Picnic Trend

Labor Day Picnic Supplies

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:18:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again, Labor Day. Traditionally, in the US, it’s regarded as the last blast weekend to get in camping, swimming, hiking, golfing, beach outdoor time with friends and family. And, of course, it’s the one of the biggest times of the year for picnicking and bbq gatherings.

Keeping that in mind, we collected a couple of must-have super cool and unique products that will make any Labor Day outing simply perfect.

For Labor Day at the Beach you need the Beach Bag Deluxe. It’s a backpack cooler combination with extra storage for valuables and whatever you may need to carry with you for that last bit of fun in the sun.

Get your game on with your team’s logo on some of the coolest tailgate items around. The oh so cool grill and cooler combo will have your tailgate friends drooling with anticipation.

Golf anyone? The Caddy Golf Cooler Tote is perfect for keeping drinks and food cold while you are hitting the green.

For the grill master, the BBQ Apron and tote is a must. This tote unfolds to make an apron with pockets for grilling tools. This is for serious grilling and outdoor barbecuing.

Tailgating Gear Review: Caliente Grill and Cooler

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:08:00 +0000

Wow…whoever came up with this idea is genius! It’s a grill and a cooler. It’s portable and easy to pack making it excellent for picnicking and tailgating.

The BBQ (charcoal) grill has a 10” grate providing a 78.5 sq. in. grilling surface making it just the right size for a couple of steaks or burgers for 6. The cooler holds six 12-oz. cans and comes with a strap and carrying handle plus extra storage in an external pocket.

We found it easy to pack up and set up was a breeze. It fits easily into a trunk or back seat and carrying it over short distances is no problem. The entire set weighs around 12 lbs so carrying it up the side of a mountain would be a little iffy depending on how hard core you are. For tailgating, it’s pretty much perfection. Since it’s so easy to pack, unpack and bring along it really is a must have. Plus, all your tailgating friends will want to know where you got that cool grill. You’ll be the envy of the tailgating season.

Great Gift Idea: Oniva Seat Sport!

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:33:00 +0000

August is the precursor to back to school, Labor Day and the official kickoff to tailgating season. With all that in mind we got busy scouring our sources to locate a gift that is not only functional but fun.

The popular Oniva Seat Sport is great for grownups and kids love them too making this gift appropriate for all ages! At $39.95, the Oniva Sport Seat is a twist on the regular Oniva Seat but still contains all the same features that made the Oniva Seat one of the most popular products of the summer. It’s adjustable and sturdy and can be used indoors and out and is made with a durable steel frame. This seat will get tons of use for years to come.

The best part and what really sets the Oniva Seat Sport apart is you can personalize your gift - you can choose a baseball themed seat for a baseball lover, a basketball themed seat for the basketball lover, a camouflaged seat for the hunter and on and on. In our opinion, this makes it super cool and super fun.

The Oniva Sport Seat ships quick and through the end of summer qualifies for the FREE SHIPPING summer special. It’s a great way to purchase gifts for now or for later (hint, hint…Christmas). The Free Shipping promotion is applied to all purchases during the checkout process.

Ok, there you have it. Now, what are you waiting for???? Let’s get shopping!

For more info on the Oniva Seat Sport, click here: http://www.picnictrend.com/beach-accessories-9/oniva-seat-sport-2763.html

Labor Day Outdoor Activity Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:04:00 +0000

August is here and this month is the perfect time to get in last minute vacations, camping trips, picnicking and of course the traditional Labor Day weekend is lingering right around the corner. This is THE time to get ready for Labor Day family gatherings, outdoor barbecues and parties. Here’s a quick plan to get help you get ready for the outdoor festivities.

Things You’ll Need:

Picnic Basket or Cooler

Food

Drinks

Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)

Condiments (salt, pepper, mayo, relish, mustard, ketchup, etc)

Paper towels

Hand Sanitizer

Grill (portable grills are great)

Picnic Blanket

Think about the number of people to invite and where your event will be held. Sometimes, a back yard is just as good as a park but it’s a good rule to scout potential places out in advance and call ahead to be sure the facilities are available. Many parks and beach picnic areas fill up quick, especially around the Labor Day holiday.

Decide what kind of gathering you’ll have. Is it a potluck picnic or will you be providing the food? Having people bring a dish helps offset cost and fosters the feeling of community. It also simply feels more casual. But it’s nice to invite people to come relax without asking them to prepare in advance. Either way, don’t wait until the last minute to decide on a menu. Do this upfront at the beginning and let each person you invite know what’s expected.

Make a plan B in the event bad weather strikes. Many parks and beaches offer covered picnic areas. Just check the 10-day forecast and have an alternate plan that is easily accessible for the people you are inviting.

