Gather up a blanket and your other picnic things because it's almost time for a Thanksgiving picnic. Celebrate the beautiful late November weather by dining outdoors this holiday season.

Plan Your Thanksgiving Menu

Start by deciding on your menu and making a list of all the ingredients you'll need. If you're planning on inviting others to your celebratory picnic, why not invite them to bring their favorite vegetable side dish? After all, you can never have too many veggie sides at Thanksgiving. A few picnic-friendly food ideas include -- Chilled pumpkin soup served with pumpkin seed brittle garnish, turkey baguette sandwiches with cranberry chutney, and fruit hand pies.

Get Organized Early

You don't have to eat off paper plates with plastic forks just because your Thanksgiving dinner is outside this year. Instead, consider renting dishes and flatware for your meal. The best part is - no dirty dishes to wash! The rental company will take care of the cleanup for you. Make sure you reserve your rental items early to ensure they'll be available when you need them.

Always Plan For Kids And Bad Weather

Unless you want kids playing tag across the picnic blanket, it's a good idea to plan a couple of fun activities for them. There are plenty of lawn games, crafts, and activities to keep them nearby but out of the way.

If the weather does happen to turn, you should always have a backup plan. Picnics aren't much fun when it's wet, cold, or windy outside. If you're expecting a large number of guests, it may be worth paying a deposit to ensure a suitable space is available if needed.

If you're looking for more great lifestyle ideas, check out the Olympus Waterford blog.