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| Wicker basket in the grass. Photo: stevendepolo/Flickr |
To save cash and strength, follow these guidelines to whip up a perfect go-to dining bag for all of your outdoor eating:
- The Backpack -- Rather than lugging a big basket, this offers both ease of movement and lots of nooks and crannies for picnic essentials.
- Cutlery and Gadgets -- Silverware gets heavy fast, so the best bets for travel are plastic forks, knives and spoons. Be sure to also slip in some bottle or can openers and a multiuse knife for any possible beverage or food needs.
- Cups and Plates -- Anything light and unbreakable works best; ignore stems and flairs in favor of functionality. Juice cups might not be ideal for wine, but they're sure practical to carry and balance on uneven ground.
- Insulated Lunch Bag -- Buying specialty bags can be quite pricey, but grabbing a cheap lunch variety and slipping it in the pack works just as well.
- Zipper Lock Bags -- The secret weapon. They can help keep things organized, store used plates and silverware until they can be washed and protect any uneaten food.












