Holidays & Entertaining Entertaining Everyday Celebrations 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. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 10, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Yunhee Kim Food and Beverages Casual foods, preferably sandwiches or other things you can eat without utensilsAvoid foods with mayonnaise. Pack everything in lightweight, resealable containers.Ice pack or bags of iceFood 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.DrinksBring an assortment of kid-friendly and adult beverages, such as bottled water and juice.CondimentsSome 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 pepperAllow everyone to season their food to their liking on the spot. Tableware Cups and platesWhether 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. Utensils, if neededOpt for reusable utensils. Serving utensils, if neededIf you're serving salads, you may need tongs or serving spoons. Cutting knifeLook for one with a cover for safe transporting. Or wrap the blade in a kitchen towel. Small cutting boardIt's always handy to have a firm surface for slicing meat, cheese, and bread. Corkscrew or bottle openerOr both. NapkinsIf you prefer not to use cloth, look for ones made of recycled paper or other materials. Cleanup Trash bagsDon't leave a mess behind. Dispose of everything you bring to the picnic site.Moist towelettesWhen you don't have access to running water, these make it easy to wash up after eating.Paper towelsKeep a roll on hand for mopping up spills and wiping bowls, containers, plates, and utensils before you pack them back up. Miscellaneous BlanketIt 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 basketStow everything in a lightweight, roomy carrier. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit