When the end of summer draws near, it doesn’t mean we have to abandon our alfresco pursuits. Autumn is a fabulous time to plan picnics,, and we’ve got fantastic fall picnic ideas to inspire you.
There is so much wonderful harvest produce to celebrate, the weather is starting to cool, and there’s a splendid natural display of color to enjoy. All great reasons for us to put together some fabulous fall-themed picnic ideas.
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, we aim to make picnicking simple, relaxed, and enjoyable to encourage you to go alfresco more often.
Pack up your hampers as we bring together some of the best fall outdoor lunch ideas.
Savory and Sweet Fall Picnic Food Ideas for a Cozy Outdoor Feast
Want to know what to bring to a fall picnic? We've got fabulous fall salads, picnic sandwiches that celebrate the season with 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.
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.
Salad is a versatile picnic food for all seasons, particularly autumn with its bounty of fresh ingredients.
These fall salads, perfect for outdoor gatherings or as fillings for sandwiches and wraps, celebrate the harvest season.
From harvest salads to fall quinoa salads and healthy vegan slaws, we've compiled the best autumn salads for your next alfresco feast.
While salads have always been an integral part of picnicking, getting your salads to the picnic fresh and salad fabulous isn't always easy – or is it?
These simple picnic salad tips will help you navigate a world where salads not only rule the picnic feast but some mature like fine wine, becoming more delicious with time, and fall is the season where make-ahead salads come into their own. Life is too short for soggy picnic salads.
Picnic finger foods and appetizers can create a bountiful autumn feast.
Whether you're planning a finger food menu or seeking sides for your fall salads and sandwiches, these fall-inspired nibbles form the basis of your picnic spread.
From easy mini frittatas to Indian buns, hearty dips, and warming soups, our selection of seasonal starters are perfect for a fall hiking picnic or an elegant alfresco spread.
Autumn picnics allow delightful indulgences like desserts.
Picnic desserts don't have to be formal dishes – sweet treats like slices of cake, mini pies, tarts, cookies, and muffins often work best.
These fall desserts may lean towards the healthy side, but they're still delightfully decadent seasonal indulgences.
We've even included a fall cocktail for those who enjoy a sweet tipple.
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 picnic tips to help simplify all of your fall picnic endeavors, no matter how small or large your picnic gatherings are.
Our Essential Picnic Tips look at all the ways to simplify your alfresco pursuits, from streamlining your picnic gear to making salads that will go the distance and how to prevent sandwiches from becoming soggy.
Tip: No matter the season, always remember food safety on all your picnics. Get our top tips for keeping food cold at a picnic, which is essential even in the cooler months. Also, how to keep food warm for a picnic – tips for all those warming fall picnic dishes.
Fall Picnic Essentials
As with summer picnics, especially beach picnics, the cooler weather brings some nuances that require extra consideration.
Whether it’s ensuring you don’t get a wet bum sitting on soggy autumn leaves or needing extra comfort on a picnic bench. Indulging in a more substantial picnic-worthy wine glass or choosing a hamper for a romantic fall picnic.
These are some picnic essentials we believe will hold you in good stead for all your fall picnic pursuits.
Pack a Cosy Waterproof Picnic Blanket
Finding the right picnic blanket is not as easy as it sounds. When it comes to cool weather picnics, you want to be prepared.
We’ve rounded up the best waterproof-backed picnic blankets here to keep you dry and cozy on your fall picnics. Each is beautifully designed with practicality at its core. Some even double as all-weather personal blankets, perfect for game day picnics and tailgates.
Use Stadium or Camping Cushions
Stadium and camping 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 plop them on top of the cooler for an impromptu seat.
This lightweight inflatable cushion is perfect for cool-weather picnics to keep you dry, comfortable, and warm.
Lightweight Picnic Chairs
Looking for more portable comfort? Check out these lightweight, sturdy chairs.
They fold to a mere 14.25″ x 5.25″, weigh just 2 lbs, and support up to 350 lbs. Perfect for treks to picnic spots or park outings, these chairs offer a comfortable, convenient alternative to picnic blankets.
Pack a Portable Folding Picnic Table
While a picnic blanket sets a cozy scene, a lot must be said about a lightweight, foldable picnic table, especially in the cooler months.
We’ve rounded up the best foldable picnic tables to suit all styles of picnics, from romantic picnic sets for 2 to large foldable picnic tables for families and groups.
You can also find our top picks for lightweight folding low boho style picnic tables if you want to set a fall boho-inspired theme.
Use a Practical Picnic Basket
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 traditional picnic baskets, but each has practical elements.
You don’t have to sacrifice the look or carry additional bags to ensure you have all the key features to keep your food at its best.
See our picnic basket guides to find a picnic basket solution to suit you:
Embrace the Wine and Cheese Picnic
With 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.
Use Insulated Wine Tumblers
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 keep drinks cool for up to 9 hours (or hot for 3 hours). They also have a secure lid to keep the temperature and prevent spills.
While I like these as a wine glass alternative, they also double up for hot drinks such as tea and coffee, making them picnic versatile.
Fall Inspired 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 (warm mulled wine, perhaps!). The opening is wide enough to fit most ice cubes and is perfect for any hot beverage.
I love this teak finish for a fall picnic, but they are available in various colors and designs.
Fall picnics are more than just a meal outside. They’re a celebration of autumn’s bounty and beauty. With our curated list of delectable recipes, must-have accessories, and handy tips, you’re set to create unforgettable outdoor feasts this season. So wrap up warm, pack your picnic basket, and let the vibrant hues of fall be your backdrop for a perfect picnic experience.
Easy Fall Picnic Desserts & Sweet Treats