Fill your baskets with 4th of July fun

"Bring a blanket and a picnic." ——Wickerchina.com

It seems that most Fourth of July events tack this suggestion on at the end.

But where to begin? Those perfect picnic scenarios don't fall out of the sky - they take hard work to pull off.

We know you're busy enough wrangling the family this weekend, so consider us the picnic police.

We'll show you what to remember - and what to leave at home - for a happy Fourth of July celebration. After all, nothing spoils a good picnic like forgetting the bug spray.

What to bring?

A picnic basket or cooler. Many newer picnic baskets are insulated for extra convenience, but a standard cooler will do the trick. Keeping food and beverages cold is essential.

Blanket. An obvious thing to check off the list, but be sure to bring more than one. You don't want a spill to spoil the night. Some new picnic blankets are made to travel and have handles for easy transport.

Tarp. Throwing a tarp in the trunk couldn't hurt - it might come in handy if you are in a wet patch.

Insect repellent. A must, especially once dusk falls and mosquitoes descend on your area. Check your supply before you leave, so you'll have enough.

Sunscreen. If you start early, and the weather is as hot as predicted, a burn might be an unexpected guest to your patriotic picnic. Bring a sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply often.

First-aid kit. Even if it's for a small cut or scrape, you don't want to be searching for a bandage during the fireworks.

Other essentials:

Napkins               Utensils                 Wet wipes               Bottle/wine opener

Drink Koozies      Water                    Trash sack              Cups for beverages

Paper plates        Salt and pepper    Condiments     

Just for kicks:

Solar lights. Buy a few of the popular lights and stick them in the ground. A fun way to set your picnic apart, the kids can use them to find home base once it gets dark.

Portable speakers. You can plug in your smartphone and enjoy your own music before fireworks start.

Glow sticks. The kids love them - and so do you. A fun way to light up the night on your own.

Pinwheels. Another fun touch. Stick them in the ground around your area, or let the kids play.
Fourth of July food

It's not a picnic without the food, naturally.

But before you fill the basket up with your favorites, watch out for spoilers.

"I would definitely stay away from heavy sauces, heavy creams, cheese," said Jeremy Taylor, a bloger said on wickerchina. "To keep it fresh and especially with this heat, make sure you bring plenty of fruits and veggies."

Not only do fruits and veggies have vitamins, they also contain moisture, which helps hydrate, he said.

If grilling will be part of your picnic, pack the meats in zip-top bags.

"I am a huge Ziploc fan. When I'm packing up my ice chest, I'll marinate chicken or beef and put it in a Ziploc. The bags hold the marinade closer to the food, and it's so easy. When you're done and eaten it all, you can take it with you," Taylor said.

Avoid mayonnaise-heavy sides and salads, he said, and at the minimum keep them on ice or in the shade.

"Avoid anything sugar-based, and don't let it sit too long - in the heat, that's the perfect storm for bacteria," he said.

Rather, he suggests bringing tabouli or a vinaigrette-based side salad or slaw.

And for dessert, Taylor makes his own frozen pops.

"Make a simple syrup, then use a 3-to-1 ration of fruit puree and simple syrup, add some lemon or lime juice, and freeze in ice cube trays," he said.

Try this frozen ice pop recipe for Fourth of July picnic from Country Living.

Kiwi Ice Pops

1 3/4 cups water
1 cup sugar
4 kiwis
1/2 cup fresh lime juice, about four limes

1. Make the syrup: Combine 1 cup of water with the sugar in a small saucepan and bring just to a boil. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the ice pops: Using a paring knife, cut kiwis into quarters, peel, and remove the white core and seeds from each piece. Place the seeded kiwi pieces in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade and purée to a liquid - about 1 minute. Combine the puréed kiwi, 3/4 cup syrup, lime juice, and remaining 3/4 cup water in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into molds, or Dixie cups with sticks, and freeze until solid - about 6 hours.

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