Ideas for picnics are virtually endless when you consider that every outdoor meal is a picnic. From backyard family picnics to large company picnics, the basic ingredients are the same: Good Food, Good Company, and Good Times. A simple picnic lunch when camping or in your RV can be as memorable as a romantic picnic on a secluded beach.

Have a plan. Whether your picnic is an intimate meal for two or for a lorge gathering such as a family reunion or a company picnic, the basics of planning are the same. As you plan your picnic, don't hesitate to ask family and friends to help. After all, a picnic is usually a casual occasion and when everyone pitches in.....it builds lasting memories for all.

Location, Location, Location. With a little planning, friends and family, good food, and the right location, the picnic experience can be a memorable one. A picnic can be held almost anywhere. It is the situation that dictates where. Consider how long your picnic is going to last; you will want to be where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings for an extended length of time. Just a few of the many places to consider when you want to have that special picnic with your family or friends: A park, a beach, an outdoor concert or festival, a lake or stream, a meadow or field, your own backyard, a local winery (many encourage picnics and have set aside tables or areas exclusively for your picnic), a rest area while traveling, tailgate party, or even a outdoor potluck.

Make sure that you have packed everything that you will need for the picnic. Once you are at your destination and realize that you have forgotten something, well, it's too late. That is the importance of a picnic checklist. You might also want to consider making up a picnic kit and having it ready to go at a moment's notice. This will enable you to follow up on those spur of the moment picnic ideas.

If you are using a blanket for your picnic, you might want to consider packing a plastic tarp to place under the blanket should the ground be wet or damp. The tarp can be hosed off when you get home and folded up for your next picnic. If you don't want to go through the trouble of bringing along a tarp, the picnic blanket will be what you need. It is specifically designed with a waterproof backing and available with it's own carrying case.

On the other hand, if you are the type that prefers to be off of the ground and there are no picnic tables readily available, a portable folding table with seats that hold up to four adults and fits conveniently into the trunk of the car is one item you will be glad you brought with you.

When packing condiments for your picnic, try this: During the winter months, save the individual condiment packets (mustard, ketchup, relish, onion, etc.) you pick up at your favorite fast food restaurant. When spring time comes and you are biting at the bit to go one the first picnic of the year, your will have all the condiments packed and ready to go.

Remember to plan some activities or bring along some outdoor games. A picnic is more than just about the food. Planning age appropriate games and activities encourages your guests to interact with others and keeps the children occupied.

Having a backyard picnic? This will keep you from running back and forth to the house to get the refrigerated foods. Fill the bottom four inches of a child's wading pool with crushed ice. Foods like salads, eggs, desserts, and condiments can be ;placed directly on the ice to be kept chilled. Drain off the water as the ice melts and add more ice as needed. A word of precaution, however, don't let the food stay out longer than two hours (one hour if the temperature is over 90)

The key to stress-free picnics is to pack easily prepared foods. There are literally thousands of picnic recipes available on line.

Hint: Don't forget to check the weather forecast for the date of your picnic