Picnic Essentials: What You Need for a Successful Outdoor Meal

As the warmth of spring and summer beckons, the idea of a picnic becomes irresistible. There’s something magical about dining al fresco, surrounded by nature under the open sky, and sharing a meal with loved ones. Whether planning a small date with your partner or a big gathering with family and friends, a picnic is the perfect way to spend the day.

Before you go on that picnic though, there are many things to consider to plan the perfect outing and ensure maximum enjoyment and an unforgettable time for everyone joining you. So, let us look at some of the essentials you need before the fun begins.

Seating

No one wants to be uncomfortable while they’re trying to enjoy the day and have fun outside. That’s why seating arrangements are important. There are two essentials you can take with you to ensure that you’re comfortable and ready to enjoy the picnic:

• Picnic blanket – that’s one thing besides food that you need to take with you. Blankets protect our clothes from getting dirty or even wet, and they make everything more cosy. The blanket should be big enough so that everyone has a place to sit or even to lie down a bit if you’re playing some games or catching some z’s after savouring the delicious meals.
• Chairs – having a blanket is a great option, however, if you want a little bit more space, comfort, and support, consider also bringing folding chairs. They offer back support and people who have trouble sitting on the ground for extended periods will for sure appreciate having another option.

Coolers

Now, if you want to have a great picnic with refreshing beverages that are just the right temperature for the warm weather, you’re going to need a top-notch cooler ice box that’s easy to carry and store. These boxes come in very handy and there are many advantages to using them when you’re outside as they can only make the experience better.

Why Do You Need Coolers?

Whether your picnic is on a beach, up in the mountains, or even in the nearby park, a cooler ice box is a must-have item for:

• Fresh Food – when you’re spending time outdoors, especially on a warm day, it is crucial to keep your food safe. Safe means keeping some products at the appropriate temperature to avoid spoiling them and also to avoid some foodborne illnesses. Such food includes sandwiches, salads, dairy products and any type of meat.
• Refreshing Beverages – there’s nothing better than a cold, refreshing drink on a scorching hot day. Having a cooler with you will ensure that your drinks are chilled, making your picnic day even more enjoyable.
• Extended picnic time – keeping your food fresh and your drinks chilled means more time outdoors without worrying that your water is warm and undrinkable, and having the fear of your food going bad.

When buying a cooler, you need to pay attention to its size, insulation and portability. It should be well-insulated, spacious enough to accommodate both food and drinks, and easy to carry around. How long can ice last in a cooler box? Depending on the ice used, it can last from 12 to 24 hours a day, but there are some cooler ice boxes with high density insulation that may make it last even longer.

Essential Utensils

Now that we’ve covered sitting and storage, it’s time to talk about the utensils you need to have so that your picnic goes smoothly and as mess-free as possible. Depending on the picnic you’re having and the size of it, there are some things you must always bring with you:

• Plates and bowls – you can either bring plates from home or disposable ones for serving your food and snacks.
• Napkins – they are a must so that you can keep your hands and even other surfaces clean, especially if you bring food that involves sauces and dips.
• Cutlery – forks, knives and spoons are essential, that goes without saying. You can use disposable ones, but to be more eco-friendly you can bring reusable ones which are more practical.
• Garbage bags – if you’re going to the nearby park, there might be waste bins around, but make sure to bring your own garbage bag to clean after yourself. If you’re going to a more remote area, it is very important to bring them with you so that you can leave the place just as you left it, clean.

Food and Beverages

It’s time to discuss the fun part of the picnic, food and beverages. Depending on the type of picnic you’re doing, whether it’s a family and friends gathering, or a romantic picnic with your partner, there is some food that is a must such as sandwiches and wraps. They are easy to make and easy to carry which makes them a perfect picnic to-go food.

Fruits and vegetables are also a good choice because they are healthy and refreshing, so having them on your picnic is a must. Now, if you want to elevate your picnic experience, you can make a nice charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, pickles and olives among others.

When it comes to beverages, the drink number one is water so that you can be hydrated and refreshed. You can bring ice tea, lemonade or your favourite fizzy drinks. If you want to spice things up, bring beer or wine, and if you want to feel like you’re having a picnic in the French countryside bring a bottle of champagne. It all depends on the experience you want to have.

The Right Spot

The location you choose for your picnic can play a significant role in its success. There are a few things you need to consider when picking a spot. Pick a place with picturesque views that will make you feel like you’re in a movie. You can pick a nice lake or stay near the beach if you find water relaxing. If you want a place which isn’t crowded, opt for the mountains where it won’t be as hot as on the beach.

In the end, a successful picnic is the result of careful planning and the right selection of necessary objects. Make sure that everyone is comfortable with the seating arrangements, well-fed and happy. Enjoy the weather and the company and remember that responsible picnickers take care of the environment and they keep it clean and litter-free.