Games and competitions are fun and keep everyone involved. Corn hole is a great outdoor game. Partner people up who wouldn’t normally be together and make a double elimination tourney out of it. Kids and adults love this game and it’s super portable and easy to set up and break down. Horse shoes are also easy to play and you can make it interesting by placing bets or making up new rules like the loser gets squirted with squirt guns and place squirt guns in the hands of the people who are watching the game. Be creative and have fun.

With a little bit of planning, some thought and preparation, your Labor Day barbecue or outdoor picnic party will be loads of fun for everyone. Who knows…it might end up being so popular, it becomes an annual event!

Free Shipping!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:35:00 +0000

Everybody loves Free Shipping! Through the end of Summer, all orders ship Free.

Romantic Picnic Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:53:00 +0000

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a picnic? If you said 'Ants', you're funny, but wrong. What most people will respond with is 'Romance'. Picnics provide significant others with the perfect setting to enjoy one another's company. There are no distractions, just you and your loved one.

While you know your potential local picnic destinations better than we do, we thought we'd give you some general ideas when it comes to planning your next romantic picnic.

Picnic in the Park - Yes, its obvious, but we had to start with the most common picnic locale; the park. Find a quiet (let us stress the 'quiet' part again) park that will allow you two lovebirds to sit and let all of your worries fade away. Warm summer nights are perfect for a relaxing one on one picnic. It may be considered cliche, but everyone can appreciate a good old picnic in the park.
Recommended Picnic Supplies: Romance Picnic Basket

Picnic at the Beach - This idea may still be somewhat common, but it does pair two amazing experiences in one. Few people can say that they don't enjoy picnics, and even fewer can say they don't love visiting the nearest beach or lake. As long as you come prepared to deal with the elements (sun, sand, etc.), then you are destined for a picnic to remember.
Recommended Picnic Supplies: Malibu Botanica Picnic Tote (pictured)

Picnic at Home - This picnic idea will allow you to combine something sweet and romantic with the familiarity and comfort of your own home. Whether it's in your backyard, front yard, or even your living room, a spontaneous picnic at home saves you the hassle of lugging around lots of food and drink, but still allows you to concentrate on what's most important...each other.
Recommended Picnic Supplies: Piccadilly Picnic Basket

Sunset Picnic - This romantic picnic idea depends less on the location and more on the time of day! Find a comfortable place with a view of the western sky and plan to set up shop around dusk. A sunset is universally symbolic of love and caring. Couple that with a picnic and you've got yourself a foolproof romantic experience. Remember to bring some form of lighting so that you can enjoy your picnic beyond the waning daylight.
Recommended Picnic Supplies: Willowbrook Picnic Basket

Sunrise Picnic - Why not be spontaneous and do the opposite of a Sunset Picnic?! Extra points will be awarded to you if you can successfully pull of a Sunrise Picnic. If all goes well, it will surely go down as one of the most romantic ideas you've ever come up with. However, if you're not known to rise before dawn, then a breakfast picnic will work just as well. Pack some breakfast food and surprise your loved one with a nice morning drive to a location of your choice.
Recommended Picnic Supplies: Java Express Coffee Tote

Wine and Cheese Picnic - No need for a big meal in this situation. Take the love of your life on a simple wine and cheese picnic. This way, you'll be able to focus solely on each other. Pick a wine and assortment of cheeses (and maybe some fruit) that you both like and enjoy a classy picnic experience.
Recommended Picnic Supplies: Serrenta Wine and Cheese Tote

Dessert Picnic - This is by far and away our favorite! After a nice romantic dinner out at your favorite restaurant, hold off on dessert and head off to a quiet location where you can impress them with your baking skills. They will never see it coming!
Recommended Picnic Supplies: Metro Melrose Equinox Picnic Tote

Please feel free to let us know of any unique romantic picnic ideas that you have!

Picnic Time Reclining Camp Chair - New Product Review

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:07:00 +0000

Every year, Picnic Time expands their product line with new and innovative items. This year is no different, as they have just launched over 50 new products to their existing line of picnic baskets, picnic backpacks, wine and cheese accessories and much more.

It is our goal to review as many of these new products as possible, so that you, the picnicker, can get an in depth look into what's new from Picnic Time.

We have decided to kick off our series of reviews with the product that we are most excited about: The Picnic Time Reclining Camp Chair.

Here are some key observations:

Versatility: Similar to the Sports Chair, the Reclining Camp Chair is perfect for any outdoor occasion, whether it be a picnic, a tailgate, a campsite, or simply a day at the local soccer/baseball field. The chair is both lightweight and easy to transport. It comes with a carrying case that has a shoulder strap, so you can take the chair virtually anywhere.

Durability: The Reclining Camp Chair is covered in durable 600D "rip-stop" polyester canvas, so you dont need to worry about it snagging on a branch while on you next camping trip. Even more impressive is steel frame construction with a 300lb. weight capacity, which even exceeds that of the Picnic Time Sports Chair! This chair is one tough piece of furniture, which is ideal for all of the times you'll want to use it.

