What to Pack for a Picnic?
We share our top 10 essential items to pack for a picnic so you can enjoy the ultimate outdoor experience. Discover our checklist & why we recommend them.
Nothing says happiness like eating a delicious meal under blue skies with amazing company. As the weather warms up its time to dust off the outdoor essentials, escape to the vast beauty of the world and soak up the warmth of the sunshine. We share our picnic checklist to help you enjoy the outdoors.
1. Picnic baskets and coolers
Embrace the philosophy of work smarter not harder when it comes to picnic baskets. In a variety of sizes, materials and functions the picnic basket will help you transport all your essentials from A to B with convenience, style, and ease. Think of classic yet stylish wicker baskets, easy to clean collapsible polyester baskets and aluminium lined temperature controlling baskets. Every style serves a purpose, and some of these functions overlap. Consider the size of the group you are catering for and the type of food you are serving when deciding which is the best basket for you. Naturally, the bigger the basket, the more food, serving ware and cutlery you can carry for the group.
2. Picnic blanket
Whichever way you choose to watch the world go by; a picnic blanket is a go-to for comfort when relaxing on the ground. Compared to a standard woollen blanket or throw, picnic blankets are made using a durable polyester top with a water-resistant bottom to ensure you can venture out in all terrains. Made to be more convenient than ever, picnic blankets can be folded up into a convenient carry case for easy transportation.
3. Picnic tableware
Plates, bowls, and cutlery are essentials for effortless outdoor dining. To make light work and clean up easy, melamine picnicware is the way to go while out and about. They are also lightweight, durable, chip-resistant and reusable, allowing you to forgo unsustainable single use disposable picnicware for outdoor entertaining.
4. Outdoor glassware
Serve yourself a generous pour of your favourite drink while dining with friends and family. Typically constructed of melamine or acrylic, outdoor glassware is made to be durable and survive being knocked about. Outdoor glassware can be found in a variety of sizes and styles from tumblers to wine glasses and French checks to vintage glamour. Cater for a larger group by pairing with the same colour or mix and match with contrasting styles.
5. Water bottles and food jars
The name of the game with water bottles and food jars is to keep the contents at a stable temperature so you don’t have to worry about heating or cooling when you arrive to your destination. These eco-friendly reusable bottles are composed of durable stainless steel, featuring an insulated double wall interior that will maintain temperature for hours and come in a range of styles and sizes so you can match your dining experience.
6. Food containers
Nothing dampers the spirit of a picnic than a leaking container. Lightweight melamine food storage containers which feature airtight seal lids are the best way to get around, allowing you to transport your food without overflowing or creating a mess. Often food containers can be found in sets and in a variety of sizes including stackable sets where the picnic pack down is made easy by fitting the containers inside each other.
7. Picnic trays
Transform your picnic into a fine dining experience with a picnic tray. These trays can be found in traditional flat lay melamine, however, over the years, picnic trays have evolved consisting of sturdy wooden frames, luxe bamboo tops that double as a cheese board and glass holder cut outs. Picnic trays are incredibly convenient to rest food off the ground, making it more stable and less likely to accidently tip something over.
8. Cheese knives and serving ware
Depending on your company, you may need to match your dining experience with the right tools. Some sets include serving ware such as salad servers and cutlery, but you can find these individually as well. This is ideal when you know you cater for larger groups. To keep transportation light, we recommend using melamine, which is lightweight, durable, and easy to care for. If you’re levelling up your picnic to a charcuterie board then a cheese knife or two is essential.
9. Games and entertainment
Good company is essential for a day out. Great company bring the fun with them. Games are becoming more robust and classics like Connect Four, ring toss and Jenga are being made into outdoor editions with hardy materials made to last. Create memories together by packing a game for your next picnic to keep the kids entertained while giving the adults a conversation starter and stories to tell later.
10. Don’t forget your pets
No one wants to leave their furry friends at home, yet our pets need just as much equipment as we do. The good news is we don’t need to carry all the bulky stuff we keep at home. Collapsible bowls, clean up bags and ball throwers are the perfect accompaniment for pets on a picnic.
Whether it be relaxing on a sandy beach or basking in the aromas of a floral garden, a picnic is the perfect setting for bringing people together. The location for your picnic can change but the essentials will remain the same. Make sure you are equipped with everything you need for your next picnic event. Check out our picnic essentials and get packing.
