There’s nothing quite like the charm of dining al fresco. Whether planning a romantic picnic date, a family outing, or a casual beach picnic with friends, a well-prepared picnic can make all the difference.
I’ve put together the ultimate picnic checklist to ensure you remember all the essentials for stress-free outdoor dining every time.
As well as comprehensive tips, you can download my detailed, printable PDF checklist to help you plan the perfect picnic.
Jump to:
1. Pre-Planning
Before reaching for the picnic basket, some simple prior preparation sets the stage for a smooth picnic experience.
| Task | Details | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Choose a Date and Time | Check weather forecast to avoid surprises. | ☐ |
| Select a Location | Decide on a park, beach, backyard, or any scenic spot. Check if you need to reserve a space or table. | ☐ |
| Invite Guests | Send invitations and confirm RSVPs. | ☐ |
| Theme (Optional) | Consider a theme such as retro, beach, garden party, or Teddy Bears Picnic. | ☐ |
Picking the perfect date and time means you’ll catch the best weather while choosing a great spot sets the vibe. The weather can even set the scene for your picnic. Think summer beach picnics or cozy winter picnics. If it’s a romantic picnic, like a valentines day picnic, you want to make sure your chosen location is suitably romantic and not over run with people. This is where prior planning steps in.
2. Picnic Essentials
Some picnic accessories are essential, and others can make your picnic easier to transport and more comfortable.
| Item | Details | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Picnic Blanket | Preferably with a waterproof backing. | ☐ |
| Portable Chairs | For additional comfort. | ☐ |
| Picnic Basket or Cooler | Insulated to keep food fresh. See my pick for the best insulated picnic baskets for practical and beautiful solutions. | ☐ |
| Utensils | Plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons. | ☐ |
| Napkins and Wet Wipes | For cleaning hands and surfaces. | ☐ |
| Garbage Bags | For easy clean-up. | ☐ |
| Sun Protection | Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses. Consider an umbrella or sunshade tent for a beach picnic set-up. | ☐ |
| First Aid Kit | Basic supplies for minor injuries. | ☐ |
| Bug Spray | To keep insects at bay. See my tips for keeping flies away outdoors for natural solutions. | ☐ |
A good picnic blanket (see my pick for the best waterproof picnic blankets), portable chairs, and an insulated cooler can significantly enhance your picnic set-up. I also recommend a lightweight folding picnic table. These are great for laying food on to keep it off the ground. Don’t forget practical items like napkins, wet wipes, garbage bags, and sun protection.
3. Food and Drinks
Food is the heart of any picnic. Here’s some tips on how to organize your picnic menu:
Main Courses
| Dish | Details | Prepared |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwiches/Wraps | Pre-made or DIY on-site. See Picnic Sandwich Recipes for ideas. | ☐ |
| Salads | Pasta, potato, green, fruit salads. See my full collection of Picnic Salad Recipes. | ☐ |
| Finger Foods | See my collection of Picnic Finger Food Ideas for inspiration on great appetizers. | ☐ |
| Main Dish | Grilled chicken, kebabs, quiche. | ☐ |
Sandwiches and wraps are picnic staples because they are easy to eat and transport. Complement them with a variety of salads and finger foods. Check out my Baguette Sandwich Recipes for some inspiration.
Snacks and Sides
| Item | Details | Prepared |
|---|---|---|
| Chips and Dips | Hummus, guacamole, salsa. I have loads of great dip recipes for every season. | ☐ |
| Fruits | Berries, apple slices, grapes. | ☐ |
| Desserts | Cakes, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes. For easy-to-prepare, portable desserts, see my Picnic Desserts collection. | ☐ |
Snacks and sides like chips, dips, and fresh fruits provide variety and are great for nibbling throughout the picnic. Easy-to-eat sweet treats like a delicious picnic cookie or some of my unique brownie recipes can be a hit, especially for kid’s picnic food ideas.
Beverages
| Drink | Details | Prepared |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Essential, especially in hot weather. | ☐ |
| Juices/Soda | Variety based on guests’ preferences. | ☐ |
| Wine/Beer (if permitted) | Bring a bottle opener. | ☐ |
| Thermos of Tea/Coffee | For a cozy touch. | ☐ |
Ensure you have enough beverages to keep everyone hydrated. Consider bringing a mix of water, juices, and possibly some alcoholic beverages if allowed at your location.
4. Entertainment and Activities
Keep your guests entertained with some fun activities. You can see my pick of the best picnic games for every age, but these are some ideas:
| Activity | Details | Prepared |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Games | Frisbee, badminton, soccer ball. | ☐ |
| Cards/Board Games | Travel-sized for easy transport. | ☐ |
| Music | Portable speaker and playlist. | ☐ |
| Books/Magazines | For relaxed reading. | ☐ |
5. Day-of Checklist
Make the day of the picnic a breeze with this final checklist:
- Weather Check: Confirm the weather is suitable. Arrange shade or warm clothes accordingly.
- Pack Food and Drinks: Ensure everything is chilled if necessary.
- Double-check Supplies: Make sure all essentials are packed.
- Departure Time: Plan to arrive early to secure a good spot.
- Setup: Lay out blankets, set up food, and arrange games.
6. Post-Picnic
After the picnic, wrap up efficiently with these tasks:
| Task | Details | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Up | Collect all trash and recyclables. | ☐ |
| Pack Up | Ensure nothing is left behind. | ☐ |
| Store Leftovers | If you plan to save any leftovers, make sure they are covered and refrigerated as soon as possible to avoid contamination. | |
| Clean Your Picnic Gear | Don’t forget to thoroughly clean all your picnic gear and pack it away so it is ready for your next picnic. | ☐ |
Make sure you leave your picnic spot as you found it. If there aren’t appropriate bins, take any rubbish with you. When you get home, clean all your picnic kit and pack it away so it is ready for your next picnic and nothing gets left behind or forgotten.
Quick Tips
- Food Safety: Keep perishable items cool and avoid leaving food out for long periods. See my tips for keeping food cold for a picnic to avoid unnecessary spoilage. And for the same reasons, make sure you keep hot food warm. See my tips on keeping food warm for a picnic for more on this.
- Comfort: Bring extra blankets or cushions for seating, especially if you have older guests or the weather is particularly cold.
- Simplicity: Don’t overcomplicate; simple, tasty, and easy-to-eat foods are best.
A picnic is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. With this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to host a successful and enjoyable picnic. For more inspiration, Don’t forget to download your Ultimate Picnic Checklist.
Happy picnicking!
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