Picnic Essentials: Everything you Need for Planning a Picnic
Indulge outdoors.
Picnics are a fun way to get outdoors and enjoy a variety of your favorite foods with your favorite people. If you are unsure how to pack for a picnic, Wayfair has you covered!. From dinnerware to backpacks and picnic baskets, read on to learn more about the many picnic essentials you'll need for your next outdoor dining adventure.
Picnic Essentials
1. Picnic Basket & Cooler
When it comes to enjoying a picnic, food is often the main attraction. Whether you are bringing drinks, perishables, or just a few snack items, there is a food carrier available to suit your needs.
Picnic Baskets: Picnic baskets are certainly a picnic essential; they're useful and can add a touch of charm to your lunch date. They are designed to carry your food from your home to your picnic location with ease. They often have handles, making them easy to transport. Since most aren't insulated, they are best used for foods that aren’t perishable. Picnic baskets can vary in appearance and add a stylish addition to your picnic setup. From classic woven styles to gingham linings, there is a picnic basket for every style. Add a few ice packs to keep your food cold until you’re ready to eat.
Picnic Backpacks: Picnic backpacks are for the more adventurous picnic goers. They are more durable and can be carried right on your back.Some are insulated, helping to keep beverages and snacks cool. If you plan to hike into the woods or along the beach, a picnic backpack makes carrying your food much more convenient and comfortable.
Picnic Coolers: If you are bringing perishables or a variety of beverages, a picnic cooler will help keep things cold until you are ready to sit down and eat. Picnic coolers are often small in size, with a handle on the top that makes them easy to toss into the car or carry to your picnic destination.
Tip!
Need help finding the best picnic cooler? Check out our guide The Best Coolers for Your Outdoor Adventures.
Wine Carriers & Totes: If you are looking to indulge in a glass of your favorite wine, a wine carrier is certainly a picnic essential. Whether you are relaxing in your backyard or dining with friends, a wine carrier will allow you to store bottles of wine safely. They are padded to ensure your wine bottles will fit perfectly without breaking. Toss in a wine or bottle opener so you can always enjoy your wine without worry.
When having a picnic, it’s essential to put down a picnic or outdoor blanket to not only protect your food from dirt, but also to help keep your clothing dry and clean. Many picnic blankets roll up to fit into an outdoor-friendly bag, while others may have ties on their corners to keep them rolled up. They are travel-friendly and easy to unravel. If you want an outdoor blanket that doesn’t have extra tie additions, opt for a traditional outdoor blanket. It is designed for the elements but can also be used as a throw to snuggle up with. Look for brightly colored blankets to make a statement during your picnic!
While most picnics are enjoyed sitting on the ground, seating can undoubtedly make your picnic experience more enjoyable.
Lawn Chairs: If you don’t want to sit on the ground for too long, bring lawn chairs to your picnic! They are easy to travel with and are perfect if you plan on driving to your picnic destination. They sit close to the ground, which is essential if your food is sitting on a blanket.
Folding Adirondack Chairs: Folding Adirondack chairs are perfect if you are looking to spend a long day outdoors. They are larger and often heavier than camping chairs, but can give you a laid-back and relaxed feel when enjoying your picnic. They fold up, making them easy to carry back to your car.
Outdoor Cushions: Skip the chairs altogether and opt for outdoor cushions or throw pillows as your seating. They can add a touch of comfort to your typical outdoor picnic and are perfect if your picnic location is close by.
Tip!
Make your seating more comfortable by adding outdoor throw blankets. It will help keep you warm if the temperature drops and can add extra comfort to your seating area.
Create a designated space in your backyard for occasional outdoor picnics. While it may not be a picnic essential, it will make eating outdoors easier throughout the warmer seasons. Pack up your food as you would for a traditional picnic and head out to the picnic table to enjoy a meal with your family.
Create that feeling of eating at home by bringing along outdoor tableware and dinnerware. It is made to be durable, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it a breeze to pack up and head home.
Outdoor Dinnerware: Whether you want to use dining plates to display your food options or use them to eat your meal, dinnerware and dining plates are extremely useful and versatile when it comes to picnic supplies. They are designed for the outdoors, meaning they are durable and can withstand being dropped or packed.
Outdoor Drinkware: Enjoy a glass of lemonade (or a cocktail) in drinkware designed for the outdoors. Outdoor drinkware can help make you feel like you’re enjoying a meal at home, no matter where you are. They are durable, strong, and designed for the elements.
Outdoor Wine Glasses: If you are looking to enjoy a glass of wine on your picnic, opt for outdoor wine glasses. You’ll feel like you’re right at home. They are durable and can withstand travel.
Outdoor Flatware: If you are eating a full meal, flatware is certainly a picnic essential. Whether you want to enjoy a sweet treat, slice cheese, or use it to serve, flatware will allow you to eat comfortably without having to get your hands dirty.
Cutting Boards: Cutting boards are perfect for enjoying a snack of crackers and cheese, but they can also give you a useful hard surface to cut or slice things, like bread. For serving cheese, opt for a cheese board. Pair with a bread or cheese knife. For a touch of style to your picnic set up, opt for a wooden cutting board.
If you are dining in the early evening, it’s essential to take outdoor lighting with you.
Outdoor Candles: Opt for romantic lighting by bringing along candles. Choose candles small in size that can be packed easily. If you find yourself drawing bugs to your picnic area, consider bringing along a citronella candle to help deter bugs. Be sure to check with your picnic location for any open flame rules and regulations. For peace of mind, consider packing battery-powered outdoor candles. They can offer the same romantic feel without the flame.
Camping Lanterns: Camping lanterns are perfect for the outdoors! Bring them on your picnics when you plan on staying out till dark. They can be turned on with a quick push of a button and are perfect for travel.
After you’ve packed the picnic essentials, it’s time to consider the picnic gear that will keep you entertained for hours.
Outdoor Speakers: Listen to your favorite tunes during your picnic by bringing an outdoor speaker. They are small, lightweight, and often waterproof.
Outdoor Yard Games: Depending on where you decide to picnic, outdoor yard games can help keep your picnic goers entertained. Opt for games that can be played by several people to ensure you’ll be able to play no matter how big or small your picnic is.
