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Picnic Tip: How To Make a Watermelon Sling

01watermelon052609.jpg052609-watermelon.jpgOne of our favorite things to bring to outdoor get-togethers (or give as a hostess gift) is a whole watermelon. Not only does it alleviate the stress of prep work, but it's easy to pack and go in a jiffy, especially when it's being toted around in a sling. Although it looks like something the stork would bring (babies, watermelon, same difference right?), this easy sling means no slipping, dropping or rolling around can occur!

 
 

We start by laying a large flour sack dishtowel out on our table. We made a quick diagram (above) because although this is a simple thought, it's best drawn instead of photographed, as you will soon see.

Using your average and most basic knot, tie corners 1 & 3 together. Next tie corners 2 & 4 down over the first knot. Once more tie 1 & 3 to hold the whole thing tight. You will now be able to pick up all 4 corners and sling it over your shoulder (like a continental soldier) as you head out the door.

The knots keep it from rolling around the floorboards or seats of your car as you drive to your destination (hell hath no furry like a watermelon on the loose!). It will still turn until it hits the knot, but shouldn't go sailing around under your feet. If you're walking to your party, it's easy to pick up by it's handles and carry without the fear of slipping and splattering on the ground.

Wrap it up in your favorite dishtowel and leave it with the hostess, or bring a second one just for her to enjoy once all the guests have gone. If you don't have a dish towel large enough, try using a reuseable grocery sack, making sure the seams will hold the weight of your chosen melon!

Related: Recipe: Watermelon Popsicles

(Images: Sarahrae)

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Ingredients - Fruit, GREEN IDEAS, party, easy, inexpensive, watermelon, pot luck, carrying

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Comments (6)

Hey, that looks like furoshiki! Love it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki

http://www.abreadaday.com

posted by eprewitt on May 26th 2009 at 2:14pm
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@ eprewitt - that's exactly what I thought when I saw this. It's a furoshiki!

posted by hareyakara on May 26th 2009 at 4:21pm
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Nice idea!

posted by Dana McCauley on May 26th 2009 at 6:07pm
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Love the idea (and watermelon), but I'm curious about the rationale of giving one as a hostess gift/requiring no prep work. Is it just the folks I know, or don't a lot of people avoid watermelon due to the carving involved? (likewise, pineapple)

posted by renata on May 26th 2009 at 6:32pm
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Good question renata! Although I think there is a bit more worry behind the pineapple. Many people have never considered buying one whole before, which is where the concern comes in, but I don't know many who couldn't figure out how to hack into a watermelon (even if it gets messy)!

posted by sarahrae on May 27th 2009 at 8:55am
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I feel like someone would think I was nuts if I just showed up with a whole watermelon in a sling as a present...anyone else?

posted by brianmac on May 28th 2009 at 2:15pm
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