4^th of July weekend is a great time to kick off National Picnic Month. If you don’t have a backyard barbecue planned, you can just pack up the picnic basket and head for the nearest park.

Picnics are fun almost any time of the year, but the month of celebration gives you a chance to be creative. Of course, you could stick to fried chicken and potato salad, but why not try some new and different themes for your July picnics?

Here are three fun ideas to get you started:

• Pasta Picnic: Instead of potato salad, make up a cold pasta dish. Here’s a great place to find some recipes. My favorites are the chicken caesar and greek pasta salads. Serve them as main dishes or on the side. Yum!
• Wine Picnic: Summer wines like Pinot gris or grigio, Sauvignon blanc and Rosé are perfect for picnics. Slice up some exotic cheeses, fresh vegetables and fruits to go with them and don’t forget the fresh bread!
• Hot Dog Picnic: Whether they’re the main dish or side salad, everyone loves a good hot dog. Stir up some dogs and beans or make cold hot dog sandwiches. Since they’re tasty warm or cold, hot dogs are the perfect picnic food.

Whatever you decide, National Picnic Month is all about getting out in the fresh air, eating something delicious and maybe even having a short nap on the picnic blanket — just watch out for the ants!

Your “Picture Perfect Picnics” Gift Guru,
Linda