The fall season brings remarkably beautiful changes to the landscape. Before the cold settles in and the lovely rustic colors of nature fade into winter, clock in some quality time with the family and throw an autumn picnic. Here’s a quick guide you can use for this unforgettable outdoor meal:

1.  Pack the Essentials

Make sure to have everything in a large autumn-inspired wicker basket before you take off. Pack a big picnic sheet and several blankets in case the wind gets crisp and chilly.

Bring paper plates, paper cups, utensils, and condiments. Check if you need other kitchen tools, such as a bottle opener, cheese grater, or pepper grinder. Bring garbage bags and cleaning materials so that you can take care of any mess afterwards.

2. Choose the Ideal Location

The perfect place for an autumn picnic is one that truly showcases the exquisite splendor of fall. Head out of the city to the nearest state national park. A beautiful setting should feature the wonderful colors and delightful blooms of autumn.

3. Prepare a Wonderful Autumn Menu

Prepare easy-to-pack but warm and filling food choices for your outdoor meal. Start off with a delicious autumn salad or Naked Avocado’s Paleo Chicken Caesar Salad or Simply Potatoes’ delicious and creamy Cheddar and Bacon Potato Salad.

Sandwiches are always an excellent choice for picnics. Thy can be prepared early on and are easy to manage. A delicious recipe is Fabtastic Eats’ Chicken, Sun Dried Tomato, and Asparagus Pesto Sandwich and Serious Eats’ Ham, Brie, and Apple French Toast Panini.

Dessert is always a plus. Prepare a crunchy and yummy apple pocket pie or a delectable peach cobbler. Don’t forget to blend refreshing drinks, such as Gimme Some Oven’s Sangria and Deep South Dish’s Southern Strawberry Iced Tea.

4. Play Games with the Kids

Before packing up, spend a few hours in your picnic spot and relax. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a little fun with the kids. Take out the old pigskin or Frisbee and have a short game of catch. Or take a nice walk and see the gorgeous sights. Catch up and swap stories. Take a lot of pictures.

5. Wrap it Up before the Day Ends

Autumn evenings can get real cold. Make sure to end your picnic before sunset. Pack up your things and clean up your picnic spot. Don’t leave anything behind. Take a last group picture against the backdrop of your picnic destination! Turn this into an annual tradition so that your family will always have a date to look forward to every year.

Have a lovely and memorable autumn picnic with your dearest family members with this guide from Tree Classics!

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Photo Credits

Photo by jplust via flicr. CC-BY-NC-ND-2.0.

Photo by twopolishedpennies via flickr. CC-BY-NC-ND-2.0.

Photo by Devon Miles via flickr. CC-BY-NC-2.0.

Photo by roboppy via flickr. CC-BY-NC-2.0.

Photo by rosemilkinabotle via flickr. CC BY 2.0.

Photo by Diamond Geyser via flickr. CC-BY-NC-ND-2.0.

Photo by James Marvin Phelps via flickr. CC-BY-NC-2.0.