Lets Picnic!

Going on a picnic is one of my favorite things to do when the weather’s nice.  Whether it’s a surprise date, family outing, or just dinner with friends eating outside is always a good time. I love that you are able to enjoy what your local scenery has to offer from a beautiful park, waves on the beach or even a local brewery. The best part is that it’s cheaper than going out and it can be very casual and simple or just as pretty as any dinner party. Here are all the things you need to know when planning your next picnic from gear, recipes, and things you don’t want to forget.

Location

Location is probably the first thing you’ll decide when planning a picnic. You can stay really local, head to a state park, the beach, and local outdoor events like free concerts, vineyards, and breweries. Here are some things to keep in mind when picking a location.

• Hours of operation
• If outside food and drinks are allowed
• Are there public bathrooms and how far are public bathrooms from the picnic site
• If and where are dogs allowed
• Alcohol allowed – For Connecticut where I live, there are many state parks that allow alcohol in designated picnic areas.  Online you can check their maps and if a park has an alcohol ban. Generally you are going to a brewery or vineyard usually you cannot bring outside alcohol.
• How Far is Parking from Picnic area – you may want to bring a wagon or cart for a larger set up.

Picnic Gear

The table in a Bag and Table Cloth Clips

I have a variety of portable tables that I use. Most often I use this quick to assemble, aluminum table. I also have beautiful wooden tables in a bag but it’s a little more work to put together but a bigger surface.

Some parks do have picnic tables making it easy to fit a larger group and without having to bring extra items. If you’re going to put a table cloth, table cloth clips are a must. I have used a couple of different kinds and these clips have been my favorite so far.

Picnic Blankets and Blanket Hacks

Sometimes you just want to relax and layout, take a nap, and stretch out for your afternoon in the park. This is great for a date or just having a really casual picnic. If the weather is dry I will use an old queen or king quilt. If you are going somewhere like the beach, or the grass is damp or fear grass stains, a picnic blanket with waterproof backing is best.  Here’s my only qualm with most picnic blankets, they are small and tend to go with larger blankets. Also, some claim they are waterproof but read the reviews, and also not all are machine washable so take these things into consideration when picking a blanket and what you’re really looking for in the function and looks.

I like to use regular blankets that I have in the house but in order to protect the bottom of the blanket from water and grass stains, I use a thin camping tarp. They pack small making it easy to carry. I also figured out this great blanket magnet hack. You can use small strong magnets to keep the two layers together and also act as a weight to help keep the wind from picking the blanket up. If you on grass you can even stick some grass in between which has worked really well for me keeping the blankets exactly in place even when it’s really windy. These are the strong inexpensive magnets I use.

Plates, Napkins, Glasses, and Flatware

Plates

When I picnic I generally use melamine plates. They are much lighter and there’s no fear of them breaking in travel. Melamine plates also hold up better than paper plates for heavy food and better for the environment to rewash than disposable.  Target, Land’s End,  Walmart, and Homegoods also have some great patterns for this type of plate.  If you’re hosting a larger group or not up for washing dishes I recommend eco-friendly palm plates. They are heavy-duty, disposable, and biodegradable.

Napkins and Utensils

Cloth napkins can be found online or just about any housewares retailer. There are so many options for prints to express your own style not to mention eco-friendly to wash and reuse!  Same goes for real cutlery instead of using plastic. No one wants to cut chicken or steak with a plastic knife. I have thick cloth napkins that are almost like dishcloths that I use most for picnics.  Folding them right when they come out of the dryer usually avoids having to iron.

If you buy a set of cutlery just for picnics and outings, have them packed along with your other commonly used items. This makes an impromptu picnic easy and doesn’t require as much packing and prep.

Glasses and Cups

I admit I do actually bring glass wine glasses to my picnics but you run the risk of them breaking and glass in your bag.  At most home retailers you can find plastic glasses that looks like glass without the worry. Stainless options are great as well  Some are even insulated to keep your drinks cold. I’ve seen quite of few of these at Homegoods in the summer and other home retailers.

Portable Grill

This portable propane grill is great if you want to make hot food at your picnic and perfect for camping. Particularly if your planning on being out awhile. If you have plenty of time and prefer the taste of charcoal you can get a small portable charcoal grill.  Some parks will have public ones there that you can use if your bring your own charcoal.

