Fabulous Fall Picnic Ideas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Finding the right picnic blanket is not as easy as it sounds. I love this blanket because it is extra-large, it has a waterproof backing so no soggy bum, and has a cosy fleece finish.

It also comes in nice picnic designs and folds up into a very portable and compact tote with carrying strap.

Stadium cushions are a perfect picnic companion for those whole 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.

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.

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.

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.

Looking for a more classic picnic hamper? This wicker hamper has the aesthetic of a classic picnic with the convenience of modern design features.

With a full picnic set for four including sturdy melamine plates and quality flat wear, it also features a unique insulated cooler compartment, a feature not usually incorporated into picnic hampers. The hamper also includes nice touches such as matching cloth napkins and an additional waterproof blanket.

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 12 hours (or hot for 5 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. I am also partial to the fall hues of this set.

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.

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.

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.

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.