Lunch or Tackle Box

An old lunch box or a fishing tackle box can easily be turned into a handy storage box for your barbecue paraphernalia. You can use the space to store all of your spices and barbecue sauces, as well as potholders, utensils and other items you might need. Both lunch and tackle boxes come in various sizes, so look around to find one that suits your needs.

Plastic Cleaning Container

You may want to make a stop at the housewares department of your local store and pick up a plastic cleaning container. These durable containers have handles and are divided into compartments, so it will be easy to organize utensils and spices and have them ready anytime you need them.

Carpenter’s Apron

If you would rather have all of your necessities at your fingertips, buy a carpenter’s apron for yourself. The large front pockets provide plenty of space for all of the tools you’ll need for your
outdoor experience.

Ironing Board Buffet

If you don’t have a picnic table or a patio set, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to serve your food outdoors with ease if you think creatively.

Your ironing board has probably been relegated to just the task of ironing in the past, but you don’t need to limit its uses. It can also serve as a portable buffet or a table for equipment when you’re barbecuing. Place the ironing board on a level, solid surface, and check to make sure it’s secure before you use it.

To make the board more stable, place bricks or bags of sand on its legs. Then drape a tablecloth or oilcloth over the board, and it’s ready for any outdoor serving ideas you can think of.

For those of you who are a bit more ambitious, you can make a table drape with pockets to hold all of the utensils.  This can be simply sewn, and it puts all of the utensils at your guests’ fingertips.

I trust that you will be able to find one or two ideas that will help you organize your next outdoor experience.  Some of my most memorable times have been ones I have shared with my friends and family outdoors.   Our family is all getting together to celebrate my birthday next Monday before I leave for a month in China.  It is my desire to share many of my experiences when I am over there with you. 

Would you like to get in on weekly Outdoor Cooking and Camping Tips from Dian Thomas, “Queen of Outdoor Cooking?” Dian has been writing about the outdoors for more than 30 years, and is glad to share with you her creative and fun ideas. Go to www.CampingWithDian.com and get started today! © 2008 by Dian Thomas.