Comfort: To be completely honest, you may be hard pressed to find a more comfortable chair...and we've sampled quite a few. Both the seat and the head rest are nicely padded, so even long periods of sitting won't be a bother. The best part about the whole chair, however, is the reclining feature. The Reclining Camp Chair comes with 3 adjustable positions so you can enjoy your chair however you prefer. The adjustable armrests also work seamlessly with the reclining options.

Additional Perks: One might say that this chair is inferior to the Sports Chair because it lacks the side table and side pockets. Well, it may not have as many useful pockets, but the Reclining Camp Chair does come equipped with a large zippered pocket on back of chair for all of your accessories. The chair also comes with an insulated drink holder in the right armrest, so you really will never have to get out of you seat if you don't want to! The chair also comes in three great colors: black/gray, navy/silver, and green/black. Last but not least, this chair is $10 cheaper than the Sports Chair!

All in all, we are very satisfied with this Reclining Camp Chair by Picnic Time, and we already have a few to keep for ourselves!

Click here for more information on the Picnic Time Reclining Camp Chair.

The Perfect Wedding Gift - A Wedding Basket!

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:59:00 +0000

Chances are that you will have to attend a Wedding within the next year. Many times, the first question that comes to mind is "What should I get for the happy couple as a wedding gift?". The most common approach is to simply order something off the registry. Don't get us wrong, the registry is an easy way to make sure that you are getting the couple something that they actually want. If you really think about it, however, is a registry really all that great? How would you like it if you knew all of your gifts before even getting them? Where is the fun in that?!

We're here to recommend going with something different. Stand out from the crowd and get them something unique and something creative. One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the memories that it creates. Get them something that will always remind them of that special day. We believe that the following two items are perfect wedding gifts in the sense that they are both practical and meaningful.

The Wedding Heart Picnic Basket - The Wedding Heart is a 17", heart-shaped picnic basket that comes with everything needed for a romantic picnic for 2. What better way for a couple to celebrate an anniversary and reminisce about their wonderful wedding? This classy yet practical basket will surely be one of the most appreciated gifts of any newlyweds.

The Harmony Honeymoon Champagne Set - The Honeymoon edition of the Harmony Champagne Tote is a gift that the bride and groom can put to use right away! The Harmony comes with a compartment for a bottle of the finest champagne, 2 handblown champagne flutes, 2 wedding-themed glass charms, a tw0-sided doorknob hanger ("Just Married/Do Not Disturb"), and 2 napkins. In addition, you can add a picture of the bride and groom to the outside of the tote to make it just that much more personal and meaningful. You can guarantee that this gift will be put to good use over and over again.

For 10% off either of these wonderful wedding gifts (or both!), simply click on the links provided above and enter the coupon code WEDGIFT during checkout.

Let us know what they think!

Lower Prices for 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:17:00 +0000

We just wanted to take a second to share some great news with our customers for this new year (and new decade for that matter!). Beginning January 15, 2010, we have lowered the prices on over 50 Picnic Time products throughout www.picnictrend.com.

It is our goal to to provide you, the customer, with the best online shopping experience possible, and what better way to do that than to lower prices on picnic baskets, picnic backpacks, wine totes and accessories, beach equipment, and tailgating gear? Some products even have prices drops as high as $15!

One of the key price drops is on the Buccaneer Grill Set, which provides you with all-in-one tailgating grill and cooler tote, now for a much lower price.

Additionally we have dropped the price on the Botanica Sports Chair. This great-looking folding chair is now available at an incredibly low price compared to last year.

We'd also like to point out that now, in 2010, most of the specialty design products (Driftwood, Botanica, St. Tropez, Equinox, Moka, Riviera, etc) are the priced the same as their generic product equivalents. Get your favorite designer picnic item without having to pay more!

Happy New Year from Picnic Trend

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:46:00 +0000

2009 has already flown by and we are ready to kick off a wonderful new decade in 2010!

Happy New Year to all of you and we wish you nothing but the best in this upcoming year.

Please stay tuned for some great new blog posts. We have a ton of new Picnic Time 2010 products to review and we are super excited about them. In addition, we'll post about picnic recipes, picnicking tips, and much more.

Thank you so much for visiting our blog. If you have any feedback please post in the comments section or email us at info@picnictrend.com

Happy New Year!

Free Shipping Over $50!

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:36:00 +0000

At Picnic Trend, we love the ability to provide our customers with great deals and easier ways to shop online. That is why we are happy to announce that we now offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50! This is just in time for your holiday gift shopping. From picnic baskets, to picnic backpacks, to wine accessories, we've got the perfect gift for those loved ones in your life.

http://www.picnictrend.com/

Recipe Time! Thanksgiving Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:29:00 +0000

We'll admit it, we know picnics...not cooking. Therefore, we have scoured the internet for the most enticing Thanksgiving Recipes that we would like to share with you. Hopefully these tasty recipes will offer you a slight change from the monotony of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

We have put together a full course Thanksgiving dinner menu for your reading (and tasting) pleasure. Please let us know what you think!

