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24 Hot Winter Picnic Tips and Food Ideas

By Deborah L Melian

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Dining al fresco in winter is easy with these simple how-to winter picnic tips and food ideas to keep one and all warm and cozy.

Woman with Hot Coffee Outdoors

When winter comes, it’s easy to stay indoors rather than venturing outside. But you are definitely missing out on all of that winter beauty.

Outdoors? Of course!

You can have fun in the snow and sun and it’s as easy as packing up the family and heading outdoors for an amazing day outdoors.

And one activity that is a must is having a winter picnic.

A picnic? Absolutely! It only takes minimal supplies to set up an area where one and all can nosh on hot drinks and food while engaging in your favorite winter sports and activities like snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, tobogganing, and making snowmen.

Winter Woods

You can set your food and drinks on your vehicle’s tailgate, picnic table or even a snow table–if the snow’s really packable.

Truly there’s nothing better than fresh air and lots of winter fun to get one’s appetite going, especially if one knows that there will be plenty of enticing hot food and drinks at the ready.

And, what a wonderful way to make memories with those you love. Psst! Don’t forget to take plenty of pics too!

If you’ve never hosted a winter picnic, no fear. It’s quite simple to do. Check out these cool tips for making your event the best one ever!

Cold Weather Clothing

Keep in mind that winter comes with its own set of challenges, so dress for success. It’s always a good idea to check the current weather outlook before adventuring out to your destination just in case the weather takes a turn for the worst.

Boots, hats, scarves, winter jackets, snow pants, mittens and/or gloves, are the obvious initial clothing choices for winter gear.

Snowy Juniper Boughs

And, of course, think dressing in layers. Also, if possible, bring along a change of clothing if you’re planning on engaging in any activities that will cause your clothing to get snow-soaked.

You certainly don’t want to get chilled when the activity slows.

Picnic Tip: Be sure to bring along sunscreen if you will be outdoors for any extended amount of time. Snow is notorious for reflecting the sun’s rays and it’s easy to get sunburned if you are not prepared.

Snowman Kit
Don’t forget to bring this iBaseToy Snowman Kit for instant fun in the snow and sun!

Snow-Worthy Picnic Supplies

Just like summer picnics, you’ll need to gather a few essential supplies to put on a winter-worthy spread.

Start with these must-haves:

Picnic Basket

When looking for a winter-worthy picnic basket, be sure to buy one that is well built and offers you multiple place settings, storage options, along with cups and/or glasses.

Willow Picnic Basket
Winter Wicker Picnic Basket

Outdoor Tablecloth

You can’t go wrong with an outdoor favorite: buffalo check plaid tablecloth. Perfect for all of your outdoor dining needs. And, when you’re ready to go home, just shake it out and fold it up.

Buffalo Check Plaid Tablecloth
Buffalo check Plaid Tablecloth

Insulated Bag

You’ll want to keep sandwiches and other hot food favorites just the right temperature, so use an insulated bag. Remember to also preheat your food prior to placing into your insulated bag and be sure to wrap well each container with aluminum foil to help keep the heat in.

Picnic Tip: Perishable foods can travel well and safely in an insulated bag up to two hours.

Insulated Bag
Mir Double Compartment Insulated Bag

All-Weather Blanket

Brave whatever the day brings you while keeping cozy and warm with a waterproof outdoor blanket. It’s best to have a couple of these on hand for those folks who get chilled easily. Best of all they’re easy to store and go.

All Weather Blanket
Waterproof Outdoor Blanket

Thermos

For me, I usually have at least four thermoses going. Some are filled with hot cocoa, some with steaming coffee, and others filled with Mom’s Hearty Chili.

You’ll want a large mouth thermos for the soups and stews and you can get by with the standard size opening for hot chocolate and coffee.

Picnic Tip: To prep your thermos for hot liquids be sure to fill it first with hot water. When ready to fill, pour out the water and fill with your favorite hot beverage. You can use this same procedure prior to adding soup, chili or stew.

Stanley Thermos
Stanley Thermoses

Other picnic must-haves:

  • sanitizing wipes
  • dish towel/rag
  • several garbage bags – not only for trash but also to safely bring the dirty dishes home.

Winter-Worthy Recipes

From soups to stews to hot drinks (with and without alcohol) and desserts, you’ll definitely feel warm and cozy inside and out with these cold weather-inspired food and drink recipes:

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

French Tomato Soup

Simple French Tomato Bisque Soup with Basil - Wisconsin Homemaker

Grilled Bacon, Tomato and Cheddar Panini

Grilled cheese sandwich

Zuppa Toscana

Kale and Potato Soup with Italian Sausage - creamy version

Mom’s Hearty Chili

Hearty Chili Recipe with Beans - Chili Bowl

RELATED: Homemade Cornbread

Spicy White Chicken Chili

Easy Spicy White Chicken Chili - sm - found on WisconsinHomemaker.com

Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Roasted Pumpkin and Root Vegetable Soup Recipe featured on Wisconsin Homemaker

Annabelle Langbein Spiced Apple Cake

One Pot Spiced Apple Cake - 1 - Wisconsin Homemaker

Tomato Onion Tart

Cheesy Tomato Onion Tart

Triple Berry Rhubarb Crisp

Triple Berry Rhubarb Oatmeal Crisp on WisconsinHomemaker.com

Gingerbread Latte

Gingerbread Latte - Wisconsin Homemaker

Chai Latte

Chai Latte

Homemade Marshmallows

Homemade Marshmallows

Molasses Cookies

Easy Molasses Cookies in bowl

Brat Reubens

Bratwurst Reuben Sandwich - Wisconsin Homemaker

Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich

Classic BLT - Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich - 1 - Wisconsin Homemaker

Homemade Granola

Easy Homemade Granola - Perfect over ice cream and yogurt

Hot Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine

Spiced Hot Apple Cider

Spiced Apple Cider

Cheese Fondue

Best Basic Cheese Fondue Recipe - perfect with bread cubes

Baking Powder Biscuits

Country Baking Powder Skillet Biscuits - Wisconsin Homemaker

Chicken and Dumplings

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings - Hot and Ready

Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom Risotto

Hasselback Potatoes

Baked hasselback potatoes

Mac and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese on WisconsinHomemaker.com

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs - 1A - Wisconsin Homemaker

For more delicious winter-inspired treats and eats, be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker’s Recipe Section.

24 Hot Winter Picnic Tips and Food Ideas | Wisconsin Homemaker

 WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you do try any of Wisconsin Homemaker’s recipes, ideas or products be sure to share your comments below and photos on Instagram or Pinterest with a tag @wisconsinhomemaker and hashtag #wisconsinhomemaker Thanks!


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About Deborah L Melian

I am a midwestern wife and mother who loves to share family friendly recipes, along with my two cent's worth on everything home and garden. I live in Wisconsin. You can follow me on FACEBOOK • TWITTER • PINTEREST • INSTAGRAM

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