Wings and Roots Party
I love to throw parties, but honestly, sometimes I just don’t want the mess at my house. I want a simple get-together, that I can enjoy as much as my guest. Parties at a park are the perfect solution, for entertaining without the hassle and stress. Learn to throw the perfect picnic in the park. Simple and Stress-free.
How To Throw the Perfect Picnic in the park
Wings and Roots Party
Wings to Fly &
Roots to Come Home
THE MENU
Grilled Chicken Wings with 5 Sauce Options
The Perfect Baked Potato & Toppings Station
– Follow recipe – but instead of cucumber cups “plant” in inexpensive plastic cups.
Cookies Shaped like Birds and Trees – Buy them from a bakery or have a friend that loves to bake make these for you.
Picnic Punch
Tubs of Ice Cold Water, Sparkling Water, and Sodas
DECORATIONS
Moss Baskets to hold forks and knives + napkins
Potted Plants – with birds and feathers
Birds and Feathers
MAKE IT MEMORABLE
Find or make a wood sign for guests to sign with their advice and well wishes.
This could be a picture of a tree with deep roots, or birds flying, puffy clouds in a bright blue sky.
Keep it Simple so Guests can write on it.
ACTIVITIES & FAVORS
Everyone loves to work on projects. Try throwing a kid’s art party and just see how the adults “help” the kids. So these are easy ideas, that don’t require a bunch of planning and will become a meaningful keepsake to remember this special occasion.
Potted Plants – personalize with guests names and send them home as a party favor or bring craft supplies to let guests customize their pots. Pots can be purchased at The Dollar Store (my happy place).
or
Plant a Seed of Inspiration – Bring pots and potting mix, flower seeds, printed care instructions and craft supplies. Have guests customize their pot and plant with seeds. A fun activity and a great party favor.
The Plan
Plan The Perfect Picnic in the Park
- Pick the Park – decide what activities are important, do you just need a shelter or do you want something special like proximity to a beach or other activity.
- Park Party Vibe – Once you’ve narrowed your park choices visit them during the day and time that you want to throw your party to make sure it fits your group.
- Book a Picnic Shelter – Some parks have Picnic shelters with electric and some without. Decide if you need electricity – you can typically save a few dollars if you don’t need electricity.
- Confirm Amenities – Make sure they have a grill or will let you bring a grill.
- Be Courteous – Get a copy of the Park Rules and follow them – Many parks don’t allow alcoholic beverages, plan accordingly. Also, check on the noise and music restrictions. If everyone follows the park rules, you’ll have a great afternoon or fresh air, good food surrounded by family and friends.
- Prep & Prepare Food in Advance – In the sample menu the grilled wings are cooked overnight in a slow cooker and then finished on the grill at the park, potatoes are cooked beforehand and wrapped in foil and transported warm in a thermal basket, salads are made in individual cups. Make dessert easy. Buy a cake decorated with birds and trees or cookies in the shapes of birds and trees.
- Plan Place Settings – Cover the table with a tablecloth. Pick-up heavy duty paper plates and coordinating napkins. Put silverware in clay pots and napkins in a moss basket.
- Keep Beverages Cold – Make sure you have enough coolers to keep beverages cold. Most parks are glass free zones, so check before bringing glass bottles.
- Kick Back & Have a Great Day.
Grilled Chicken Wings
Cook the chicken Wings overnight in a slow cooker and finish over a charcoal grill at the park.
+ Mix up a couple of different dipping sauces to go with the chicken wings. Super Simple!
The Perfect Baked Potato Bar
Precook the baked potatoes in the oven or microwave, wrap in foil drizzled with olive oil and coated in salt, keep them warm and finish them on the grill. Set-up a potato topping station. if you are including sour cream and butter make sure you keep them on ice.
Flower Power Salads in a Cup
I love Edible Flowers. I think they are so pretty and they make a really simple salad seem really special. You can usually find edible flowers at Whole Foods, farmers markets or online. Use inexpensive cups to “plant” your salad and top with flowers. Serve a light vinaigrette on the side.
Picnic Punch
I think making a signature drink for every party is fun. Serve your signature punch in a 1 or 2-gallon drink dispenser. You may need to use a plastic dispenser if the park doesn’t allow glass. Remember to have a clean cooler filled with ice for beverages.
Party Favors – Seeds of Inspiration
Plant a Seed of Inspiration – Bring pots and potting mix, flower seeds, printed care instructions and craft supplies. Have guests customize their pot and plant with seeds. A fun activity and a great party favor.
Wishes and Advice Keepsake
Find or make a wood sign for guests to sign with their advice and well wishes.
This could be a picture of a tree with deep roots, or birds flying, puffy clouds in a bright blue sky.
Keep it simple so guests can write on it.
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