By Samantha Leffler
RealSimple.com
After a cooler season packed with cozy, home-cooked meals, it’s time to venture out of the house and soak up some sun courtesy of an outdoor picnic. Whether you head to a park or a beach for this low-cost summer activity, the things needed for a picnic are roughly the same.
Food and Drinks
- Sandwiches: Wraps, roll-ups, stuffed pita pockets, and good, old-fashioned sandwiches are the go-to picnic foods since they’re a snap to serve and eat.
- Salads: If you want to add a little extra something to your picnic, side salads are the perfect accompaniment. Just avoid options that feature mayonnaise or other perishable food items. Pack everything in lightweight, resealable containers.
- Snacks: Pretzels, homemade potato chips, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and crackers are some of our favorite picnic snacks that are easy to pack and store.
Ice Pack or Bags of Ice
Prevent food from spoiling by keeping everything cold with re-freezable ice packs. Or, fill a couple of resealable bags with ice cubes: They’ll chill food as it’s transported. Add ice cubes to drinks during the picnic. Empty out whatever remains before you go, for a lighter trip home.Beverages
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to beat the heat on a scorching day. Bring an assortment of beverages, such as bottled water and juice.Desserts
It can be as simple as slices of watermelon or other fresh summer fruits (think plums, peaches, and berries), or go ahead and indulge in a favorite baked good like brownies or cookies. And if a campfire is part of your picnic plans, simply pack along the fixings for s’mores.Condiments
Some kinds of ketchup and mustard come in mini jars that are small enough to throw in your tote. (Keep the jars to refill at home for your next picnic.) And don’t forget the salt and pepper.Tableware
- Plates and cups: Whether you choose eco-friendly paper, plastic, or bamboo, lightweight, stackable dishes make packing easy. We recommend compostable plates, which are made from renewable sugar cane fiber.
- Utensils: If possible, opt for reusable utensils. If you’re serving salads, you may need tongs or serving spoons. Bringing wine or beer? Pack a corkscrew or bottle opener.
- Knife and cutting board: It’s always handy to have a cutting knife and a firm surface for slicing meat, cheese, and bread. Look for a knife with a cover for safe transport.
- Napkins: Cloth napkins are lightweight, and they’re easy to transport home and clean (just throw them in the washing machine). If you prefer not to use cloth, look for ones made of recycled paper or other materials.
Cleanup
- Trash bags: Your picnic spot might not have a trash can. Bring a bag large enough to toss everything inside, haul it away, and dispose of everything properly. Also, bring a plastic bag for any dirty dishes or utensils you may need to bring home.
- Moist towelettes and towels (paper or cloth): When you don’t have access to running water, moist towelettes make it easy to wash up before and after eating. Keep a roll of paper towels or a few kitchen towels on hand for mopping up spills and wiping bowls, containers, plates, and utensils before you pack them back up.
- Cling wrap or beeswax food wraps: You may have extra food, so be ready to send picnic-goers home with any leftovers. Cling wrap (or more eco-friendly beeswax wrap) will help ensure most leftovers make it home safely.
Miscellaneous
- Picnic blanket: Your picnic blanket should be large enough to comfortably hold all your picnic-goers and food. Look for one that has a waterproof lining so if the ground beneath it is damp, you and your food aren’t.
- Tote, backpack, picnic basket, or cooler: Stow everything in a lightweight, roomy carrier. Actual wicker baskets play nicely into that picnic aesthetic, but aren’t the most efficient way to transport food.
- Portable speaker: Set the vibes at your picnic by curating a music playlist and playing it via a portable speaker while you and your guests chow down.
- Umbrella: If you’re picnicking with a large group, it might make sense to bring an umbrella so you can create your own shady spot. This is especially important for babies and toddlers, as well as elderly picnic goers who can’t sit out in the sun for too long.
- Small table and chairs: If picnicking on the ground isn’t your thing—you can find small portable table and chair sets for lounging in a more comfy way.
- Bug spray: Eating outside is a welcome change of pace, but don’t forget to pack the bug spray in order to keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay.
- Sunscreen: Even if it’s an overcast day, sunscreen for a picnic is a must. The sun’s rays are powerful, and the last thing you want when you return home is a painful sunburn.
- First aid: It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand. Make sure yours is stocked with adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, and something to treat bug bites or bee stings, such as rubbing alcohol or hydrocortisone cream.
- Fun and games: Pack along an outdoor game or two, bubbles for kids (and kids at heart), or even just keep a list handy of classic games like freeze tag that’ll get everyone moving after the feast has concluded.
