What to Pack in Your Picnic Basket? — Sustainability Edition

There are a few more good sunny days this summer. Don’t waste them! Pack your picnic baskets and go somewhere fun with your friends.

If you are hosting your first-ever picnic or are constantly looking for tips to improve your already fabulous picnics, this blog is for you.

Essential Foods for the Perfect Picnic

When packing your picnic basket, it's important to include a variety of essential foods that will satisfy everyone's taste buds.

• Mess-free Food: Start with a selection of sandwiches or wraps, using different fillings such as ham and cheese, turkey and avocado, or grilled vegetables. These portable and easy-to-eat options are perfect for picnics.
• Finger foods: Have snack or finger foods like fries, nuggets and chips ready for the chit chat sessions .
• Fresh fruits and Salad: Take fruits like watermelon, grapes, or strawberries or make a refreshing salad for a healthy snack alternative.
• Grazing Platter: Additionally, include a variety of cheeses, crackers, and dips to create a delicious grazing platter.
• Dessert: Finally, finish your picnic feast with some sweet treats like cookies, brownies, or cupcakes.
• Food Inclusive of Dietary Restriction: Food Allergies and preferences are other critical factors when choosing the essential foods for your picnic. Make sure to have vegetarian or vegan options available, as well as gluten-free or nut-free alternatives. This way, everyone can enjoy the picnic without any worries.

Choosing the Right Beverages for Outdoor Dining

No picnic is complete without refreshing beverages to quench your thirst. When choosing suitable beverages for outdoor dining, it's important to consider the weather, the preferences of your group, and the ease of transportation. Here are some popular options to consider:

• Water: Always have plenty of water available to stay hydrated, especially during hot summer days. Consider bringing reusable water bottles for each person to minimise waste.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: These classic summer beverages are refreshing and can be made in advance. Pack them in insulated bottles or containers to keep them cool.
• Sparkling Water or Soda: For those who prefer bubbly drinks, consider bringing sparkling water or soda in cans or small bottles.
• Fruit Infused Water: Add a burst of flavour to water by infusing it with fruits like lemon, berries, or cucumber. This adds a refreshing flavour to plain water.
• Alcoholic Beverages: If your picnic permits alcohol, you can pack some beer, wine, or pre-mixed cocktails in appropriate containers. Be sure to drink responsibly and check if the picnic location allows alcohol.

Keep the beverages chilled by using ice packs or coolers to ensure they stay cool throughout the picnic.

Must-Have Picnic Accessories and Utensils

In addition to food and beverages, there are several must-have picnic accessories and utensils that can enhance your outdoor dining experience. These include:

• Picnic Blanket: A comfortable and waterproof picnic blanket is essential for lounging and enjoying your meal. Look for one that is large enough to accommodate all the attendees.
• Plates, Cups, and Utensils: Opt for eco-friendly plates, cups, and utensils to minimise the use of single-use plastics in your picnic.
• Napkins and Paper Towels: Go for good quality, two-ply paper napkins that are super absorbent and durable. This will help you easily clean up spills and messy food without grabbing too many tissues.
• Cutting Board and Knife: If you plan to prepare some food or cut up some fruits at the picnic site, a cutting board and knife will come in handy.
• Trash Bags: Bring trash bags and collect any waste after the picnic is over. Also, collect recyclable trash separately from the disposables. Leave the area as clean as you found it to be.
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Protect yourself and your picnic attendees from the sun and pesky insects by packing sunscreen and bug spray.
• Portable Speakers: Portable speakers can provide entertainment if you want to enjoy music during your picnic.

Tips for Packing and Transporting Your Picnic

Efficient packing and transporting of your picnic supplies can make your outing seamless and stress-free. Here are some tips to help you pack and transport your picnic with ease:

• Plan Ahead: Make a checklist of all the items you must pack for your picnic, including food, beverages, accessories, and utensils. This will ensure you don't forget anything essential.
• Use a Suitable Picnic Basket or Cooler: Buy a sturdy and spacious picnic basket or cooler that can maintain the right temperature for your food and beverages. Look for one with insulation and compartments to organise your items.
• Pack in Layers: Start with the heaviest and sturdiest items at the bottom of the basket or cooler, such as bottles or containers. Layer lighter and delicate items on top to prevent crushing or damage.
• Keep Cold Foods Cold: If perishable food items or beverages need to be kept cold, use ice packs to maintain the temperature. Place them in a separate cooler or insulated bag.
• Separate Hot and Cold Foods: If you're packing hot and cold foods, keep them separate to prevent cross-contamination and maintain their respective temperatures.
• Secure Containers and Bottles: Ensure all containers and bottles are tightly sealed and secured to avoid spills and leaks. Consider using resealable bags for added protection.
• Pack Utensils and Accessories Last: Place your plates, cups, utensils, and other accessories on top of the food items for easy access when it's time to eat.
• Consider Transportation Methods: If you're travelling a long distance to reach your picnic destination, consider the best transportation method for your supplies. A car or bicycle may be suitable depending on your items' distance and weight.

Creative Themes and Ideas for Memorable Picnics

Consider incorporating creative themes and ideas to make your picnic even more memorable. Here are some suggestions to inspire you:

• Beach Picnic: Pack beach towels, sunscreen, and toys for a fun day by the water. Serve seafood dishes, fruity cocktails, and tropical fruits to complete the beach vibe.
• Garden Party Picnic: Choose a picturesque garden location and decorate with flowers, fairy lights, and picnic blankets. Serve elegant finger sandwiches, salads, and refreshing herbal teas.
• Picnic Potluck: Organise a potluck picnic where each attendee brings a dish to share. By doing this, you will share the workload with everyone and also experience various cuisines and cooking styles.
• Sports Picnic: Incorporate your favourite sports activities into the picnic, such as frisbee, soccer, or volleyball. Pack energy-boosting snacks and beverages to keep everyone fueled.
• Picnic Brunch: Start your day with a picnic brunch featuring a selection of pastries, quiches, fresh fruits, and mimosas or freshly squeezed juices.

As laid back as picnics can be, they need a lot of planning and execution. But that being said, don't stress too much on every aspect of your picnic being perfect. Picnic plans that go astray become the most iconic stories to recall among friend groups for years. Go with the flow and enjoy this summer in every way possible!