Everyone loves a picnic! Eating outside can make even a simple meal seem like an adventure (if you're a kid), romantic (if you're a couple), or just a welcome change of pace (for the rest of us). But you don't have to trek to a park, beach, or forest preserve; it's just as fun (and much easier) to have one in your own backyard. These recipe and craft ideas will help you get organized.

Though you're only going as far as the yard, you'll want to plan your picnic the same way you would if you were packing up the car and setting off for a destination. Start by picking a menu and making a list of everything you'll need. Pretend as if you can't get up and run into the house if you forgot something (trust us, you and your guests will have a much better time this way). To figure out what basic items you'll need, check out our planning checklist.

Even though you're just going to your backyard, plan a menu that is easy to pack, unfussy enough to eat while you're sitting on the ground, and a cinch to clean up, but still enjoyable for everyone attending.

Pack heavier items, like bottles of wine, containers of salads and other side dishes, and cheeses first. On top, place lightweight items such as sandwiches, crackers, and anything else that might get smashed. You may also want to pack a separate cooler. Lay some frozen water bottles on their sides and a bag or two of ice on the bottom of the cooler, then place anything else you'd like to keep cold on top.

Make sure to bring a blanket (look for one with a waterproof bottom) and other picnic essentials: plates, napkins, silverware, serving pieces, cups, lanterns or candles if it's nighttime, condiments, a corkscrew, trash bags, paper towels, sunscreen, and bug spray.

These ideas will make picnicking as easy as eating at the kitchen table -- and guarantee that guests will have a great time. They'll come in handy whenever you eat outdoors.

Make Our Portable Picnic Utensil Roll
Make Our Dish Towel Picnic Carrier
Use Your Picnic Blanket as a Basket
Make Ice Packs Out of Your Water Bottles

Now that you've got everything together, head out into the backyard and enjoy an afternoon or an evening with family and friends.