Before the recession, we went out to eat every Friday. These days, our budget is a little tighter, but I still hate cooking on Friday nights. I need a night off from rushing home to get something in the oven, harassing my daughter to set the table, and scrubbing a pile of pots and pans. So I've tried to think of creative ways to make Friday nights different from the rest of the week. One of my most successful ideas has been the no-cook living room picnic. My husband and I have a cocktail, and we all graze on a bunch of simple foods that I set out on the coffee table. It's cheaper than eating out, but it still feels like a break from the routine. Here are the key items I include in my picnic:

Raw vegetables (carrots, sliced cucumbers, red peppers)
Hummus
A nice piece of cheese (Brie is my favorite)
A baguette
Fresh fruit

Other good additions would be leftover cold chicken, smoked salmon, bagels and cream cheese or, for a more Southern twist, ham biscuits. If you have time earlier in the week to whip up tuna, chicken or pasta salad, those would also be great additions. But don't try to make them on Friday night, because there is no cooking allowed at this picnic. I'd love to hear your creative ideas for picnic foods.

Looking for other menu ideas? Go to www.trianglemom2mom.com/eat and check back here every Wednesday.