How to Pack the Perfect Picnic Date

My husband and I often go on picnics. Sometimes it’s just as simple as grabbing a few snack items to take to the beach or sometimes it’s an entire spread at our local waterfront park. Preparing for a picnic doesn’t have to be a big ordeal and by keeping a few basic things on hand, you can always be prepared to enjoy a memorable moment.

1. Don’t stress

Yes, you read that right. Don’t stress over preparing for a picnic! Yes, by all means plan ahead if it’s a picnic for a big crowd, but when it’s just the two of you, plan to relax and have fun.

2. Grab a Tote

Keep a picnic basket, insulated tote, or a lunch sack on hand so you are always prepared for a lunch date or a snack. You can even try one of my mini-totes! Beats bringing things in grocery sacks or brown bags.

3. Have a blanket?

Bring a blanket or low-sitting chairs. We keep a rolled blanket in our car at all times and one at the backdoor. They have vinyl on the backside or you can always use a vinyl tablecloth as an underlayer.

4. Put it on Ice

I freeze water bottles to use as ice packs and then later can drink them, especially when at the beach.

5. Reuseable Water Bottles

Bring large refillable water bottles with ice in them and then pour drinks into them at your picnic spot so they don’t spill on the way or bring them filled with adult beverages ahead of time.

6. Pack it Well

I pack all food in separate small, glass storage containers. They keep everything from getting soggy or crushed and make nice serving bowls.

7. Finger-friendly Foods

I always make finger-friendly, low-prep foods. Cut veggies with hummus; cheese spread with pretzels; assorted cut cheeses and sausages with crackers or a crusty loaf of bread; green olives (Castelvetrano are our favorite); cocktail peanuts or seasoned almonds (yum!); fresh fruits like grapes, strawberries, blueberries or dates; apples with peanut butter; cold chicken; pre-peeled hard-boiled eggs; wraps instead of sandwiches (so much easier to hold); and cookies or brownies make the perfect dessert.

8. Prep it All

I cut everything ahead of time so there is no need to carry extra knives or a cutting board and since it is all finger food, I don’t usually bother with plates or utensils, just cloth napkins, which are better for the environment and make it more special. If you do feel you need plates, I bring cute melamine ones instead of paper. Slip them in a plastic grocery bag when you pack them so you can put them in the same bag to bring the dirty plates home in.

And enjoy the lovely day with the one you love!