Waste and Recycling

For small gatherings or don’t mind having a visible bag without support, you can do the same as the first photo. Reuse a grocery bag clipped to the table with a table cloth clip. If you need a larger capacity a pop up reusable basket is great. They have 10 gallons or 30 gallons and collapse for easy storage. Just line with a bag for garbage or recycling. There are plastic lined paper containers that come with a plastic bag and able to recycle the paper portion at the end. This could be replicated by reusing two paper grocery bags within each other for sturdiness and line with a plastic bag.

Picnic Baskets and Insulated Coolers and Carts

https://amzn.to/34v6cJaNow I know what you’re thinking, how am I going to get all my picnic gear and food to the park. I have various size totes and collapsible cooler bags, but you probably only really need two.  You can buy a picnic basket like this . It includes a lot of the picnic things basics with room for a blanket and few extras items but that usually only for 2-4 people and like to have picnics with others or need more room.

Often I use a collapsible basket like this that I bought ages ago at Target for my blanket, plates, utensils, cups, table cloth clips, etc.  Anything that doesn’t need to be kept cold or warm. Then I have a large insulated tote like this with my cold food and drinks. I have seen large totes like this all over Ocean State Job Lot, Target, HomeGoods as well.  Also, I have this small insulated tote that’s perfect for drinks and something like cheese and snacks if you’re going simple. Having two easy to carry totes with our shoulder sling chairs and table has been easy for my husband and me to carry to a park.

I never use ice to keep items cold when packing for picnics. Ice melts into a big puddle getting water into plastic wrapped items and leaves your cooler filled with water, not to mention you have to keep buying ice. I like reusable plastic sheets made of water and not a gel that is non-toxic. This way I can reuse them, wrap around bottles of wine, or lay in between layers of food. They can be purchased online or Walmart in the camping section as well as many other retailers.

You can also use reusable plastic grocery bags to carry regular items. If you camp or have a larger family you may opt for the larger plastic coolers that roll. I do not own a Yeti cooler because of the price and size. I prefer the compact storage of collapsible coolers but have seen them and impressed with how long they will keep things cold and hold ice. Having a large group may make getting a beach cart or wagon easier too if you have little ones and quite a few things to carry.

Lanterns and Battery Lights

It’s easy to think you will definitely be out of the park before sunset but sometimes you are just enjoying your food, company, and view and linger longer than expected. Trust me it happens and I have been glad to have these pop up camping lanterns . They are LED battery operated, compact, and just pop up for light. Or you’re trying to pack while it’s getting dark or the portable bathroom is really dark inside as it goes into the evening. String lights are great if your under the tree or somewhere you can hang them and gives much better mood lighting but a little more work to hang. Keep in mind battery LED string lights aren’t as strong as their plug-in counterparts. I usually hang at least three rows of strands over the table. Some are long to loop back needing one strand for two rows of lights. To see how I made concrete stands for string lights check out this pop up 30th birthday in a beautiful park.

Picnic Food

There are a ton of options for food at a picnic. Cold or room temp food, store bought, snacks, grilling and packing hot food. Regardless of which you choose for your picnic there are tons of options. Bon apetit has a great collections of picnic recipes along with a few I have included below.

Packed Cold/Room Temp

Simple Cheese Plate

Picnics don’t need to be a full meal. Sometimes is nice to just relax with some snacks and take in the view. Pack all your cheese and crackers, maybe meat in a large container. Olives and my favorite marinated mushrooms in a sealed airtight container to avoid spills.  Eat out of the containers or bring a melamine, metal or wood tray to serve.

Sandwiches

Packing all ready to eat food is easiest, not having to worry about cooking or keeping things warm. Particularly if you have a ways to travel. Sandwiches like these pressed Italian inspired sandwiches on hearty baguettes are simple with chips.  These sandwiches have pesto on both sides of the bread with pepperoni, salami, provolone,  shallots, and greens. You can also make ahead sandwiches like egg salad, shrimp/lobster salad, and chicken salad on a platter in rolls by placing a romaine lettuce leaf at the bottom to keep the bread from getting soggy. Then cover the platter with plastic wrap.  People can build their own sandwiches by making a platter with all the components and fixings.

Salads

This side of soy sesame noodles can also be taken out a bit early to warm to room temp. Other good options are things like room temp quiches, just about any pasta and or mixed salad. Think bean salad, broccoli slaw, corn salad, quinoa salad or tabbouleh, melon or fruit salad, and lemon asparagus orzo are all great options. When packing green salads make sure to pack the dressing separate in a jar or airtight container and dress when you’re ready to eat so it doesn’t become soggy.

