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Picnic Packing Checklist

Who doesn’t love a picnic? But unpacking your basket and realizing you forgot an essential―not so much. Use this checklist to make sure you’ve got it all.

Food and Beverages

  • Casual foods, preferably sandwiches or other things you can eat without utensils. Avoid foods with mayonnaise. Pack everything in lightweight, resealable containers.

    Related: 4 Fast, Delicious Picnics

  • Ice pack or bags of ice. Food can spoil and harbor bacteria when not stored at the right temperature. Keep everything cold with refreezable ice packs, or fill a couple of resealable bags with ice cubes: They’ll chill food as it’s transported. Add ice cubes to drinks during the picnic. Empty out whatever remains before you go, for a lighter trip home.
  • Drinks. Bring an assortment of kid-friendly and adult beverages, such as bottled water and juice.
  • Condiments. Some ketchups and mustards come in mini jars that are small enough to throw in your tote. (Keep the jars to refill at home for your next picnic.)
  • Salt and pepper. Allow everyone to season their food to their liking on the spot.

Tableware

  • Cups and plates. Whether you choose eco-friendly paper, plastic, or bamboo, lightweight, stackable dishes make packing easy. Tip: Stalk Market plates ($4 for 15) are made from renewable sugar cane fiber; buy at greenfeet.com.
  • Utensils, if needed. Opt for reusable utensils.
  • Serving utensils, if needed. If you’re serving salads, you may need tongs or serving spoons.
  • Cutting knife. Look for one with a cover for safe transporting. Or wrap the blade in a kitchen towel.
  • Small cutting board. It’s always handy to have a firm surface for slicing meat, cheese, and bread.
  • Corkscrew or bottle opener. Or both.
  • Napkins. If you prefer not to use cloth, look for ones made of recycled paper or other materials.

Cleanup

  • Trash bags. Don’t leave a mess behind. Dispose of everything you bring to the picnic site.
  • Moist towelettes. When you don’t have access to running water, these make it easy to wash up after eating.
  • Paper towels. Keep a roll on hand for mopping up spills and wiping bowls, containers, plates, and utensils before you pack them back up.

Miscellaneous

  • Blanket. It should be large enough to comfortably hold all your picnic-goers and food. A light one that folds small is a bonus.
  • Tote, backpack, or picnic basket. Stow everything in a lightweight, roomy carrier.

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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