Part of the fun of family picnics is that you’ll be setting up to eat in an unfamiliar atmosphere. However, careful planning is the key to success. You’ll have to take everything you need with you – there’s no popping back indoors to grab that essential item that you’ve forgotten. So, to help you have a wonderful and stress-free picnic, we’ve put together this list of must-haves to help you prepare.
- An organized food store
Whether you have a gorgeous wicker hamper, a cool box, or a canvas tote, this is the most basic requirement. You’ll not only need to store your food in airtight containers, at the right temperature but also pack plates and cutlery so they’ll be easy to find.
- A picnic table and chairs
Keep in mind that not everyone will be comfortable sitting on the ground, especially for long periods. Unless you’re heading for a location where you know that metal picnic tables and chairs are available, pack a couple of chairs so that everyone can relax and enjoy the feast. A table is another option, but if you have lots of dishes to set out, or if you’re picnicking on the beach and want to keep sand out of your dishes, you’ll be grateful you brought one along.
- A picnic blanket
If you’re setting out your spread at ground level, then a picnic cloth or blanket is a must-have. Any piece of cloth large enough for everyone to sit around will be fine, and a colorful patterned option will give the occasion a fun vibe which the kids will love. If you’re a regular outside diner, consider investing in a picnic blanket, which has a waterproof cover on one side – invaluable if the grass or sand is damp. Also, bring some cloths or cushions for people to sit on – bring as many as you can fit in the car so that after lunch, people can create soft, chill-out areas and relax.
If you have a baby or a small child with you, it’s also recommended to add an extra layer of protection due to their sensitive skin. Parents like to shop for infant blanks that cover their entire play area, these are a must-have for any family picnic with little ones. Further, these blankets are portable and can be easily folded to fit in your bag.
- Tableware
You could just eat the cheese sandwiches straight out of the plastic bag you stored them in, then wipe your hands on a paper towel. Nothing wrong with that!
However, to give your picnic a more grown-up sense of occasion a full table setting will create a better atmosphere. You could use bring your carefully packed best china, crystal, silver, and table linens. Be sure to pack them away with equal care when you’re finished to avoid breakages.
With young kids around, that would be over-the-top and could lead to accidents. It’s advisable to stick to reusable plastic tableware, rather than opting for single-use plastics which will end up in a landfill. To make it special, choose plates with a theme, or in their favorite colors.
- Corkscrew / Bottle Opener
Speaking of grown-ups – if you’re bringing some wine or anything to drink that you can’t open with your bare hands, then don’t just bring along the corkscrew of bottle opener – ensure you pack them in a place where you can get your hands on them without emptying every bag in the hunt. And if – heaven forbid- you find yourself in the middle of nowhere having to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew, just hope that someone in your party knows the secret!
Even if you’re bringing juices for the kids, a pair of scissors to snip the container open will do the job in seconds, and save you from trying to tea or even bite the corner so the drink can be poured.
- Chopping Board and Knife
To avoid the feeling that everything has been prepared hours earlier, and is no longer fresh, bring a chopping board and sharp knife. That way you can prepare sandwiches with the ingredients each person chooses- cheeses, vegetables, meats, etc. The bread won’t get soggy, and you’ll only need to pack perishable items in the cooler, instead of the entire sandwich. However, this approach can get awkward if you’re on a windy beach, so don’t go for this option if you’d be preparing at ground level.
- Ice Packs and Thermos
One of the challenges of all-day picnics is keeping the food at a safe temperature. Pack your cool boxes with ice and keep them closed as much as is practical. The temperature should not rise above 40 degrees, as beyond that, bacteria can multiply.
For the same reason, hot food shouldn’t be allowed to fall below 140 degrees. So either keep it in a thermos or use a camping stove to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated. If you really want to guard against food poisoning, take a cooking thermometer.
- Trash Bags
There may not be a trash bin close to your chosen spot so bring along trash bags for your food waste. Use a separate bag for disposable items which may be recyclable. A supply of plastic shopping bags will allow you to pack away your soiled dishes safely and in a well-organized way, while keeping your picnic hamper or car free of debris.
- Paper towels and wet wipes
Impossible to list all the potential uses here! Let’s just say that when you don’t have easy access to running water, they’ll be essential for cleaning hands before and after eating, and for wiping used utensils. If bathroom facilities aren’t to be found nearby, they’ll definitely be needed! Just be sure not to leave them behind to litter the area, and spoil your idyllic picnic spot for the next visitors.
- Fun things
Your picnic meal may take a couple of hours at the very most. What are you going to do for the rest of the day? Keep kids busy with lots of activities to help them burn off their energy, and try to include games that the whole family can join in with. For example, there are loads of treasure hunt templates online which can get everyone exploring and taking selfies. If you’ve been dreaming of a few hours of peace, don’t forget that book you’ve been wanting to start, and your headphones. Enjoy!
Whatever style of picnic you choose, the aim is for your family to head home refreshed, content, and full of happy memories.
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