Planning Your Essential Picnic Items List

It’s officially picnic season… 

And you know what that means! After a cozy winter of hearty home-cooked meals that nourished our souls, it’s time for us to finally venture out into the great outdoors and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. 

Whether it's a park, beach, or just the backyard, picnics are a great way to spend some quality time with friends and family while reveling in great food and conversations. But we need to be equipped with all the right things to make it a day to remember. So what are all the essentials we need in our picnic arsenal?

The Picnic Basket: 

Let’s start with the pièce de résistance of the show… the picnic basket. There’s something so satisfying about the novelty of picnic baskets. Being able to carry all our cutlery, plates, and bowls. Organize all our delicious food and beverages. And let’s be honest, they’re completely Instagram-worthy.

Food & Drinks:

Great picnic food is only ever considered great if it tastes amazing when we eat it now or in a few hours. From sandwiches and wraps, homemade potato chips or chaats, to fruits and nuts, cheeses, and, of course, cakes, picnic food should be easy to eat, clean up, and leave us savouring every bite. 

Drinks should be refreshing and light. Whether it's seasonal, fresh fruit juices, or a bottle of bubbly, picnic drinks should quench our thirst with a burst of vibrant flavours. Make sure to bring an assortment of drinks, because you’re definitely going to need more than one on a hot day. 

Ensure to pack all food items in airtight containers to prevent them from spoiling or spilling and carry ice packs to keep beverages cool. Furthermore, if you feel like being extra boujee, carry along a couple of platters, napkins, and wine glasses to elevate your picnic to a sophisticated affair.

Picnic Blanket: 

Picnic blankets or picnic mats are a true essential. They protect us and our food from sand or dirt, making the experience all the more enjoyable. You want to make sure that your picnic mat is large enough to accommodate the amount of food you have, along with the number of people attending. And if you want to add a cozy touch to your picnic, bring some cushions. After all, you will be lounging around for a few hours, so you might as well be comfortable.

Sun Protection: 

Basking away under the sun is one of the best feelings we can experience with nature. However, too much sun exposure can lead to many health issues, especially for our skin. Therefore, unless you’re planning on looking like Sebastian from The Little Mermaid for the next few days, you’re going to need a few things to protect yourself from the sun. SPF is your BFF! A hat is a great way to protect the top of your head as well. And if you’re feeling extra cautious, a massive beach umbrella is a great idea! 

Entertainment:

At some point in time, you’ll want a little downtime for yourself; therefore, carrying some tools for entertainment is vital. 

Speakers:

Let’s set the vibes right, especially on an outing as grand as a picnic with our loved ones. Carrying a portable speaker will allow you to enjoy all your favourite tunes in the outdoors. 

Books Or Magazines:

As you bask in the serene surroundings of your picnic, immersing yourself in the pages of a captivating novel or flipping through the glossy pages of a magazine provides a welcome escape.

The Bottom Line:

At the end of the day, the perfect picnic outing is all about a day spent in outdoor bliss, creating lasting memories with those you hold dear. And having all your picnic essentials by your side instantly makes the entire scenic experience that much more memorable. So dear reader, as you pack your picnic baskets, remember to do so with love and laughter.