Appetizer: Holiday Cheese Ball!
What's a holiday get together without an appearance by Cheese Balls?! We found this simple and delicious recipe on Finger-Food-Recipes.com. Remember, if some of the ingredients don't jive with you or your guests' tastes, then feel free to substitute any way you'd like!

Ingredients:
* 8 ounces cream cheese
* 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
* 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
* 2 tablespoons grated onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
* 1 (2.25 ounce) can green olives
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preparation:
1. In a food processor, mix the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, blue cheese, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Process until well blended.
2. Add olives, and pulse into small chunks.
3. Refrigerate for one hour to make stiff enough to roll into a ball.
4. Shape the mixture into a ball, and roll in the chopped pecans to coat.
5. Wrap in plastic, and chill at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.
6. Serve!

Salad: Fig Salad with Grapefruit Vinagrette and Paprika Almonds
We took this gem from our good friend Amy over at www.deliciousbynature.com. She always has exciting new recipes, and this one doesn't disappoint. Your guests will be talking about this salad for Thanksgivings to come! This recipe serves 4, but you can augment as needed.

Ingredients:
* 4 cups mixed salad greens
* 10 dried figs, tough stems removed
* 3 ounces goat cheese
* 1 Tbsp paprika
* 1/2 Tbsp butter
* 1/2 cup almonds
* Pinch coarse grind celtic sea salt
* 3 Tbsp champagne grapefruit vinegar
* 1/2 Tbsp shallots, coarsly chopped
* 1 tsp mustard
* 6 Tbsp olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. Remove stems from figs and cut in half if larger than bite sized.
2. Crumble goat cheese into large chunks.
3. Toss together in a large bowl with the salad greens.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt butter, then stir in paprika.
5. Stir in almonds and continue tossing to coat with butter and paprika until lightly browned.
6. Add large flake sea salt and stir to coat. Let cool slightly then add to salad.
7. Combine vinegar, shallots and mustard in a blender. Slowly add in oil until emulsified.
8. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
9. Pour over salad and toss to coat.
10. Enjoy!

Side Dish: Corn Casserole
Tired of plain old mashed potatoes every Thanksgiving? Thanks to Paula Deen, you can liven up your plate with this recipe for corn casserole.

Ingredients:
* 1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
* 1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn
* 1 (8-ounce) package corn muffin mix (recommended: Jiffy)
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
* 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar

Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the 2 cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter.
3. Pour into a greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and top with Cheddar.
6. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
7. Let stand for at least 5 minutes and then serve warm.
8. Yum!

Main Dish: Fried Turkey
We don't know if you've heard of this one before, but we insist that you try it. It's amazing! Make sure you have your trusty Masterbuilt Butterball Turkey Fryer so you can fry your turkey safely and easily. It comes with instructions, so it's a breeze! This recipe is from ABC 7 News in Chicago.

Ingredients:
* 1- 12-13 lb turkey COMPLETELY THAWED
* 1- 16 oz jar of Cajun Injector Creole Butter recipe (1 per turkey)
* 1 - 8 oz can of Cajun Injector Cajun Shake
* 3.5 gallons of Cajun Injector Cottonseed oil, Peanut Oil or high-grade Vegetable Oil

Preparation:
Inject the turkey with one 16-oz jar of CAJUN INJECTOR® CREOLE BUTTER RECIPE, mostly in the breast area. Inject 1.5 ounces per pound. Sprinkle CAJUN INJECTOR® CAJUN SHAKE spices liberally over surface of turkey and inside turkey cavity.

Lower the COMPLETELY-THAWED, injected turkey down easily into the hot oil. (Make sure it is thawed. Ice in hot oil could explode.)

Follow the specific instructions that come with your Turkey Fryer.

Sprinkle with more Cajun Shake for a spicier crust or sprinkle with "Simon & Garfunkel:" Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme for an herbal crust.

Let cool at least 10 minutes before slicing and then enjoy the most savory turkey you'll ever eat!

Dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
This recipe is thanks to Pearl over at A Sweet Pearl blog. We saw these bars and knew exactly what they would taste like...heaven. What a perfect way to finish off your thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients:
For the bar crust:
* 1 cup flour
* 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 4 Tablespoons Butter
* Some finely chopped nuts, if desired.

Preparation:
1. Preheat to 350.
2. Combine flour and brown sugar.
3. Cut in the balance until mixture is crumbly. If preferred, may stir in nuts.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

For the pumpkin cheesecake filling:

Ingredients:
* 3 containers of Cream Cheese (plain)
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
* 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
* 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
* 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

Note: May use pumpkin pie spice instead of ingredients 6, 7, and 8.

