Family at a picnic tabl

When was the last time you sat at a picnic table and enjoyed a picnic? Not one of those lazy picnics where you eat out of a lunch sack standing outdoors—I mean a true picnic.

For planning a picnic in the classic style, fill a wicker picnic basket with delicacies and head to a remote spot or local park. Watch the sun rise or set, catch a fireworks show, listen to the waves of the ocean, or just enjoy the beauty of nature around you.

If it's been years since your last true picnic, what are you waiting for? Picnics are rejuvenating outdoor dining experiences that provide similar feelings as a hike or camping trip, while just minutes from your home. For some helpful picnic tips, turn to the experts at Picnic Time.

Picnic basket and blanke

Picnic Time first started manufacturing traditional European-style picnic baskets back in 1982, with the goal of creating products that bring family and friends together. Since then, the company has evolved into plenty of other products: from barbecue tools to tailgating to tables and chairs. But their goal is the same—they want customers to "make memories with Picnic Time," as their motto suggests.

"The food is less important than the experience," said Scott McCormack, Director of Sales and Marketing at Picnic Time. "It's all about the experience of eating comfortably outdoors."

Scott's expertise in all things picnic translates to some genius tips when it comes to planning your own picnic. Whether you are throwing a big family party or looking to impress a first date, careful planning will ensure your picnic basket is overflowing with goodies that will leave a lasting impression.

Find your perfect picnic basket

Elegant picnic basket from Picnic Tim

While you're probably familiar with the traditional wicker picnic baskets, there are actually many more styles and varieties that you may not be familiar with. Consider your budget and the location where you will be having your picnic to help you narrow down your selection for your perfect picnic basket.

Traditional: The traditional picnic baskets are constructed with woven wicker, which provides strength and durability. They come in rectangle, barrel, heart, or other shapes. Some baskets have nice porcelain plates as a set within the picnic basket. This provides for a special experience as opposed to generic plastic or disposable plates and utensils. They also require fewer resources because you are reusing your utensils instead of throwing away or recycling ones that you just purchased. However, porcelain plates are more expensive and are not ideal for rugged outdoor environments.

Soft-Sided Totes: These are an excellent option if you are taking your picnic on a hike or distant outdoor excursion. They can also come in backpack form to make the picnic easier to carry over long distances. Since porcelain plates are breakable within the soft totes, they are not recommended; instead, plastic plates work well for these totes.

Upscale Baskets: Got a taste for the fancy? There are several upscale baskets that work well for festivals like outdoor Shakespeare plays, concerts, and symphonies. They can come with an upscale wine and cheese set, cutting board, cheese knife, canvas-insulated coolers, a quilt, and more. Picnic Time's version of this type of basket is the Charleston, with a price tag of around $550.

Other options include wine totes, lighter canvas baskets, rolling picnic totes, and cooler totes. Look for high quality materials and baskets that will last you years to come to get the highest value.

Follow a packing checklist

Have you ever forgotten an essential tool or utensil on a picnic that made your trip less enjoyable? Maybe you were eating salad and forgot the forks, or maybe you forgot to bring napkins and everyone's fingers were greasy. Forgetting one simple item can upset your entire picnic.

Make a no-fail picnic checklist. While it won't guarantee that you don't end up in the wilderness with a gourmet meal and no plates, it can certainly decrease your chances. A few suggestions to get your list started include:

Enjoying a picnic with friend

- Picnic basket filled with food

- Plates, forks, knives, spoons, cups, napkins

- Sharp knife and cutting board

- Tablecloth for picnic table

- Beach chairs or blanket to sit on, if there isn't a picnic table nearby

- Trash bag

- Corkscrew

- Ice and re-freezable cold packs

- Paper towels and wipes for clean up

- Plastic containers for leftover food

- Sunscreen, bug spray, hats, flashlight if staying after dark

- Outdoor picnic games

For food, consider the following options:

- Finger foods like sandwiches, chicken, and wraps

- Cheese, wine, crackers, and dip for an appetizer

- Chocolates, cookies, brownies, and easy-to-grab desserts

- Fruits and vegetables on a stick for easy snacking and serving

- Water, especially if you hike to the picnic

- Condiments for whatever food you decide to cook. Salad dressing, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise are a good place to start

- Salt and pepper or other necessary seasonings

Search out the ideal spot

You picked your basket, it's loaded with food and supplies…now it's time to find the perfect picnicking spot. If you are hosting a large group or someone you want to impress, you will want to scope out a spot beforehand. That might mean hiking through your local, state or national park and finding a few good spots to claim. Or you may need to use your city's website to reserve a picnic table and shelter at your local park.

Whether your picnic is rural or rugged, make sure you find a spot away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Avoid busy streets and walkways where other people will interfere with your peaceful picnic. Find somewhere quiet with a great view. Look for a view of water, such as the local river, lake, or ocean, or a view of wooded mountains, a distant cityscape, or rolling green hills.

Ideally, your picnic spot will be equipped with a high quality, sturdy picnic table. This will make your picnic much more enjoyable since you won't have to balance your plate on your lap or sit on the ground. However, if you do find a good picnic spot without a picnic table, make sure you sit somewhere mostly flat to keep your food balanced. Companies such as Picnic Time also have water-proof picnic blankets available for those situations.

Once you plan and enjoy your first picnic with a real basket at a comfortable picnic table in a scenic spot, you'll probably return to the same spot week after week, or explore new picnic spots around town. In other words, you will be hooked. Because no restaurant can compete with fresh air, a spectacular view and a ceiling of blue skies and sunshine - all for free.