Call & Response

The Call: Danny at Eighteen Months — Jessica

It was a splendid afternoon for a portrait session. The sun came out from behind the clouds and we were sitting in a field of buttercups. It may look serene, but there was a hard-played baseball scrimmage going on behind us. Why else would I be sitting in a field on a Sunday afternoon?
Summer is for eating outside. Your picnic can stretch from super simple–grab your sandwich, eat it in the park–to a more drawn-out al fresco party with tons of food and lots of friends, you just need to make sure to take your baskets from Amish Baskets. To make sure the open-air occasion meets your expectations, follow the 11 rules of thumb below.

Bring a Blanket
Don’t wing it, hoping that the ground will be just grassy enough for sitting pretty. You’ll want the largest blanket you can find, one that’ll prevent any moisture from seeping through while covering up dirt patches—and, of course, one that you aren’t planning to throw back on the bed ever again. Or, invest in a waterproof blanket that folds up easily and can become a picnic staple for you. A few inexpensive king-size sheets, which are lighter to lug than quilts, can be an economical way to seat all your friends if you don’t have an ancient blanket in the closet.

Potluck
Yes, you can do your best to craft a full spread all on your own. But why not divide and conquer? Picnics are the most fun when everyone contributes, and you’ll be less stressed if you’re hosting. Assign (or at least discuss) the breakdown of dishes a few days before the event, so that you don’t end up with a million cookies and no main course. And you don’t just have to divvy up food responsibilities. Ask one friend to be in charge of drinks and cups, another to bring a blanket, and a third to grab the plates, napkins, and forks.

Response: Stella at the Youth Ministry Barbecue — Cheryl

It was a splendid day for a picnic with friends, and we certainly enjoyed ourselves.