Preparation:
1. Lower oven temp to 325 degrees.
2. Blend cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg replacement until smooth. Remove 1 cup of mixture and spread onto cooled bar crust.
3. Combine the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg (or pumpkin spice) in with the remaining cream cheese mixture, and mix until well combined. Spread mixture on top of the cream cheese mixture on the bar crusts.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until center is almost set (shake pan slightly to test). Let cool, then refrigerate overnight.

Good luck with your Thanksgiving Dinner preparation! Let us know what you think!

Picking the Perfect Picnic Blanket

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:23:00 +0000

Your picnic basket is packed full of delicious food and you're ready to go, but you feel like you're missing something...A Picnic Blanket of course! No picnic is complete without a quality picnic blanket.

Picnic Blankets are the perfect addition to any and all picnic outings. They keep you and your food safe from any of the outdoor elements that have the potential of ruining your perfectly planned picnic. Not only are they perfect for picnics, but picnic blankets are ideal for outdoor summer concerts, trips to the lake or the beach, or even something to keep you warm at early morning tailgate parties.

Picnic Blankets have certainly evolved since they began as simple cotton blankets many years ago. Take a look at some of the available blankets with some great new advancements:

The Picnic Blanket - You might be saying, "I thought you said advancements!" Well this picnic blanket by Picnic Time has one key update that everyone will love: carrying straps! This Picnic Blanket rolls up in such a manner that you can carry it just like a tote bag. Ah, sweet simplicity!
The Sunshine Picnic Blanket - In all honesty, the Sunshine Blanket should be a staple at all picnics. The Sunshine comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can match your blanket to your own personal style! Also, in addition to the carrying strap, this picnic blanket has a waterproof backing!! You no longer need to worry about wet grass seeping through your picnic blanket! The waterproof backing also makes it perfect for the beach.
The Siesta Blanket Tote - The Siesta is the luxury pick of the lot! The Siesta is also waterproof with a sturdy nylon exterior. The inside of the blanket tote has a soft fleece interior that is perfect for some rest and relaxation. This blanket unfolds easily and refolds into a convenient tote with an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying. Last but not least, the Siesta features two built in inflatable pillows and a front zippered pocket. What more could you ask for!

The Perfect Picnic Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Typically when you imagine a Picnic Basket, you think of a big, bulky wicker or bamboo basket. While these woven picnic baskets are classy and prove to be great gift ideas, we also want to shed some light on the latest trend in picnic baskets...Insulated Polyester Canvas!

There are two great examples of this new type of picnic basket: The Picnic Time Metro Melrose Basket and the Picnic Time Metro Basket.

Metro Melrose Picnic Basket - The Melrose is an all-in-one picnic basket. It has everything you normally find in a picnic basket; utensils, napkins, plates, and glasses. The difference between this and the standard wicker picnic basket is that the Metro Melrose is much more lightweight and portable! In addition, the polyester is very durable and easy to clean. Best of all, its insulated to keep your food cold!

Metro Basket - The Metro Basket has less frills than the Metro Melrose, but it still is a Picnic Trend Best Seller. The Metro Basket is extremely versatile and can travel with you pretty much anywhere. When not in use, this lightweight basket folds down flat to take up as little space as possible. Not only is it useful, but its fashionable too!

Product Review: Avalanche Wheeled Picnic Tote and Cooler

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:19:00 +0000

We’re just going to come out and say it: The Picnic Time Avalanche Wheeled Picnic Tote and Cooler is the most practical picnic tote on the market today.

Yes, that may be a bold statement, but we’re sticking to it. The Avalanche Picnic Cooler deserves all of the praise that it gets. Here’s why:

Features: The Picnic Time Avalanche is fully equipped for an all-out picnic extravaganza. It comes with full place settings (utensils, plates, glasses, napkins, etc) for four people. In addition, the Avalanche has a tablecloth, a cutting board, a cheese knife, a wine corkscrew, and a bottle stopper. (Hold on, we need to catch our breath) On top of all this, the Avalanche Picnic Cooler comes with an enormous, fully insulated 36-can food and drink storage space.
And now for the fun part… The Avalanche sits atop in-line style (similar to roller blades) wheels and can be pulled by the telescoping handle for ultimate portability! (Can you tell that we’re excited about this product?)

Design: Not only is it practical, but the Avalanche Picnic Tote is no slouch in the looks department either. The picnic cooler comes in two colors; Pine Green and Vista Blue. All of the great features pack in very nicely when the item is not being used. The Avalanche simply looks like it belongs at a picnic.

Practicality: You probably know what we’re going to say here… The Avalanche is a practical as they come if you’re hosting anywhere from a 2 to a 4-person picnic event. Oh, and by the way, we forgot to add that the food section of the Avalanche is also waterproof. Cleaning up will be a breeze.

Summary: To add such great features, design, and overall practicality to one product seems unfair, but Picnic Time seems to have accomplished this feat…and more. Bottom line, the Avalanche is second to none.

