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Home » Picnic Tips & Ideas » Fabulous Fall Picnic Ideas

Fabulous Fall Picnic Ideas

Dated: September 6, 2020Last Updated: September 20, 2021

Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. See end of article for more details

When summer starts to come to an end, it doesn’t mean we have to abandon our alfresco pursuits. Autumn is a fabulous time to be planning picnics.

There is so much wonderful harvest produce to celebrate, the weather is starting to cool, and of course, there’s the splendid natural display of colour to enjoy. All great reasons for us to put together some fabulous fall picnic ideas. 

Collage of fall inspired picnic settings and recipes.

Your fall picnic fancy might be tailgating, a potluck holiday celebration with family and friends, a leaf-peeping hiking picnic, or, a relaxed and civil affair on a rug in the great outdoors. 

Whatever your style, our aim is always to make picnicking simple, relaxed, and most of all, enjoyable to encourage you to go alfresco more often.

2 girls having a picnic in autumn on a dock by a lake.

Fabulous Fall Picnic Ideas

Pack up your hampers as we bring together some of the best fall picnic ideas.

Want to know what to bring to a fall picnic? We've got fabulous fall salads, picnic sandwiches that celebrate the season and fall desserts and sweet treats for every autumn picnic occasion. And best of all, they're all easy to prepare.

We've also rounded up a bunch of great picnic tips that hold true no matter the season and some fall picnic essentials to make your day easy breezy and most of all, comfortable and enjoyable.

Fall Recipe Ideas

Keep it simple yet always delicious should be the mantra for every picnic. These fabulous fall recipes have been chosen not only because they are seasonally on point and delicious, but each recipe is easy to make ensure you spend less time in the kitchen and more time picnicking.

7 Delicious Fall Sandwich Ideas for Picnics

No matter the season, the sandwich is a picnic staple. They range from simple to gourmet, travel well, and don't require any picnic utensils to eat them. The style of sandwich, however, can vary according to the season.

Whether you're a picnic purist, you like some spice or need an elegant vegan take on the picnic sandwich, we have you covered for your next fall picnic.

Here is an array of fall picnic sandwich ideas ranging from dainty finger sandwiches to simple yet sophisticated tartines (open sandwiches) and some very clever wraps for vegans, vegetarians and those who like a little spice.

26 Gorgeous Fall Salads for Picnics

No matter the season, salad is always an easy and versatile picnic food. Serve it as a main dish or as an accompaniment to sandwiches or a picnic finger food spread.

And while we usually think of summer picnics when we talk about salads, autumn is the season for so many glorious salad ingredients.

Whether you're packing fall-inspired picnic sandwiches for a leaf-peeping picnic in the great outdoors. Or, planning an alfresco holiday get-together with friends and family, these fall salads celebrate the spoils of the harvest and make a healthy addition to any fall picnic.

Some even make great fillings for sandwiches, wraps, or even burger toppings.

From Harvest Salad recipes to fall quinoa salads and healthy vegan slaws, we've rounded up some of the best autumn salads for your next alfresco spread.

Tips for Make Ahead Picnic Salads That Travel Well

While salads have always been an integral part of picnicking, getting your salads to the picnic fresh and salad fabulous isn't always an easy task – or is it?

These simple picnic salad tips will help you navigate a world where salads not only rule the picnic feast, some mature like fine wine, becoming more delicious with time and fall is the season where make-ahead salads really come into their own. Life is too short for soggy picnic salads.

Fall Finger Food & Appetiser Recipes for Picnics

I love picnic finger food. Picnic finger food and appetisers can make a simple, yet abundant autumn picnic feast.

Whether you are planning an entire finger food menu or looking for sides or starters to serve with your fall salads and sandwiches, these fall finger food ideas and autumn-inspired appetisers can help form the foundation for your entire fall picnic menu.

