Evening Edge

What to pack

All these items aren't necessary for a pleasant meal, but they do come in handy.

Special (ENLARGE)

It's a fact: Sandwiches taste better when they're cut into little triangles.

• Basket, backpack or other tote

• Plastic tarp or liner in case ground is wet

• Blanket

• Mosquito repellent

• Citronella candles (with glass hurricanes) and matches, if fire safety can be ensured

• Bottle opener and/or corkscrew

• Frozen cold pack

• Plates and forks for everyone, plus one or two extra

• Cups

• Serving spoons

• Paper napkins

• Hand towelettes

• Bottled water

• Garbage bag

Food tips: How to pack, what to leave at home

• Scientifically proven fact: Sandwiches taste better if they're cut into little triangles.

• If you want tomatoes or other items on your sandwich that make bread soggy, pack them separately and add them at mealtime.

• Avoid messy foods, such as Buffalo chicken wings or meatball subs and, of course, ice cream.

• Stay away from foods that don't hold up well in the heat such as mayonnaise-rich salads — unless you pack them with a cold gel pack. Frozen bottles of water can serve double duty as ice packs.