Pros: Pretty much everything. Service for four, insulated, waterproof, tons of storage space, wheels… the list goes on and on.

Cons: If you’re looking for a quaint picnic with just some wine and cheese, this Avalanche Rolling Cooler may not be the picnic tote for you.

Click here for a closer look at the Picnic Time Avalanche Rolling Tote and Cooler

Picnic Trend Contest! Enter to Win a Wine Country Tote!

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:48:00 +0000

In our opinion, no picnic is complete without the addition of some gourmet, healthy food.

As a result, Picnic Trend has teamed up with one of the premier online food blogs, Delicious By Nature (www.deliciousbynature.com), to provide our customers with the complete online picnic planning experience! You can now get your picnic supplies and picnic recipes hassle-free!

In addition, to kick off our new partnership with Delicious By Nature, we have created a week-long contest in which you can win a FREE Wine Country Tote!!

Entry into the contest is very simple, and no purchase is necessary! Just visit the following link to get the full, simple details on how you can win this amazing tote: http://www.deliciousbynature.com/?p=219

Please let us know your thoughts on the contest and the prize, as we plan to do many more in the future.

Thank you again for visiting Picnic Trend, where it is our goal to satisfy all of your picnic needs. Enjoy!

How To: Plan A Successful Group Picnic

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:39:00 +0000

When thinking of a picnic, one most often conjures up the image of a romantic 1-on-1 atmosphere with a quaint picnic basket, a little wine, and some cheese and crackers. Larger group picnics, however, have been an extremely popular social event for quite some time now. Whether its a family reunion, a company picnic, or simply a day in the park with friends, large group picnics offer a great way to spend a day with those you care about.

Let's take a look at how you can best plan for your next group picnic:

First off, you'll have to put yourself in the mindset similar to that of throwing a successful tailgate party. Tailgates and group picnics have quite a bit of similarities (minus the actual tailgate of the truck or SUV!). There are 4 key elements to creating the perfect group picnic: Planning, Packing, Execution, and Clean Up. Let's dive a little deeper into each element.

Planning: This is by far the most important element of a group picnic. As always, the more prepared you are, the better your group picnic will turn out! Be sure to keep in mind the following questions:

* What is the purpose of the Picnic? -- Be sure to determine what the overall reason for having the picnic. Is it a work function or a family/friends function? A lot of key decisions will be based on this important point. Games you play, food/drink you serve, and much more depend on who will actually be at the picnic and what you want them to get out of this event. Once you have this info nailed down, you can begin to dig deeper into your planning stages.
* How many people will be attending? -- The difference between a company-wide picnic extravaganza and a get-together of a few friends can be enormous. This number will affect pretty much every decision you make. Keep this number in mind when you go through the following questions.
* Where will the Picnic be located? -- Location, location, location! The spot you choose for the picnic could make or break your event. Will there be enough room for everyone? Get recommendations from others on where a good spot may be. Then, visit the locations ahead of time so you can scope out any possible obstacles. This will also give you a head start on envisioning the setup. Also, if necessary, make sure you book the space plenty in advance. The last thing you want is to show up and your ideal spot is already occupied! Finally, keep the weather in mind when planning a location.

Packing: Now that everything is planned, let's make it happen. Packing takes some ingenuity and imagination.

* What should we bring? -- Key items include: Food, Drink, Picnic Baskets, Plates/Cups/Utensils, Napkins, ICE, Coolers, Chairs and Tables (if furniture is not already at the site), Trash Bags, games, etc...
* Is everything logistically possible? -- Now that you have everything you need, make sure you can actually get it to your picnic area! Determine whether you will be able to fit all of your items (listed above) in your vehicle. Also, once you get there, make sure you can transport all of your picnic items with ease. Don't forget to ask for help!

Execution: It's time to make this picnic happen!

* How will we set everything up? -- Based on the information that you've gathered above, you should already have an idea of how everything should work. Once you get there, be sure you know where to put everything before unpacking. Be sure to keep the games and activities away from the food. Also, if possible, try to place the food and drink, as well as the seating, in the shade.
* What is the schedule of events? -- Depending on they type of picnic, the schedule of events may vary. If its just a casual gathering, then no need to stick to a timetable. If its a corporate event, then it is wise to know when food will be served, when games begin, and especially when to wrap it up.

Clean Up: Full Success! Now that you've thrown the greatest group picnic ever, its time to clean up.

* Am I leaving with everything I came with? -- When packing up, make sure you have packed everything. Scan the picnic site to make sure none of your equipment (or your guests valuables) have been left.
* Did I leave the picnic site the way I found it? -- Be sure to thoroughly clean up after yourself and others. How would you like it if you showed up to your picnic site and it was littered with trash? Be a courteous picnicker!
* When should I unpack? -- Immediately! Once you get back from your picnic, you may be exhausted and want to just relax. However, be sure to clean up as soon as possible. Put away any leftover food, clean off your picnic equipment, and move everything back into storage. Trust us, it'll be worth it in the end!