From simple to make mini frittatas to Indian inspired buns and hot lamb rolls, tailgate worthy sausage and apple hand pies, delicious and hearty dips, and even a heartwarming fall soup.

We have a selection of seasonal starters that can work as snacks for a fall hiking picnic, sides and starters, or make an elegant fall spread.

Delicious Fall Picnic Desserts & Sweet Treats

The beauty of an autumn picnic, the cooler weather allows us little indulgences and a little picnic dessert, no matter how small is a wonderful indulgence.

What I like about the picnic dessert is it doesn't have to be a proper dessert dish. In fact, delightfully sweet morsels often work better for a picnic. Think slices of moist cake, sweet mini pies and tarts or even cookies and muffins.

While these fall desserts and sweet treats, tend to err on the healthy side (although not all) they are all still delightfully decadent indulgences of the season.

We've even included a cheeky fall cocktail for those who don't mind a sweet tipple or two.

Fall Picnic Tips

We often say, "There is a lot to be said for the simple pleasure of a picnic. But it is the simplicity of the picnic where so many get it wrong".

We have gathered up some of our most fundamental and basic picnic tips to help simplify all of your fall picnic endeavours, no matter how small or large your picnic gatherings.

Essential Tips for Picnic Perfection

We look at all the ways to simplify your alfresco pursuits from streamlining your picnic gear to how to make salads and sandwiches that will go the distance without becoming soggy.

No matter the season, these picnic tips will help make your picnics simpler and more enjoyable.

How to Keep Food Cold at a Picnic

No matter the time of year, there is always a need to keep food cool at a picnic. Whether it be a drink and sandwich in your hiking daypack or a full spread of finger food and salads for a large fall gathering. We've got simple, lightweight solutions to keeping food and drinks cold for both small and large picnics.

How to Keep Food Warm for a Picnic

Keeping hot picnic food warm is as important as keeping food cold for a picnic. It's not just about ensuring your hot appetisers stay piping hot and crisp, it's also about food safety.

As with cold picnic food, we've found simple, efficient and cost-effective ways to keep your food at its optimum temperature so your picnic food doesn't go bad.

Have both hot and cold food at your picnic? There are lightweight solutions for both.

Fall Picnic Essentials

As with summer picnics, especially beach picnics, the cooler weather brings with it some nuances that require a little extra consideration.

Whether it's ensuring you don't get a wet bum sitting on soggy autumn leaves, or need a little extra comfort on a picnic bench. Indulging in a more substantial picnic worthy wine glass or choosing a hamper for a romantic fall picnic. We've even covered off on incredibly versatile and portable picnic backpacks perfect for fall hiking picnics or days exploring national parks.

These are some picnic essentials we believe will hold you in good stead for all your fall picnic pursuits.

Cosy Waterproof Picnic Blankets

Finding the right picnic blanket is not as easy as it sounds. When it comes to cool weather picnics, you really want to be prepared.

We've rounded up the best waterproof backed picnic blankets that will keep you dry and cosy on your fall picnics. Each is beautifully designed with practicality at their core. Some even double as all-weather personal blankets, perfect for game day picnics and tailgates.

11 Practical & Portable Folding Picnic Tables

While a picnic blanket sets a cosy scene, there is a lot to be said about a lightweight foldable picnic table, especially in the cooler months.

We've rounded up foldable picnic tables to suit all styles of picnics, from romantic picnic sets for 2 to large foldable picnic tables for families and groups.

Best Picnic Backpack for 2

We're always looking at ways to make picnics simpler. Picnic backpack sets are inexpensive, incredibly convenient, very portable and oh so practical – These picnic backpacks for two will change the way you think about picnics.

For those who like to picnic on the go or love the idea of quick and easy impromptu picnics, picnic backpacks have you covered.

Each of the picnic backpacks in these reviews has been chosen as they are complete with a full picnic set for two, are insulated, lightweight and they look great.

