A visit to a local thrift store will probably supply you with a big handful of unmatched and interesting flatware and serving spoons for cheap. When the picnic is over, wash them, put them in a plastic bag, and store them in the basket so you're ready to go next time. Speaking of cutlery, bring along a few extra knives, as well. You don't need your best equipment, but I'd suggest something better than a butter knife.
A knife that comes with its own sheath is a good idea, like the red utility knife from Good Cook or the Oni knife from Dreamfarm that's designed for cutting with one edge and easy spreading with the other. A divot in the handle has a tiny sharp edge for cutting—like when you're wrestling with one of those chip bags that just doesn't want to open. A few small cutting boards can come in handy, too. Remember, you might not have a good way to rinse your used boards, so it might be handier to bring a few extras.
While I love small flexible cutting mats, you might be working on a bumpy surface at the picnic area, so a solid board might be a better choice. The "small plates" boards from J. Adams are small enough to fit into your basket and the designs are pretty enough to use them as serving boards for your cheese—you did think about serving that cheese, right? For the wine and cheese basket, don't forget the toothpicks!
I packed cheese, olives, and some pickled items, none of which really required plates or utensils to nibble, but toothpicks are certainly more civilized than poking in the olive container with your fingers. Buy a little toothpick dispenser and keep it in the picnic basket. While the picnic baskets I mentioned came with their own napkins, some extras in a dispenser that will keep them from blowing away is a good idea. After the picnic, leave it in the basket or use it for back yard dining.
Many of the baskets on the market come in 2-person and 4-person versions. Even if you think your picnics will only involve two people, the 4-person version might be a good choice, since you'll get extra plates and utensils that can be used for serving, and you won't need to pack up as many extras. Recently, I conducted a completely unscientific poll and found that there were three distinct picnic menus. First is the comfort food version with cold fried chicken and potato salad.
Second is the wine and cheese picnic. Third is sandwiches. My personal preference is probably based on my early infatuation with Aunt Bea's fried chicken packed in a wicker basket for Sheriff Andy. But I would never turn down wine, cheese, and nibbles. I have a tendency to put way too much food on the table for dinner at home, but that's fine because leftovers are easy to pack and store.
At a picnic, that's not necessarily the case. No matter how well chilled your food was when it arrived, it's probably going to be edging towards warm if it's been out of the basket for serving.
Are you really going to pack that food up and put it in the refrigerator to serve another day? Some things, yes. The potato salad, probably not. OXO's LockTop containers come in a variety of sizes, and the 4-ounce container was perfect for a single serving of cole slaw—no need to dish it out—just pop the top and eat. If you think someone will want a second serving, just bring extras in those small containers and keep them chilly in the basket.
A larger LockTop container was great for the chicken and a divided container kept vegetables and olives from getting to know each other too well. While it's perfectly fine to pick up olives, hummus, and pickled vegetables from the olive bar at the grocery store, don't be tempted to use those containers for your picnic.
I've had those flimsy plastic containers open and spill into my grocery bag, and that's not something you want to deal with at a picnic. Besides, if you're packing munchies for your wine and cheese basket, you'll probably want a small amount of many things, rather than a vat of hummus and a quart of cornichons.
Trash bags can also double as rain ponchos in case of unexpected summer storms, or if sliced open, can lay under your blanket to keep wet grass from seeping through. But common picnic salads, like potato or macaroni, can be difficult to serve and eat without a large spoon.
Pack extra utensils just in case, or at least serving spoons for foods that can be scooped or dipped with chips. Getting out on a picnic adventure is a memory for the scrapbook, so charge up your phone or bring your camera for an afternoon of photos. If you're sticking with your phone, consider packing a portable charger to make sure you never run out of juice.
While picnics are often focused on food, half the fun is enjoying the outdoors. BY Nicole Garner. Don't forget any of these items when you're heading out to get your picnic on.
Sunscreen Lunching outdoors is a great opportunity to enjoy warm breezes and sunny views, but all that outside time can catch up with your skin. Try the individually packaged option from Dude Wipes, available on Amazon. After all, the key is in the contents. Just remember to stock up on the essentials, review our checklist before heading out, and bring along plenty of good food and good company.
If you do want to go for the full authentic wicker and cloth blanket experience, be sure to check out some of the beauties featured in our guide to the best baskets. They make great gifts, too! Are there any other essentials that you think belong on our list? What are some of your favorites to pack up for an outdoor meal? Let us know in the comments below! See our TOS for more details. With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu. Recently retired as a costume specialist in the TV and film industry, Lorna now enjoys blogging on contemporary lifestyle themes.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Evriholder DressingGo Condiment and Sauce Containers, Pack of 3 Instead of bringing along large containers, repackage them into travel-sized squeeze bottles.
Pouring condiments becomes an easy project when a funnel is involved. Photo by Lorna Kring. Lipper International Bamboo Cutting Boards, Set of 2 Look for ones that are thin but rigid, like this set of two bamboo cutting boards from Lipper International — they measure only 6 x 8 inches with a thickness of just. A basic first aid kit is always worth the space in your pack for your outdoor excursion.
Bonus points for packing plastic cups with sturdy, flat bottoms too. Wet Wipes Pre-moistened wipes will keep hands clean and help clean up sticky spills, even if there's no running water nearby. Salt and Pepper Seasoning is a small thing, but goes a long way in making your picnic feel more thoughtful—especially if you happen to be eating fried chicken. Paper Towels You never know when you might have a big spill on your hands. And a roll of paper towels won't blow away like a stack of napkins will.
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