There you have it! You are now ready to throw an amazing group picnic. Please feel free to leave any tips or tricks that you've learned along the way!

Summer Concerts

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:13:00 +0000

I've always loved attending outdoor concerts during evenings in the summer. You can beat the heat of the day and enjoy a beautiful evening outdoors listening to music and enjoying great company.

While it's gotten harder to justify spending money on concerts these days, I've found a great way to keep my concert going costs down -- pack my own picnic! While you'll have to check the rules for your particular venue before hand, you'll be pleasantly surprised than many venues allow you to bring in your own food and drink. This provides us with the perfect way to still attend pricey shows without having to fork over an arm and a leg for eating and drinking at the event.

Here's the gear I've put together so far. In the spirit of this endeavor, I've tried to keep my picnicing investments as reasonably priced as possible. Let's get started -

A picnic blanket. No picnic is complete without a picnic blanket. It'll help you rest comfortably and ensure your picnic stays dirt-free and dry. I've been loving the Picnic Time Siesta Blanket Tote, it was a steal at $20 and it folds into a convenient tote when it's time to head home.
Don't forget the food! To bring my food and wine in, I use the Avalon Picnic Backpack. It's insulated so the food (and dessert!) stays nice and cold and the side wine pouch keeps the important stuff safe. From corkscrew to silverware to tablecloths, this thing has everything you could need. (Available for $50 during the Spring Sale)
That's it! That's all you need to enjoy a great summer concert at a substantial savings!
Pro Tip ;) -- Combine the blanket and the backpack with the Avalon Deluxe Picnic Backpack. All the great features from the Avalon, and includes a Sunshine Picnic Blanket. (Avalon Deluxe Picnic Backpack is available for $60 during the Spring Sale)

Free Shipping!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Who doesn't love free shipping? From now on, all orders of $100 or more receive free shipping! This is a great opportunity to stock up on some gear for summer time. You can get a few Sports Chairs for the beach, or try a Sports Chair Deluxe if you want to take a little shade with you!

Quick Product Review: The Picnic Time Metro Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:29:00 +0000

When it comes to a product like the Picnic Time Metro Basket, a long and drawn out review isn’t really necessary. The entire Metro line of products at Picnic Time has proven to be very popular over the years…and for good reason.

Let’s take a quick look at what makes the Metro Basket a fan favorite:

Overall Review: The subtle features are what make the Metro Basket so unique. The insulated lining and material that make up the Metro Basket allow it to be perfect for transporting any food or beverages. As for colors, the Metro Basket is available in Beige, Lime Green, Orange, Red, Slate Blue, Black, Olive Green, Sky Blue, Equinox Pattern, Golden Weave, Icons, and Pink Geo.

In terms of practicality, the Metro Basket also comes with a lightweight yet durable frame that makes transportation a breeze. In addition, the Metro Basket is waterproof, which makes it ready for any occasion. The basket is easy to clean, so it will be ready for use over and over again.

Lastly, the portability of the Picnic Time Metro Basket sets this item apart from the rest. When not in use, the Metro Basket folds down flat and can fit almost anywhere.

And don’t forget, the Metro Basket is extremely versatile. Check out other versions of the Metro Basket including the College Metro Basket with your favorite team logo, the Garden Botanica Metro Basket for your gardening hobby, and the Metro Melrose Basket which is fully equipped with everything you need for a picnic!

All of these features, coupled with the amazing array of color options available, make the Metro Basket a must have item.

Picnic Recipes: Red Pepper Walnut Hummus & Whole Wheat Pita Crisps

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Over the past couple of months we've been giving you some great highlights of our picnic products. But now that spring has sprung, we also wanted to share with you ideas of what to take along on your picnic.

One of the best parts of picnicking is that you don't have to create full meals. In fact, snacky foods are often even better picnic fare. A mix of cheeses, a baguette, dip, some pita chips, sliced veggies, and some delicious wine and you're all set.

The cheese, baguette, veggies, and wine are easy as you can pick them up at your local store. And with the help of the simple dip and pita chip recipe below this first picnic of the season couldn't be easier!

Whip this up, grab a couple picnic time sport chairs, and this adorable tote (or one of the others available on Picnic Trend) and you'll be all set!

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Red Pepper Walnut Hummus
Serves 10 or more

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup walnuts, toasted
1-2 roasted red peppers
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 tsp pimenton (smoked Spanish paprika)
Squeeze of lemon
1/4 cup olive oil + more if needed
Salt and pepper

Place all ingredients except olive oil in food processor. Blend as much as possible. Then slowly pour in olive oil, adding enough to smooth the mixture. Alternatively, you can also use some water or chicken broth in place of all or part of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Whole Wheat Pita Crisps
Serves 10-12

1 package whole wheat pitas
Spray olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 tbsp garlic salt

Preheat oven to 450.

