Thanksgiving Picnics

Although you may not spend your Thanksgiving Day in the outdoors on a glorious picnic in order to preserve tradition, you will likely find yourself picnicking at least a couple of times during the weeks surrounding the holiday. Community events, concerts and general family Thanksgiving get-together picnics are very popular around that special Thursday. Which is why Picnic-Basket.com, wants you prepared and in good spirits with these atmospheric suggestions:

A very important element of picnicking during the holidays is remembering the holiday cheer while keeping the kids busy. At the picnic table, give them a stack of construction paper and have them make tons of 'hand turkeys' to cut out and glue to whole sheets of paper for place mats. Ask them to color and decorate the turkeys for extra 'busy' time. Don't forget to keep an outdoor heater on hand to keep them warm while they play.

Another great way to keep the kids occupied is to have them play a game of Thanksgiving themed charades or collect whole, uncrumbled leaves to make a place mat out of for the center piece. Be sure they have something to put them in--it's amazing just how many leaves they will find!

Outside activities at a picnic are a sure-fire way for guests to build up an appetite. Flag football in the cool afternoon, volleyball on a patch of grass under a tree or some hoops at the nearby court--however you like to play, be sure to bring what you need with you for fun, plenty of towels and hand soap for clean up, and a first aid kit for safety.

When you finally get down to it, the meal is one of the most pleasurable memories of picnicking. An outdoor grill is a great help when creating grilled turkey breasts, grilled chicken or BBQ ribs. For something different, place corn cobs over a sheet of aluminum, sprinkle the corn with salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano and a splash of Italian dressing. Wrap foil around cob and grill until hot. To keep food and leftovers cold, a convenient picnic cooler is just right. While sporty and attractive, these fun coolers can be a life saver to your meals.

When it's allowed by the park you are picnicking in, a fire pit is an excellent, inviting way to spend your holiday talking around. They can be inexpensive, safe and easy to use. Most come with screen lids that keep the fire contained and safe to use for fire roasting snacks like s'mores and hot dogs. Be sure to check with your local park for permits or requirements regarding fire pits to keep your holiday problem-free.

With these great tips and some holiday cheer, enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday and be sure to get your fill of fresh air, relaxation and recreational exercise with a great picnic party!