Picnic Checklist: Must-Have Items to Make Your Next Outdoor Feast a Success

After a winter 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.

You’ll of course need a cooler or picnic basket, blanket, plates, and utensils, but there are also other, less obvious items you shouldn’t leave home without. Keep reading for our extensive picnic checklist, which includes some food suggestions, tableware essentials, and clean-up necessities.

Food and Drinks

Picnic fare is all about food that will taste great whether you eat it now or two hours from now. It should be easy to eat and clean up. And the less utensils needed, the better.

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. Avoid foods with mayonnaise. (But this delicious, no-mayo potato salad would work out fine.) 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.

Watermelon is the perfect picnic fruit since it provides the seeds for a seed-spitting contest. Cut it into strips and layer them in a plastic container with the rinds facing out, so each of your friends can grab their own slice.

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.

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, like these from Stalk Market, which are made from renewable sugar cane fiber.

Utensils

If possible, opt for reusable utensils, like these from FinalCutlery. 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 or wrap the blade in a kitchen towel. You can also buy a ready-to-go picnic set that includes these items.

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 Paper Towels

When you don't have access to running water, moist towelettes make it easy to wash up after eating. Keep a roll of paper 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, but you can also opt for plastic bags or, if you don't mind digging into your own stash, food storage containers.

Miscellaneous

Picnic Blanket

Your picnic blanket should be large enough to comfortably hold all your picnic-goers and food. A light one that folds small is a bonus.

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. The truth is, a cooler is best at keeping everything temperature-controlled. Consider bringing a basket for the tableware and blanket, and a cooler for the perishables.

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. Just be sure that you’re adequately able to secure your umbrella so it doesn’t fall over and hurt anyone. Alternatively, you can also bring sun hats for everyone in your group. 

Bug Spray

Eating outside is a welcome change of pace, but don’t forget to pack the bug spray in order to keep mosquitos and ticks at bay. We guarantee your picnic experience will be much more enjoyable if you don’t have to spend half the afternoon swatting bugs away.

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. If you use spray sunscreen, we suggest applying it prior to unwrapping your picnic spread, so as not to get any on the food.

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 Cortizone Cream.