Low budget—This simple party should only run you about $8 a person, if that. The park venue—Do a little Internet research to find a park near you that allows you to reserve picnic sites. As many other people are likely to spend the day in the park, you’ll want to ensure you have a great spot. Look for a park that has roomy sites with picnic tables, grills, and trashcans, as well as a public restroom nearby. You might have to make a few calls to find the right park with all your desired amenities. Be sure to reserve your site as far ahead of time as possible because the really good spots are sure to fill up fast. Rental permits are usually inexpensive—less than $20—and you might even be able to make the arrangements online or over the phone. Guest List and Invitations Your guest list should include about 20 people. Invite friends, co-workers, and family; if you want to invite children, make sure your party is appropriate for all ages. You might also find out if dogs are permitted at your park of choice and, if so, invite guests to bring their pets. For this casual party, Internet invitations are perfect. You can keep track of your guests and what they choose to bring, which will save you time and money. Menu Plan a potluck menu. Although you’ll provide the basics, ask each guest to bring one item to contribute to the picnic, such as condiments, garnishes, buns, chips, cookies, ice, soda, paper plates, plastic utensils, cups, side dishes, and bottled water. For your part, plan this menu:

Appetizers—Deviled eggs, onion dip and potato chips, cheese and crackers Side dishes—Terry Wilksen’s Summer Salad, grilled corn on the cob, watermelon Main course—Grilled sausages, hamburgers, and veggie burgers (garnishes: onion, lettuce, tomato, and cheese) Dessert—Toasted marshmallows Beverages—Cranberry Cocktail Punch Cooler (bring a bottle of vodka to spike the cooler if alcohol is permitted at your picnic site), soda, bottled water

To add a touch of merriment to your party, spike the watermelon with vodka. A week before the party, cut a 1"-diameter hole in the watermelon and empty in the contents of a 750ml bottle of vodka (the cheap stuff is fine). Refrigerate until the day of the party. If you have a tight budget, eliminate the hamburgers and switch the sausages to hot dogs. Your guests won’t mind at all because park picnics are typically low-tech.