Picnic Backpacks for 4 People

As with our round-up of the best picnic backpacks for two, these picnic backpacks have been chosen for their quality, portability, and practicality. Each of these has a complete picnic set for four people so are perfect for group picnics where you may have to lug some extra gear.

6 Best Insulated Picnic Baskets

Want a classic picnic hamper but with the convenience of modern design features? We've selected some of the most beautiful and practical picnic baskets with the aesthetic of classic picnic baskets but each has integrated insulation.

You don't have to sacrifice on look or carry additional bags to ensure you have all the key features to keep your food at it's best.

13 Stylish & Practical Picnic Wine Coolers & Wine Totes

Cooler weather, vibrant landscapes and gorgeous seasonal produce, it's a wonderful time of year for a wine and cheese picnic.

Whether it's a bold Cabernet, a breezy Beaujolais or a crisp Chardonnay, we've got the best picnic wine coolers and wine totes for the job. Many come as a complete set with wine and cheese accessories, so you have everything you need for a good drop in the great outdoors.

REDCAMP Foam Stadium Cushion for Bleachers Fold in Half, Lightweight Soft & Comfortable Sport Cushion Seat,Green Plaid

REDCAMP Lightweight Soft & Comfortable Stadium Cushion

Stadium cushions are a perfect picnic companion for those who like to be comfortable. Throw them on your picnic blanket for extra support or cushioning, put them on a picnic bench to keep comfy and warm, or even plonk them on top of the cooler for an impromptu seat. Lightweight, with thick foam and waterproof backing, this portable cushion is perfect for cool weather picnics.

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Sportneer Portable Lightweight Folding Camping Chair, 2-Pack for Backpacking, Hiking, Picnic

Sportneer Portable Lightweight Folding Chair 2 Pack

Want more comfort than just an extra cushion? I love these incredibly lightweight yet sturdy portable chairs.

They fold down to a tiny 14.25″ x 5.25″ including the carry bag, weigh only 2 lbs and can hold weights of up to 350 lbs. Extremely easy to carry for picnics where you may have a little trek in front of you or for a very portable park picnic.

These chairs are an incredibly sturdy and lightweight solution for outdoor picnics and a great picnic alternative to those who don’t feel comfortable sitting on a blanket.

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Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Tumbler - THILY 4 Pack Vacuum Insulated Travel Wine Glasses Set with Sliding Lids and Straws, Keep Cold for Juice, Cocktails, Beer, Party, Christmas Gift, White Marble

THILY Insulated Wine Tumbler Set

If you’re anything like me, you like a nice glass for your wine even at a picnic. While glass is rarely a suitable option, these quality insulated tumblers are an excellent alternative.

Lightweight and sturdy, these tumblers will keep drinks cool for up to 9 hours (or hot for 3 hours). They also have a secure lid to keep the temperature in and contaminants out and prevent spills.

While I like these as a wine glass alternative, they also double up for hot drinks such as tea and coffee which makes them picnic versatile.

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S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle-25 Fl Oz-Teakwood-Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated Containers Keeps Drinks Cold for 48 Hours and Hot for 24-BPA-Free-Perfect for the Go, 25oz

S’well Teakwood Triple Layered Vacuum – Insulated Flask

For another versatile, and stylish picnic drink accessory perfect for all picnics, team your wine tumblers with this beautiful triple-layered, vacuum insulated S’well Teakwood 25oz stainless steel thermos flask.

Keep beverages cold for up to 54 hours or hot for up to 26 hours. These thermos flasks will hold an entire bottle of wine, the opening is wide enough to fit most ice cubes and of course is perfect for any hot beverage.

I love this teak finish for a fall picnic but they are available in a huge range of colours and designs.

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Last Modified: September 20, 2021

Previous Post: « Easy Fall Picnic Desserts & Sweet Treats
Next Post: How to Make Roasted Vine Tomatoes Baking sheet of slow roasted vine tomatoes with cloves of roast garlic.»

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