Disposable may seem like the easy way to host a picnic... until you spend the extra money to buy all the disposables for a summer's worth of picnics, or until you see all the extra garbage at the end of the day and realize how much got added to the land fill.
[br]Think green and save money by making reusable things for all of your picnics.
Insulated Can or Juice Box Wraps
Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
An insulating soda can or juice box wrap keeps the beverage cold and identifies who's is who's at a party. Use your scraps to have a pile ready for your picnic or make them for the host at a picnic you are attending.
Insulated Totes For Soda & Water Bottles
Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
These insulating covers are great way to keep soda and water bottles cold, as well as identifiable so every one knows which bottle is theirs.
Sew a Fabric Dish or Dish Insulator
Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
Keeping food at the correct temperature is important to prevent spoiling the entire day. Follow these directions to create a safe harbor for food you are serving or food you are bringing to someone else's home.
Stay Put Picnic Tablecloth and Bench Covers
Here's a picnic table cloth that will stay put even on a windy day. Make matching bench covers that can be tossed in the washer for easy clean up.Cloth Napkins with Mitered Corners
Fabric napkins save what goes in to the landfill and they are a great learn to sew project. If you're worried about stains, set out a bucket of soapy water for your guests to the throw the napkins in when they are done eating.Sew a Basket Liner for a Rectangle Basket
Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
I like to set all the silverware and serving utensils out on a picnic table in a basket. It keeps it from ending up on the ground or all over the table.
Sew a Basket Liner for a Round or Square Basket with Sloped Sides ...
Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
A basket can be used for so many things you put on the table for a picnic. These directions guide you through creating a lining for any size basket.
Simple Potholder
Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
These potholder can be used like a BBQ mitt but are simple to sew. They can also be turned to "hide" the dirty part.
Chef's Hat
Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
Every picnic has a master at the grill... add to the fun by making the grill master, the official chef.
Sew A BBQ Apron
Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
An apron is an essential at the grill and in the kitchen. Make extras so anyone who wants to help can grab an apron.