Using scissors or a knife, cut each pita into 6 wedges. Spread wedges on 2 baking sheets in a single layer. Spray with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan and garlic salt.

Place in oven and bake for 5 minutes. Once crispy, flip over and bake another 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. They will crisp even more once they cool, so be sure that you don't cook them too long!

Want more picnic recipe ideas? Check out our Picnic Trend resident chef's blog at www.deliciousbynature.com.

Product Review: Picnic Time Sports Chair

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Due to the high number of reader requests, our next product review is of the Picnic Time Sports Chair. As a fan favorite, we wanted to give you a thorough overview of the sports chair that you can find anywhere from the sideline of a kids soccer game to the tailgate lot outside of the Super Bowl.

Features: The Picnic Time Sports Chair comes equipped with (in our opinion) just the right amount of features. The fold-out side table is, for lack of a better word, clutch. The table has space for an entire plate of food, your drink, and room to spare for utensils (or dessert!). The feature that sets the Sports Chair apart from the rest is the side panel. With multiple insulated pockets (count ‘em: 4), you will have room for any and all of your accessories. Whether you’re saving your snacks for later, storing your keys in a safe, zipper pocket, or simply keeping your drink cold in the beverage pouch, you will never cease to be amazed by the utility of the side panel.

Design: It is obvious to whoever uses the Picnic Time Sports Chair that a lot of time and effort was put into the construction of the chair. The fold-out procedure of the chair is self-explanatory as with most folding chairs. The wide seat, padded arm rests, and ample back support makes the Sports Chair comfortable for all ages and sizes (350 lb. weight capacity). In addition, the Sports Chair comes in a wide variety of colors to suit your needs.

Practicality: When it comes to practicality, the Sports Chair pretty much takes the cake. The super lightweight folding chair can go almost anywhere, and comes with a shoulder strap for easy transport to and from your event. The chair is easy to clean, extremely sturdy, and will last you a lifetime.

Summary: The Picnic Time Sports Chair certainly sets the standard for portable folding chairs. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, sitting at the beach, or having a barbecue in your back yard, the Sports Chair is the perfect seating accessory. It comes highly recommended, and the incredible popularity of the folding chair is proof in itself.

Pros: As we said, we really couldn’t have asked for a better portable folding chair. The comfort, portability, durability, and functionality combined with a great selection of colors (not to mention the Sports Chair Deluxe!) leave nothing to be desired. From personal experience, we at Picnic Trend do not attend any outdoor event without our tried and trusted Sports Chairs.

Cons: While this may not be a drawback, the Picnic Time Sports Chair is not necessarily a chair for lounging. While extremely comfortable, the the Sports Chair is not designed for someone wishing to take a quick snooze. Also, while the shoulder straps make carrying the chairs a breeze, we wouldn’t recommend trying to carry more than 2 at a time as it could get a little tricky.

Click here for a closer look at the Picnic Time Sports Chair

Picnic Trend Coupon Code

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:50:00 +0000

In the spirit of our Spring Sale, we've created a new coupon code for our customers to use. During checkout, you can apply the coupon SPRINGDEALS to receive an additional 5% off your order total, for all orders of $50.00 or more. As a bonus, this coupon code will also work for any products already marked down for our Spring Sale!

Product Spotlight: Picnic Time Avalon Picnic Backpack

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:44:00 +0000

Oftentimes we like to highlight certain deals on picnic supplies that we honestly believe are too good not to tell our blog readers about. This week, we are compelled to tell you about the Avalon Picnic Backpack and the incredible deal that you can get on it from now until 4/30/09.

The Avalon Picnic Backpack from Picnic Time is a well-made insulated backpack constructed from a high quality polyester canvas. The backpack is fully insulated and comes with a removable waterproof liner, so cleanup is nice and easy. The attached wine pouch keeps your bottle well secured and is a great addition to the bag.

This backpack usually retails for $94.99 but is currently selling for $47.50. (50% OFF!)

Picnic Time Sale - 50% Off

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Get excited - it's time for Picnic Trend's annual Spring Sale!!
We're celebrating Spring's arrival by giving our customers 50% off some really great Picnic Time products.

Now is your chance to pickup the perfect gift for friends and family at a ridiculously low price! Great gifts for everyone, including

Director's Chair - Oak foldable chair with detachable side table and insulated drink holder. Retails for $89.99 - on sale for $45.00
Hydration Pack - Insulated backpack with integrated 2L hydration system. Great for hikers, bikers, skiers and hunters. Retails for $37.99 - on sale for $19.00.
Tahoe Powered Cooler - Insulated cooler with a 12V DC thermoelectric cooler. This powered cooler ensures that your cold items stay cold no matter how long you're on the road. Retails for $82.99 - on sale for $41.50.

and 35 other great gift ideas!