Store Bought

For this beach picnic, I bought EVERYTHING, so a great picnic doesn’t require a ton of food prep or cooking if you don’t want it to. I bought this green salad, bread, vinaigrette style potato salad, and traditional and curry chicken salad from a local gourmet to go place. You can find items like these in the deli section of your local grocery store as well. Re-plate in your own travel containers to prevent spills and pull the look together. I used a piece of parchment cut to size, placed within the container to keep the two chicken salads separate. The bread slices  were to eat as a side or make your own chicken salad open-faced sandwich.

 Bringing Hot Food from Home

If you pretty close by to your picnic area you can cook some things just before you leave and will still be warm or are good served room temp like this grilled chicken. Some fish is great as well as more room temp style.

Living close to picnic spots you can pack almost anything and will still be warm by wrapping in a towel in an insulated tote for a picnic if eaten right away. Sometimes I will make a Mexican style rice bowl using a large bowl to layer cooked rice, cooked sausage, beans if you like them, salsa, diced avocado and lime wedges with a side container of sour cream.  I’ve done something similar where I made beef and vegetable curry in the crockpot and let it cook all day then layer over hot rice in a large airtight container just before leaving for another easy to pack all in one meal.

Hot off the Grill Food

Not everyone is into cold foods or enjoy grilling in the park. Especially if you live in an apartment that you aren’t able to grill. Some parks have public grills by picnic tables where you can bring your own charcoal or you can bring a portable one or small propane grill (see above for grills).  Be sure to bring your own tools and things like a brush to clean the grate and extra sets of tongs to not contaminate raw and cooked meats.  Strip steak or smaller personal sized steaks are great for grilling at the park since they don’t require slicing like skirt or flank.

Butterflied chicken breast will cook more quickly and evenly than large whole pieces. Meats are great marinated but pack in a leak-proof airtight tight container or in double lined large Ziploc bags. This avoids contaminating other cold prepared food. If you are using skewers I recommend stringing with food before you leave and placing in large double lined Ziploc bags. You may need to cut the skewers in half to fit but are great for serving. Sliced large pieces of peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob are also delicious on the grill and easy to transport in a bag or container.

Dessert

Treats that are already baked and ready to go is best for picnics. Brownies, cookies, pies, bunt cakes, tarts and fruit are all easy to transport. Desserts that are a little a different like this easy flour less chocolate cake.  Carefully transported in a cooler bag still in the springform pan covered with plastic wrap. Then removed just before serving and topped with berries. You could also do the same thing with cheesecake or make mini cupcake size cheesecakes and transport in a covered 9×13 dish. Other options outside the norm would be homemade truffles or mini chocolate tartlets, just be sure to keep them cool.

Containers for Traveling and Serving

Leak Proof Containers – When traveling with food that has any possibility for leaking an locking lid dish like this is best. They do have them mostly in plastic but these large glass 8×12 casserole dishes go from oven to food storage. Just make sure the food has cooled a bit before putting the lid on and wrap in a towel to insulate and protect tote bags. They also make insulated casserole carriers. I think glass looks a little nicer than plastic containers which get cloudy.

Lidded Bowls – Having bowls with lids eliminate the need to carry plastic wrap and makes containers easy to stack. Plastic ones or these metal ones are fun and durable. I haven’t yet been able to find large glass bowls that have locking lids and are attractive. I would be careful about putting anything with much liquid but great for pasta and green salads.

Mason Jars – Small Mason Jars are great for dressings and extra large jars are good for carrying and serving pre-mixed drinks and salads. I can fit a ton of noodles, potato salad, and even a chopped salad in a large mason jar. I find them attractive to serve, they take up less room on the table and easier to pack than a bowl or traditional container. They can be purchased on Amazon, Walmart, and Target among other retailers.

Serving Trays and Platters – If you want to dress it up from the container or have somewhere to place grilled food you will need a tray or platter. The Melamine or metal ones are ideal because they are lighter and less fragile than ceramic ones.  When using metal skewers, be sure to remove food off the skewer before placing on a melamine tray when coming hot off the grill. They have so many attractive melamine platters and trays at Homegoods, Amazon, Bed Bath Beyond, Target, and Walmart among other home retailers.

