Planning a Family Picnic

Family picnics are a great way to socialize and can be quite memorable especially in fair weather. However, even when the sun is not out, an indoor family picnic can be organized which is an opportune chance to enjoy the home’s interior décor. Planning a family picnic is fairly easy since the guest list is uncomplicated and determined. The favourite snacks and meals for different members are also known and for further clarification consultations can be done effortlessly. The success of any event is partly due to the location and this also applies for a sensational family picnic experience. Popular spots include parks with some using picnics as a selling point, making them very scenic and complete with all the necessary amenities. However, a spacious yard is also ideal for a family picnic.

Healthy Picnic Snacks and Drinks

Apart from socializing, people want to eat and drink to their fill at picnics so it is important to have enough food and cooled drinks for everyone. It is better to have surplus than not to have enough, especially the drinks. Since there is usually a tendency to overeat, it is advisable to prepare healthy snacks that will not cause stomach upsets later. Fruits like apples, melons, pineapples and bananas are not only great tasting but also healthy and cooling so be sure to pack lots of these. Salads will also provide variety as well as being healthy snacks and bitings.

Most importantly, check the weather conditions of the picnic destination before leaving the house. Though disappointing, it may be better to reschedule than to have a picnic in the rain! However, the living room or gazebo may also be used as a picnic spot if the weather outdoors is unfavourable. This will give the family a chance to appreciate the interior décor and play indoor games.

Preparing for a Family Vacation

At some point during the Christmas holidays, the family goes away even if it is just for the weekend. They could go away to visit relatives or friends or just get away on a family bonding trip. It is therefore important to be prepared well in advance and get everything in order before the departure day. Prior preparation will avert the characteristic stress related with such trips and ensure an enjoyable and memorable vacation. It is helpful to communicate the vacation destination to all the family members so that there are no unpleasant surprises. This information will also help in knowing what to pack for the trip and the kind of weather expected.

Tips for Changing Family Traditions

It helps to be realistic when planning a family vacation and learning from the past. If in the past vacationing in the same destination was not very pleasant, consider changing the destination or doing things differently this year. If it is a family tradition that is becoming too old, expect some resistance from the family in your attempts to change it. However a good well thought out explanation that emphasizes on the positive attributes of the change and the benefits to all, as opposed to bashing the tradition, will have back on your side again.

Have every member of the family involved in the decision making and planning process so that all concerns are aired and ironed out beforehand. This will ensure a peaceful and relaxed vacation as it is meant to be. A family discussion will also be a great forum to assign duties and responsibilities for everyone so they know what is expected of them. Vacations can be rough for the one person who has to clean up after everyone else or babysit constantly unless they enjoy it but sharing the duties is more fun.

Planning a Christmas Barbeque Menu

When planning a family barbeque, one prays for fair weather first and foremost so that the entire crowd can enjoy the grilled treats in the beautiful yard. Tents or other such party covering is a good idea just in case the weather is not all that fair. Well, the weather conditions may not be in our control but the barbeque menu and recipes are, so after the prayer for fair weather conditions how about getting creative on the grill. Meat and meat products such as beef, chicken, goat, lamb, pork, bacon and sausages are top on the list of barbeque items. Fish and other seafood are also great when grilled. These taste exceptional when marinated in different ingredients preferably overnight before being grilled or roasted. The marinade helps to tenderize the meat and this coupled with the extra flavouring makes the meat go down so well.

Nutritious and Balanced Barbeque Menu

Another favourite barbeque item is sausages which taste different when grilled and tend to be healthier than the deep fried variety. When expecting kids at the barbeque be sure to include these in different flavours as they are a favourite. For a more filling barbeque menu, potatoes and other tubers such as sweet potatoes and arrowroots are great when grilled. Children are bound to enjoy their potatoes as fries and it would be alright to indulge them. Other great starches include ugali which is a staple with roast meat and chapattis.

Complete and balance the diet by including lots of fresh fruit juice and lemon water to wash it all down. Fresh fruits are also great thirst quenchers and add to the colourful display and holiday décor. Some fruit flavours are also enhanced by a bit of grilling; have you ever sampled lightly grilled pineapple rings? Try them this Christmas and savour their flavour.

Maasai Mara Family Holiday

One way for the family bond to get strengthened is by going on a family holiday. Here, without the routine of daily family life, the family members can let their hair down and give each other the much needed attention. A popular holiday spot the world over is the Maasai Mara advantageously located on the southern part of Kenya. The Mara, as it is popularly known, is easily accessed by road or air from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. The journey to the Mara from Nairobi by road takes about four to five hours and can be quite adventurous as one travels along the beautiful landscape.

Wonderful Adventures at the Mara

A family holiday at the Mara is a great opportunity to enjoy the wildlife as one also enjoys the modern amenities from the numerous hotels, lodges and campsites located in the area. Most of these are family friendly, offering facilities fitting for a family to stay comfortably as though they were in their own house. This is especially important for families with toddler or pre teen who can be quite demanding in terms of keeping them occupied, their living spaces and also in their diet. Cabins are most ideal for families as the meals can be prepared and personalized for the family making the holiday most memorable.

Another advantage of taking a family holiday at the Mara is that there are always subsidized rates for Kenyan residents and attractive family packages. Among the spectacular attractions available at the Mara include balloon safaris which can be enjoyed by the entire family and are quite breathtaking. The Mara is famous for the wildebeest migration during the months of July to September. This event is classified as one of the wonders of the world and will add to the pleasure of the holiday, leaving the entire family rejuvenated.

A Family Cookout

One great way to enjoy the lovely lawn and the patio or gazebo you incorporated in your interior decorating is having a family cook out. It will do wonders to the family bonding and is a wonderful way of enjoying the good weather and using the attractive garden furniture. A child’s birthday is a great opportunity for a family cookout where friends and family are invited for a superb day of eating, drinking and making merry. The menu for such an event is most important and must include all the age groups present. A barbeque does this perfectly as well as having a different meal like a casserole ready for the younger age group who might not be able to wait for the grilled stuff.

Planning a Cookout Menu

It is important to shop as a family and well in advance for such an occasion to ensure that all necessities are covered. Enough napkins and cutlery is essential for a smooth running event without having to dash to the store. Also depending on the number of guests and their preferred drink, stock up on a variety juices and soft drinks and have them chilled well before the guests arrive. Different snacks like crisps and dips will keep the guests busy before the grilled stuff is ready.

Wet weather can spring up on a sunny day unannounced so to be on the safe side, pitch tents over garden furniture, which will be practical in case the sun is scorching too. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, sausages, corn on the cob and a variety of fruits and vegetables are favourite or all age groups so be sure to include these in the menu. Desserts like ice cream and cake are always a welcome treat. Plan well and enjoy a day with family and friends in your garden.