How to Pack for a Picnic
Everyone loves a good picnic — whether it be for the food, the company, or just the time spent outdoors. Every stress-free picnic requires prep and planning. Before you head out to your local favorite spot, check out these tips so you can have a memorable experience.
First and foremost, remember food safety.
After preparing your food, be sure to properly package and seal all foods and allow any hot foods to cool before packing. If you can, stray away from foods that can spoil more quickly such as a mayonnaise-based pasta salad. Be sure to pack foods with plenty of ice or ice packs to help keep it cool for hours and don’t take out the food until you are ready to eat. After your picnic, dispose of any perishable food that sat out for longer than 1–2 hours (depending upon the temperate outside). Another good idea? Pack anti-bacterial gel for picnic goers to clean their hands before eating.
Pack with convenience in mind.
Opt for pre-packaged individual servings. While the prep work may take a bit longer, it will pay off in the end. Pre-made sandwiches (hold the mayo!) wrapped with deli wax paper and twine, pasta and fruit salad sealed in 4–6 oz. mason jars, single-serving bags of chips, and hand pies will make your picnic convenient — not to mention charming and chic. Not sure about all the weight mason jars might add to your picnic basket? Small, reusable bowls with lids will do the trick!
Spice up your picnic drink.
Pack individual glass bottles of your favorite soda or opt for a special drink that can be prepared ahead of time and served in a sealed, gallon-sized container. Kid-friendly options include an Arnold Palmer, a Southern favorite that consists of lemonade and iced tea, a fruit-based berry juice drink, fruit-infused water, or a limeade. For an added garnish, freeze fruit individually or within water for fun ice cubes. If you opt for a pre-made drink, be sure to make plenty for the whole duration of the picnic and to pack reusable cups for serving.
Don’t forget the necessities!
Remember to bring items like paper plates (if you are not packing pre-packaged individual servings), cups, napkins, utensils, wet wipes, and trash bags and paper towels for cleanup. Grocery bags might also be an extra item to consider for easy cleanup of dirty glassware or containers that need to be cleaned.
Other must-haves include sunscreen, bug spray, and games! If you have the room, bring a Frisbee, balls, and even corn hole boards or a similar bag toss game.
Create a cozy, cool spot.
It’s all about location! If sitting on the ground isn’t your thing, opt for a steel picnic table at your local park. You can certainly cozy-up the spot by throwing a cute blanket over the table and laying out your spread. If you have the extra room, pack a small vase and send your children on a hunt for wildflowers. If you are opting to use a table for your lunch, choose one under a picnic shelter or fabric shade to keep cool. Just be sure to plan ahead and ensure the space isn’t already rented out for larger group functions.
Want to make sure your outdoor park or destination attracts visitors? We can help you design the perfect outdoor environment.
