From Blankets to Bites - How to Plan the Perfect Picnic

A well-planned picnic is the perfect blend of simplicity, scenery, and shared bites. The simple act of spreading out a blanket, sharing great food, and soaking up fresh air turns the ordinary day into a lasting memory. Whether you're heading to the park, the beach, or even your own backyard, planning the perfect picnic is all about balancing ease, flavor, and comfort. From choosing the right location to packing the essentials, this guide will help you create a laid-back, yet stylish picnic that is as effortless as it is unforgettable.

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Tips for a great picnic

What to bring

No perfect picnic is complete without food and beverages, but it's the often over-looked essentials that truly elevate the experience. Below is a list of items that are mandatory for any picnic:

Items to bring (other than food and drinks):

Picnic blanket or folding table
Cooler/Insulated bag with ice
Reusable plates
Reusable utensils
Napkins/Paper towels
Reusable bottles/cups
Knife
Cutting board
Scissor
Tape
Tupperware/Air-tight containers
Sunscreen
Speaker
Decorations (optional)
Games/Activities (optional)

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Must Have Reusable Bottles

Decorations/Theme

When it comes to creating the perfect picnic atmosphere, the ambiance matters, and the decor and theme play a big part! Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a baby shower, or simply enjoying a beautiful sunny day with friends, a thoughtful theme (even a simple color palette) can go a long way. To help spark inspiration, below are three basic, yet different themes you can choose from if you're having trouble:

Italian Summer
1. Colors: Light blues, pastel yellows, creamy whites
2. Other decor: Lemons, white flowers, crisp white linens
Earthy Brunch
1. Colors: Earthy greens, dark blues, off-whites
2. Other decor: Eucalyptus, candles, wooden serving plates
Romantic Picnic
1. Colors: Light pinks, dark reds, stark whites
2. Other decor: Rose petals, glowing candles, heart shaped tableware

HOW TO TRANSPORT EVERYTHING

Getting your picnic essentials from home to your favorite outdoor spot can take a bit of planning, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with a sturdy cooler or insulated bag to keep drinks and perishable items cold. For everything else needed for your picnic, such as a blanket, utensils, speaker, or sunscreen, a spacious tote or backpack makes carrying the extras easy. And when it comes to staying hydrated, opt for a reusable water bottle over single-use plastic. It’s better for the planet and keeps your drink cooler for longer.

Favorite reusable water bottles

where to have it

Depending what you're celebrating, what the theme is, and what the weather is like will determine where you want to have your picnic. Look for a place that will set the vibes. Possibly a large field if you're looking to play games, or a sunny-spot if you're looking to enjoy the heat, or maybe your own backyard if you're looking for privacy. Keep in mind restrooms, park/beach hours, crowd levels, and other factors that may affect your picnic. Regardless, you will want the spot you chose to have you feeling refreshed and be able to unwind.

Food and Beverage Ideas

Food and beverages may be arguably the most important part of any event, let alone a picnic. Here are a few ideas that are always people pleasers:

Food items

Charcuterie board
Finger foods (pigs in a blanket, tomato and mozzarella skewers, chips and dip)
Hot dogs and hamburgers
Mini sandwiches or bagels
Fruit and/or veggie tray

Drink Ideas (Mocktails):

Summer Berry Blast
- Sparkling lemonade, frozen berries, 1 mint sprig
Mocktail Mojito
- Sparkling water, 3 mint sprigs, 3 lime wedges, 1 tsp of sugar
Cherry Spritz
- Orange sparkling water, splash of grenadine, orange slice and cherry

Every mocktail can have liquor of your choice added to it to make a refreshing cocktail (if the venue allows).

At the end of the day, a great picnic is all about good company, relaxed moments, and shareable bites. Don't stress over making it picture-perfect, because chances are, you'll forget something. But, that is okay! The memories you make matter way more than forgetting the napkins. Just don't forget the reusable bottles!

The essentials of a good picnic, are food, friends, and the details that turn the day into a memory

You can spice up your picnic with decorations, games, and/or a speaker and a curated playlist

Make sure to familiarize yourself with any public rules such as hours, alcohol consumption, etc. before having a picnic anywhere