Who doesn’t love a good picnic? I know I do! There’s something about eating outside that makes me so happy. Sitting in a park with some friends, just catching up, and playing some games. I think what I love the most about picnics is that they can be as big as you’d like or as small as you’d like. So today I thought I would share all of my picnic essentials, as well as food/drink and activities! If this sounds good to you, keep reading!
Check the weather
This is a no-brainer but I thought I’d include it. Unless you’re cool with eating and chilling in the rain, you might want to check the weather. If you’re going to a park that has shelters, it may not matter that much. It really all depends on what activities you have planned.
Picnic Essentials
When it comes to picnics, there are some items that will definitely enhance your experience. They’re not all necessary, but speaking from experience, they great to have! So what are these picnic essentials?
- A picnic basket – Obviously this is the first that comes to mind because I like to have everything in one place. You can find these in all shapes and sizes, but the ones I like the best are the ones that come with plates, cutlery, and drinkware.
- A picnic blanket- Sometimes sitting on grass can get itchy and uncomfortable. Sometimes there are bugs! This is why I prefer to sit on a picnic blanket. Towels will work too, but a picnic blaket is generally bigger so you have more room for everyone.
- A cooler- If you like your drinks to stay cold, I suggest bringing a cooler. It will also help to keep some food items cold and keep from spoiling.
- . An umbrella- You don’t NEED an umbrella to have a good time. However, if you’re like me and burn easily, it might be a good idea. If you can find shade under a tree or something that will work too, but if you plan on being out in an open field, and umbrella might be a good idea.
Food & Drink
What’s a picnic without food?! Boring, that’s what. You can literally bring any kind of food to your picnic as long as it’s easy to pack and travel with. Here are some of my favorites!
Picnic foods
- Pasta Salad – It’s easy to travel with, tasty, and can be eaten cold or at room temperature!
- Sandwiches – Also very easy to pack and travel with. Click here for my favorite sandwich recipe
- Charcuterie Board- A beautiful mix of everything!
- Desserts- No good meal is complete without something sweet! Some of my favorite sweet treats are brownies and cookies. Because you’ve followed my advice and brought a cooler, freezies are another great option! They’re a great way to cool down and hydrate.
Picnic Drinks
You need to hydrate! Here are some great options that you can pour into a large bottle and bring with you!
- Lemonade – It’s a summer classic! The great thing about lemonaide is that you can make a variety of flavors.
- Fancy water- I call it fancy water, but it’s really just water with fruit and herbs lol. My favorite combos are:
- Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and mint
- Just cucumber slices
- Lemon and lime slices
- Sodas- These are just super convientent to travel with!
- Aldult Beverages- I don’t drink anymore but who the hell am I to tell you not to? Depending on they laws where you live, sometimes it’s acceptable to bring things like wine to a picnic. If you’re not comfortable drinking in public, you can opt for some NA options or turn that lemonaide into a hard lemonaide. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone!
Picnic activities
Sitting and eating is fun and all, but maybe there are some other activities that may be fun to do! Here are some of my favorite ideas!
- Kube
- Bocce ball
- Soccer
- Card games: Uno, Cards Agaisnt Humanity, SkipBo, ect.
- Painting
- Reading – Click here for my top self-help reads!
Your pets
If you have a pet that would LOVE to join you, bring them if the location allows it! Here are some things you MUST bring with you if you’re bringing your fur baby though.
- Tons of water and a bowl/bottle they can drink from
- Food
- Poop bags
- Something they can lay on in the shade
- Something for them to play with, like a ball or stick.
Well there you have it, all of the picnic essentials! I hope you found this post helpful if you’re planning a picnic this summer. What are some of your essentials? I’d really love to know, so don’t forget to tell me in a comment! I’d love to stay in touch, fill out the form below to gain access to the monthly newsletter as well as your FREE Picnic Planner!
xo Little J
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