A picnic is a fun outdoor activity on a spring, summer, or fall day, and it’s a great way to do something outside while social distancing. To have the perfect picnic, you’ll want to make sure you bring all the essentials.
Blanket
You’ll definitely want a blanket to sit on during your picnic. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy - an old throw blanket, comforter, tablecloth, or even sheet will do. Make sure it’s something you don’t mind getting (potentially) dirty.
Picnic Basket or Bag
Whether you have an official picnic basket that’s lined or a cooler bag to store your food in, you’ll need something to use in transporting your food and drinks.
Ice Packs
Line your bag or basket with ice packs to keep food from spoiling. Alternatively, you may want to pack food in insulated thermoses or containers to keep it at the exact right temperature for serving.
Portable Snacks and Food
Since you’re going to be eating outside and probably on the ground, you’ll want to pack your picnic basket with items that are easy to transport and eat on the go. For instance, wrapped sandwiches, little bags of chips or other munchies, cookies, pre-cut fruit and vegetables, cured meats, and cheese and crackers make for simple foods that everyone loves that are easy to eat at a picnic. Avoid bringing foods that need to be kept temperature-controlled or heated, like pasta or meat.
Drinks
You’ll want something to quench your thirst on your picnic, so be sure to pack beverages - adult beverages if desired - as well as water.
Cutting Board
If you’re bringing along foods like cheese blocks or bread that will need to be cut before it’s consumed, bring a sturdy cutting board as well as a knife.
Napkins, Utensils, and Plates
These are another must for easy and comfortable eating!
Kitchen Towel(s)
Bringing along a kitchen towel or two could really save the say - these are sturdy and weighted enough to cover food to protect it from the sun or bugs and are great for cleaning up an unexpected mess.
Bug Spray
Don’t end up itching during and after your picnic. Have bug spray on hand to protect you from getting eaten alive as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Sunscreen
This is another must-have. Even on a cool or overcast day, you can end up with a sunburn, so be sure to bring along some sunscreen to protect you from the rays.
Bottle Opener and Corkscrew
If you’re going to be indulging in any adult beverages, you may need a bottle or corkscrew for opening them. To simplify life, though, try to bring canned beverages that are easier to open and don’t have the risk of breaking in transport. If you are bringing a larger bottle of something to drink, don’t forget cups.
Mini Condiments and Seasoning
Those little packets of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise that you get with takeout orders can be put to good use on a picnic. Throw them in your bag or basket along with any packets of salt and pepper for easy meal enhancement on the go.
Resealable Containers or Bags
In case you have any leftovers, don’t forget to stash a few resealable containers or plastic bags in your picnic arsenal so that you don’t have to let the extra food go to waste.
Trash Bags
Don’t leave your trash behind after your picnic comes to an end! Bring a couple of trash bags to discard items in after you’re done.
Games
Bring your picnic to the next level by bringing along some games! A deck of cards, card games, or other easy-to-transport games like Catchphrase allow for a fun activity while you enjoy each other’s company and the great outdoors.
Bluetooth Speaker
To really set the atmosphere of your picnic, bring along a small Bluetooth speaker. Then you can pump some jams as you enjoy your outing. If that sounds good.
Planning the perfect picnic is fun, but putting the plan into action is even better!
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