Due to the prolonged period of isolation caused by COVID-19, many individuals are in desperate search for an opportunity to reconnect with others without endangering themselves and their loved ones. Many of the activities that were enjoyed prior to the pandemic have been rendered unfeasible considering the nation’s circumstances. However, Claire Lee, a teen in Orange County, and her friends found that a picnic was the perfect way of reuniting in a relatively safe manner.
As her friend’s birthday approached, Claire thought that surprising her with a picnic would be a great idea, especially because most traditional birthday parties were now very unsafe. She proceeded to let a few of her friends know about her plan and decide on a location: an open field at a local park. This would allow for them to distance themselves when meeting and avoid interaction with strangers. Of course, eating in an open field several feet apart was much safer than going to an indoor restaurant where people may be closely crowded together. In addition, they made sure to wear masks at all times, aside from eating, in order to minimize their risk.
Luckily, hosting a picnic is quite simple; the only necessary components are an open location, something to sit on, various snacks, and a few loved ones. Parks or fields are generally the best options for picnics and can be found easily by asking around or doing a Google search. Most people lay down a blanket or mat to sit on at picnics, but each person can have their own in order to maximize safety during COVID. As for the food, the possibilities are endless! Claire and her friends opted for a trendy and delicious charcuterie board of crackers, cheese and fruit; however, other popular picnic foods include sandwiches, salads, and pasta. In most cases, each member attending the picnic will be responsible for bringing certain dishes, drinks, or utensils in order to contribute to a potluck-style meal.
During the week of her friend’s birthday, Claire asked her to meet at the park where the picnic had been set up. Claire and her friends had arrived early to carefully arrange the snacks, drinks, gifts, and flowers on a blanket in the field. They successfully surprised their friend and enjoyed a delightful meal while catching up with each other.
