The weather is getting nicer! What better way to enjoy it than to spend time outdoors with friends and family?

Food is by far one of the easiest and most fun ways to bring people together. The Tasting Table and Ruffino Wine have teamed up and sent us a mini Picnic Guide to restaurants and the parks nearest to them for you to explore and enjoy local Chicago cuisine in some of the prettiest spots in the city!

Click HERE for the PDF.

And as our contribution, here are a few tips on successful picnicking!

• Make a plan - Write out a checklist of everything you may need (i.e. blanket, your menu, sunscreen, frisbee, radio to listen to Thursday Casserole, etc..)


• Keep the food on the lighter side, like salads and sandwiches. After all, you are going to be outside in the sun, so for example, foods filled with a lot of dairy may not be the best idea...


• If picnicking with a larger group, have everyone bring a snack or dish for all the other guests. That way it's not only cheaper for you but everyone can have something they know they like.


• Try to be neat and keep food contained to reduce the attraction of bugs and animals. Also, be sure not to leave your trash behind when you leave as a courtesy to fellow picnickers and your planet!


• Feel free to make new friends but don't gatecrash other people's picnic if you're not welcome.


• Bring a camera to capture all the fun memories and stories!

Send us your favorite picnic stories or tips at ThursdayCasserole@gmail.com and tune in every Thursday from 3 to 6 CST for a chance to hear your messages on-air!!