It’s SUMMER! The sun is out, the breeze is perfect and since we’re not in the dog days of summer quite yet, it’s not too hot or buggy yet. Therefore: it is picnic season! Picnics are so awesome – what a great way to relax and enjoy nature! But a fun picnic can go south quickly, when it’s discovered that some key equipment or ingredients were missed. To help avoid that, we’ve come up with the Picnic Basket Checklist! It’s a great way to learn how to pack the perfect picnic basket.

The Ultimate Picnic Basket Checklist

⬜ Lightweight Basket, Tote, or Cooler Make sure it is easy to carry, waterproof and durable.

⬜ Blanket to Spread Out You’ll need it if there are no picnic tables at your destination. A table cloth will work, too!

⬜ Low-Seated Beach Chairs Not needed – only if you prefer, but we love having a backrest!

⬜ A Trash Bag or Two Makes cleanup SO much easier!

⬜ Paper Towels Double duty – cleaning up and mealtime napkin use.

⬜ Moist Towellettes / Baby Wipes If there are kids, sauces or both in the picture, you’ll need these.

⬜ Plates Lightweight and eco-friendly are the way to go! If you must get disposable, try compostable bamboo!

⬜ Utensils Depending on what you’re having, you may need serving ware, too. The link above might be perfect!

⬜ Cutting Knife, Small Cutting Board You can pre-chop everything if you’d like, but you may want it for cheese and salami.

⬜ Corkscrew or Bottle Opener If your picnic destination allows alcohol, these are essential!

⬜ Shatterproof Glasses or Cups Glass is heavy to transport and dangerously delicate.

⬜ Ice Packs or a Bag of Ice Line these on the bottom of your basket or cooler and you’re good to go.

⬜ Drinks Avoid carrying too much glass if you can – and remember to bring plenty of water.

⬜ Salt & Pepper, Condiments Hint, hint – it’s the perfect use for all those packets in the miscellaneous kitchen drawer!

⬜ An Easy-to-Eat Menu of Foods in Resealable Containers & Jars Here are a few ideas…

• Sandwiches or Wraps (Chicken or Tuna Salad, Turkey, Veggie, PB & J – just keep those sammies cool.)
• Pre-Made Green Salads (Jars are perfect for this!)
• Fresh Fruit & Veggies
• Cheese, Salami and Crackers
• Chips or Pretzels
• Cole Slaw, Pasta, Potato, Bean or Macaroni Salads
• Cookies or Bars

GiftTree’s Got Picnics Perfected!

Artisan Fruit & Cheese Hamper

The Monterey

Deluxe Cured Meats & Imported Cheeses

Comment Below

What’s your favorite thing to eat on a picnic?