camping trip

One of my all time favorite movies is Troop Beverly Hills starring Shelly Long. In the film, she makes camping utterly glamorous with her fabulous tents and fashionable safari ware. With the right sort of decorations, you too can turn your campsite into a lush playground like Phyllis Nefler did. Obviously you will need the basics, such as tents and sleeping bags, but also pack a beautiful tablecloth, lots of unscented, colorful pillar candles and vases for all of the fresh wildflowers you find in the wilderness. Cushions for campfire chairs are essential for nights by the fire, as are a stack of thick blankets to keep everyone warm. Bring reusable wine and cocktail glasses and serve the food on colorful plastic plates. Set placemats on top of coolers to create makeshift coffee tables for the campfire chairs. Bring large paper napkins and dish towels for cleaning up after the meals. Got a great campfire decoration idea? Please share it with us below!!

In my opinion, camping trips should always involve a lot of alcoholic beverages. For the gourmet-like menu that you'll be enjoying over the weekend, lots of beer, wine, soda, and water (sparkling and still) will be necessary. To chill all of these beverages you will need several coolers with lots of ice so be sure to delegate. Have everyone bring a few 12 packs of beer and several bottles of wine. To ensure variety, assign fellow campers either a light or dark beer and a red or white wine. Everyone can bring their own water, sodas, and juices. Since you are planning the trip, it's a good idea to have the fixings for one surprise specialty cocktail that both men and ladies can enjoy. The last time I was at a campground I whipped up a cocktail similar to a hurricane and it was a huge hit. Although it has a pinkish hue, guys like it when they hear it's based on a hurricane. Get the recipe, just read more

Yesterday I started planning the menu to a camping weekend in Yosemite. Instead of supplying the food for all the meals, ask guests to contribute. Have one couple bring sandwich fixings for Saturday's lunch. Have another bring Sunday's breakfast in the form of bagels, cream cheese, muffins, and fruit. For Saturday's dinner wrap salmon in foil and bake over the grill. Potatoes and onion packets cook the same way, wrapped tightly in foil. Cherry tomato skewers round out the menu.

A store bought fruit pie with whipped cream finishes the night on a sweet note. On Sunday before you pack up and drive off, serve guests a filling lunch of stuffed hot dogs. For these recipes read more

When planning a camping trip, select a menu before you leave the house and get as much as you can done in advance. For a weekend getaway, you should prep Friday & Saturday dinners and Saturday & Sunday breakfasts and lunches. For Friday afternoon's arrival at the campground, have a cooler of store bought snacks ready. Creamy cheeses, chips and dips, and sliced salami will tide guests over while setting up the tent. For the main course reheat already made corn chowder over the campfire. A green salad with fresh fruit pairs nicely with the chowder. Don't forget the fixings to s'mores, the classic campground dessert. The following morning for breakfast, scramble a big batch of herbed cream cheese eggs, serve bacon, toast, and sausage as hearty sides. For these tasty recipes, read more

Although I'm no camper, I promised a friend I would help her plan a camping getaway for her boyfriend and a few other couples. They are going for the weekend, Friday afternoon to Sunday night, and I am organizing all the details before they leave. She called me up at the last minute and I threw together a quick invitation. To see how I made this invite in less than 15 minutes — evite couldn't have done it quicker — read more

If you haven't had the chance to get away for a weekend of camping, now is your chance. Most campgrounds require that you call ahead to reserve a campsite, so make your reservations now. Ask friends where they've camped to get recommendations. I love to get sites that are right on the water, so when you wake up in the morning you can take a quick dip.

Planning ahead for your trip will ensure that you don't forget anything. Make a list and be sure to get all your gear ahead of time. Pack for all kinds of weather, not just the weather you're hoping for. Also remember that you're in the woods, which means it may be a bit colder and much buggier, so don't forget the jeans, sweatshirt and bug spray. Also, don't forget the ingredients to make S'mores!

Here's what I like to pack: