Picnic Checklist: Must-Haves for an Outdoor Feast

Who wants to go on a picnic? Use this comprehensive checklist to make sure you’ve got all the essentials you need.

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After a winter packed with cozy, home-cooked meals, it’s time to venture out of the house and soak up some sun courtesy of an outdoor picnic. Whether you head to a park or a beach for this low-cost summer activity, the things needed for a picnic are roughly the same.

You’ll of course need a cooler or picnic basket, blanket, plates, and utensils, but there are also other, less obvious items you shouldn’t leave home without. Keep reading for our extensive picnic checklist, which includes some food suggestions, tableware essentials, and clean-up necessities.

Picnic fare is all about food that will taste great whether you eat it now or two hours from now. It should be easy to eat and clean up. And the less utensils needed, the better.

Wraps, roll-ups, stuffed pita pockets, and good, old-fashioned sandwiches are the go-to picnic foods since they're a snap to serve and eat.

If you want to add a little extra something to your picnic, side salads are the perfect accompaniment. Just avoid options that feature mayonnaise or other perishable food items. (But this delicious, no-mayo potato salad would work out fine.) Pack everything in lightweight, resealable containers.

Pretzels, homemade potato chips, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and crackers are some of our favorite picnic snacks that are easy to pack and store.

Watermelon is the perfect picnic fruit since it provides the seeds for a seed-spitting contest. Cut it into strips and layer them in a plastic container with the rinds facing out, so each of your friends can grab their own slice.

Prevent food from spoiling by keeping everything cold with re-freezable ice packs. Or, fill a couple of resealable bags with ice cubes: They'll chill food as it's transported. Add ice cubes to drinks during the picnic. Empty out whatever remains before you go, for a lighter trip home.

Consider freezing a few water bottles in the days leading up to the event—they can keep the items in your cooler ice cold, then become an ice-cold beverage for someone on the way home.

Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to beat the heat on a scorching day. Bring an assortment of beverages, such as bottled water and juice.

Is it really a party without something sweet to enjoy at the end? It can be as simple as slices of watermelon or other fresh summer fruits (think plums, peaches, and berries), or go ahead and indulge in a favorite baked good like brownies or cookies. And if a campfire is part of your picnic plans, simply pack along the fixings for s'mores.

Skip baked goods that feature frosting or other gooey elements that can melt in warm temps—that'll just lead to a mess at your picnic.

Some kinds of ketchup and mustard come in mini jars that are small enough to throw in your tote. (Keep the jars to refill at home for your next picnic.) And don't forget the salt and pepper.

Whether you choose eco-friendly paper, plastic, or bamboo, lightweight, stackable dishes make packing easy. We recommend compostable plates, like these from Stalk Market, which are made from renewable sugar cane fiber.

If possible, opt for reusable utensils, like these from FinalCutlery. If you're serving salads, you may need tongs or serving spoons. Bringing wine or beer? Pack a corkscrew or bottle opener.

It's always handy to have a cutting knife and a firm surface for slicing meat, cheese, and bread. Look for a knife with a cover for safe transport or wrap the blade in a kitchen towel—the kitchen towel can also come in handy for spills, an extra napkin, or other duty.

Cloth napkins are lightweight, and they're easy to transport home and clean (just throw them in the washing machine). If you prefer not to use cloth, look for ones made of recycled paper or other materials.

Your picnic spot might not have a trash can. Bring a bag large enough to toss everything inside, haul it away, and dispose of everything properly. Also, bring a plastic bag for any dirty dishes or utensils you may need to bring home.

When you don't have access to running water, moist towelettes make it easy to wash up before and after eating. Keep a roll of paper towels or a few kitchen towels on hand for mopping up spills and wiping bowls, containers, plates, and utensils before you pack them back up.

You may have extra food, so be ready to send picnic-goers home with any leftovers. Cling wrap (or more eco-friendly beeswax wrap) will help ensure most leftovers make it home safely, but you can also opt for plastic bags or, if you don't mind digging into your own stash, food storage containers.

Your picnic blanket should be large enough to comfortably hold all your picnic-goers and food. A light one that folds small is a bonus—and look for one that has a waterproof lining so if the ground beneath it is damp, you and your food aren't.

If the weather's cool or you expect to be out into the evening, consider bringing another throw or two that people can cozy up in if they feel a chill. (It also gives you options to spread out further if needed.)

Stow everything in a lightweight, roomy carrier. Actual wicker baskets play nicely into that picnic aesthetic but aren't the most efficient way to transport food. The truth is, a cooler is best at keeping everything temperature-controlled. Consider bringing a basket for the tableware and blanket, and a cooler for the perishables.

Set the vibes at your picnic by curating a music playlist and playing it via a portable speaker while you and your guests chow down.

If you’re picnicking with a large group, it might make sense to bring an umbrella so you can create your own shady spot. This is especially important for babies and toddlers, as well as elderly picnic goers who can’t sit out in the sun for too long. Just be sure that you’re adequately able to secure your umbrella so it doesn’t fall over and hurt anyone. Alternatively, you can also bring sun hats for everyone in your group.

If picnicking on the ground isn't your thing—you can find small portable table and chair sets for lounging in a more comfy way. (And leave the blankets to the kiddos.)

Eating outside is a welcome change of pace, but don’t forget to pack the bug spray in order to keep mosquitos and ticks at bay. We guarantee your picnic experience will be much more enjoyable if you don’t have to spend half the afternoon swatting bugs away.

Even if it’s an overcast day, sunscreen for a picnic is a must. The sun’s rays are powerful, and the last thing you want when you return home is a painful sunburn. If you use spray sunscreen, we suggest applying it prior to unwrapping your picnic spread, so as not to get any on the food.

It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand. Make sure yours is stocked with adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, and something to treat bug bites or bee stings, such as rubbing alcohol or Cortizone Cream.

Pack along an outdoor game or two, bubbles for kids (and kids at heart), or even just keep a list handy of classic games like freeze tag that'll get everyone moving after the feast has concluded.