorite picnic food with all their family and friends enjoying the summer weather. After the picnic meal, set the chairs in a circle and play a few games. A popular game is charades, where everyone can guess what character, movie, or TV show, you are acting out.

   ♦ Summer grill

A do-it-yourself backyard summer grill is another great idea for a picnic. This backyard summer picnic focuses around an open grill, or barbecue pit, where everyone can grill their hot dog on a skewer, or put together any other kinds of meat and vegetables, and place them on the grill to cook.  If children participate, remember they should only do so under close adult supervision.  Then, after the meal is over, you’re ready to toast marshmallows over the open grill! You can also choose to make your own s’mores, by putting together pieces of a chocolate bar between two marshmallows, place them in aluminum foil, and set them for a few minutes over the grill that’s cooling off.

   ♦ Backyard tent

Setting up a couple of tents in the backyard is another great idea for backyard summer fun for a picnic. It's fun to set up tables under the tents, laden with all your favorite picnic foods, and coolers packed with drinks, and perishable foods.  Family and friends will love the cozy atmosphere a tent can bring out under the summer sun.

Backyard summer picnics are a great place to start your summer off for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy.

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