Don’t Forget and Things to Consider

• Beach Chairs/Umbrella – Beach chairs are perfect with the table in a bag or if you want to hang for a while more comfortably. You may want to bring a beach umbrella or one of those beach tents to stay cool and out of the sun if there are no trees or shade. I find the best place for these items on the cheap is Walmart, Ocean State Job Lot or Christmas Tree Shop.
• Sunscreen/Bug Spray/Bug Candles and Lanterns – Don’t forget your SPF and if it’s an evening picnic its good to have bug spray and lanterns to ward off pests. Sunburns and bug bites can quickly ruin a picnic. I like these Thermacel ones that use mini cartridges instead of candles. You can get on Amazon or places like Walmart. Just don’t forget refills or a lighter to light the candle and keep away from little ones.
• Serving Dishes and Utensils – Go through each dish you are serving and pack a platter or bowl if needed. Appropriate serving utensils like extra tongs or large servings spoons will often be needed as well. Bring an extra plate or utensils in case you need more or they get dirty.
• Lighter, Charcoal, Newspaper – If you are grilling or lighting lanterns don’t forget to pack a lighter. You also don’t want to forget your mini propane tank or charcoal. If you are using a charcoal grill don’t forget to also bring newspaper and possibly a chimney to start your charcoal. Celebrating a birthday with candles is another reason you will need a lighter.
• Wine/Beer Opener – I always keep an extra one in my trunk along with a blanket, glasses, and bug spray in case you are out and decide to pick up a bottle of wine and enjoy it in the park. You can also make sure to buy wine with a screw top so you can re-close it easily.
• Ice – Earlier I mentioned how I don’t like to use ice to keep food and drinks cold but sometimes you want ice in your drinks. I usually pack a small container of ice in an airtight locking container for drinks at the bottom of one of my insulated bags.
• Extra Layers of Clothing – Sometimes a warm afternoon can turn into a chilly evening so it’s handy to bring a sweater or extra blanket.
• Garbage Bags and Way to Bring Home Dirty Dishes – You will inevitably create some waste whether garbage or recycling. I mentioned receptacles but don’t forget to bring garbage bags or reuse grocery bags to fill them. Grocery bags are a good way to bring home dirty dishes and I always keep some tucked in my picnic bag. A metal or plastic tub is a great way to get home dirty dishes as well since you can spray it clean later.
• Covering and Keeping Bugs Off Food – Make sure to have extra foil or plastic wrap if you are grilling or bringing food covered in plastic wrap to reseal. For keeping the bugs at bay easily I love these food bug nets. They collapse for easy and compact travel and are inexpensive. No one wants to eat food the flies have been all over.
• Container for Grilling Left Overs – If you brought raw meat or food in bags make sure double bag and be careful of cross-contamination and bring extra containers or Ziploc bags to bring home extra food.
• Keep your Cold food Cold and Hot Food Hot – The FDA says never let your picnic food remain in the “Danger Zone” — between 40 °F and 140 °F — for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90 °F. This is when bacteria in food can multiply rapidly, and lead to foodborne illness. Pack a separate cooler for drinks than food so people aren’t constantly exposing food to warm air. Use reusable ice sheets to place in between items to keep items cold. Insulate hot food in a towel and insulated container. Keeps coolers out of hot areas and sun.
• Clean Up – Not everywhere will have access to bathrooms, travel wet wipes and hand sanitizer or good options. Keep in mind that many hand sanitizers cant combat germs when hands are physically dirty with dirt etc. so rinse your hands or use a wipe first before you sanitize if possible. A mini first aid kit is important in your car or bag as well with alcohol wipes, band-aids, and tweezers for splinters and minor cuts.
• Bringing Flowers – Sometimes If I’m not bringing a ton or want a prettier picnic I bring a simple vase with flowers. I recommend using a short vase with a wide bottom and a small opening to keep water from spilling. Placed in my car cup holder or in my basket wrapping my blanket or tablecloth around the vase to stabilize.
• Keep a Tote Bag Packed with All Your Basics – A tote bag or basket packed with basic items like your blanket, plates, napkins, cups, utensils, bug spray, sunscreen, wine opener, flashlight, and garbage bags makes it less likely to forget things. Keeping a bag with its own stash of these items makes packing for a picnic a lot faster and less daunting for a quick picnic or maybe a weekday beach dinner after work. You don’t want to have to find and pack all these items every time. It’s much easier to just put the items back in your basket after use or being washed.

I hope this guide gives you everything you need or makes picnicking a lot easier and more enjoyable from just drinks to a full-blown dinner.  If you love picnics as much as I do you may want to host a Pop Up Dinner Party. Take a look at a previous post on my last 30th Birthday Pop Up Dinner Party to take your picnic to a dinner party on the next level with a view.

Summer is coming to an end soon as all the fall items start to arrive so make the most of the warmer weather and have a picnic.

-Ashley