Planning a picnic? This is the only checklist you'll ever need
There are multiple studies that link spending time outdoors with improved mental health. When you plan a picnic, you not only get to spend the day enjoying nature, but you also get to enjoy some of your favorite foods. Bring a friend or loved one along with you, and now you get to benefit from having in-person conversations and making memories rather than staring at a screen all day.
With that being said, we know how excited you are to start your own picnicking adventure! Before you pick your location and jump in your car, there are a few things you need to prepare first, though. You need to ensure you pack all the picnic essentials, which can be found in our picnic checklist below.
Continue reading to learn what to pack for a picnic!
Your Drinks and Food Items
When going on a picnic, the most important items to plan for are your food and brings. What would your picnic be without them? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Fruits and veggies
A good combination of various fruits and veggies is always a must in a picnic basket. The best thing about them is that you won't have to worry about keeping them cool in the basket either, unless you prefer to. Strawberries, apples, and peaches are some great fruit choices.
For veggies, consider bringing celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, olives, and carrots!
Finger foods
Finger foods are a wonderful picnic basket item because they're easy to quickly eat without creating too much of a mess. You can create mini sandwiches and wraps with your favorite deli meats and cheeses for the ultimate picnic finger foods.
Main Meals
Although finger foods are ideal, you can still have a main meal in your picnic basket. You might even be surprised to learn that potato salad came in as the number one picnic food item in the United States. Pair your potato salad with chicken breasts, burger, pizza or a pasta dish for the main meal.
Cheese and meat
A small Charcuterie board can go a long way when on a picnic. Pick out some of your favorite cheeses and meats as the main components. Then, grab a few crackers, nuts, jams, dried fruits and honey to complete it.
Desserts
Your picnic wouldn't be complete without a dessert. Some easy dessert options are cookies and brownies, but you can also bring chocolate, cheesecake and candies.
Your setup items
Having the right setup items will ensure you can picnic with ease. There are a few items to consider for your picnic setup. Here's what you need to know.
Cooler
If you're going to pack food items that should be kept cold, such as cheese, other dairy items, and meat, then you want to bring a cooler with you that's large enough to fit all of these items and your drinks. A cooler with wheels is beneficial, or find one small enough to fit inside a wagon.
Picnic basket
Your picnic basket will hold all of the other items that don't require refrigeration. These items might include dry foods and serving items. A canvas bag also works well.
Picnic blanket and chairs
Most parks will have picnic tables for you to use, but if you're not sure, then you'll want to bring your own picnic blanket and foldable chairs. You can still use a picnic blanket as a table cloth if you find a table nearby.
Your serving items
Don't forget all of those important serving items to make for a nice picnic without the stress. These are some of those important items often forgotten about, which can turn a nice picnic into a disaster if not in your basket.
Plates, napkins and utensils
Finger food might not require plates, but if you plan to bring any other food items with you, then you'll be happy to have plates and utensils. Utensils are essential for serving jams and dips or cutting various food items. Napkins are a necessity no matter what type of food you plan to eat, so be sure not to forget them.
Bottle Opener
Sharing a glass of wine with a loved one while on a picnic is a great way to boost the romance. A glass of wine is also enjoyable between friends and family. If bringing a bottle of wine, don't forget your wine glasses and your bottle opener, of course.
Cutting Board and Knife
Planning to bring food items you might need to cut? Chicken breasts and sandwiches are two examples. A cutting board and knife can also come in handy for preparing and serving a Charcuterie board.
Condiments
Stop by your local grocery store and see if you can find some free individual condiments, such as mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. These are easy to use when on the go and won't create a mess.
Your Cleanup Supplies
Speaking of a mess, what items will you have to clean up your picnic when done? Cleaning supplies are important for your own health and the health of the environment around you. Here are a few cleaning supplies to consider.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are ideal for cleaning off your hands and any spills that might take place. You can then easily toss them out without having to worry about taking a cloth back home to wash. Consider bringing one roll of paper towels with you.
Trash Bags
Most parks will have trashcans nearby, but having your own trash bag can come in handy. You won't have to worry about trash blowing away while you're trying to enjoy your meal. Keep a small trash bag nearby to put trash in as needed.
When you're done, close it up and toss it in the park's larger trash can.
What's on Your Picnic Checklist?
If you weren't sure what to bring on a picnic before, then we hope you now know exactly what you need to pack for the ultimate picnic experience! Keep this picnic checklist handy when planning your next day at the park to ensure you pack all of the picnic essentials.
Looking for more foodie news in central North Carolina? Check out Triangle Food Guy's weekly restaurant news posts on WRAL's Out and About.
