A guide to hosting a picnic. Entertainment ideas, food and drink inspo and where to go for a picnic.

A Guide to Hosting the Perfect Outdoors Picnic: Tips and Tricks

Want to host the perfect outdoors picnic? Look no further! This guide to hosting a picnic provides practical tips on choosing the right spot, packing essential gear, and picking delicious food.

Whether you’re planning a romantic date or a family outing, this guide has everything you need for a memorable picnic.

Key Takeaways

  • Pick your picnic spot based on the type of outing, whether it’s a family day, a romantic date, or a big group event, and consider factors like facilities, shade, and space.

  • Essential picnic gear includes a good blanket, a durable cooler, reusable utensils, and eco-friendly items like enamel plates and cloth napkins.

  • Plan and pack your food wisely—opt for easy-to-transport dishes and don’t forget sweet treats and refreshing drinks to keep everyone happy and hydrated.

Choosing the Perfect Picnic Location

Choosing the ideal location stands as the initial step in planning a great picnic. Factors such as ambiance, seating options, shade, facilities, and noise levels warrant consideration.

For family picnics, look for places that offer ample space for kids to play, along with accessible restrooms and parking. If you’re planning a romantic date, seek out quiet and secluded spots with beautiful scenery or views.

When hosting a large group of friends, public parks with picnic tables, grills, and sports facilities are ideal. Think about your picnic goals to narrow down the best spot, whether it’s a romantic date, a family outing, or a gathering with friends.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast as your picnic day approaches and take into account seasonal factors to assist in picking the optimal location.

Scout potential locations using local websites, blogs, social media platforms, and word of mouth. Make sure your chosen spot offers both sunshine and shade to accommodate varying weather conditions.

beach picnic tips

Essential Picnic Gear

The right gear is integral to a successful picnic. Here are some essential items to consider:

  • A suitable picnic blanket that comfortably accommodates all participants and food.

  • A durable cooler to keep your food and drinks cold. This can be used year after year.

  • For those who prefer a more eco-friendly approach, a cooler bag is a reusable alternative to plastic bags that helps keep food fresh longer.

Picnic utensils which are eco-friendly:

  • Reusable cutlery to reduce waste

  • Enamel plates, which are light, easy to pack and carry, and better for the environment than disposable dishes

  • A covered knife and cutting board for slicing meat, cheese, and bread

  • Cloth napkins, which are lightweight and can be washed easily

picnic utensils

How To Pack A Picnic

How you pack your picnic basket can significantly influence the success of your outdoor meal. Here are some options to consider:

  • On a half-day car trip, consider using an insulated bag or basket to maintain the coolness of your food and drinks.

  • For a short-distance picnic, a traditional basket can suffice and add a classic charm.

  • If a hike to your picnic spot is planned, a picnic backpack featuring compartments for food, wine storage, and utensils can be a sensible choice.

  • For light travelers, consider limiting your inventory to just a blanket and a portable feast

picnic basket ideas

Delicious Picnic Food Ideas

Savory foods lay the foundation for a satisfying and well-rounded outdoor meal. Here are some delicious and easily portable savory lunch staples that will make your picnic spread irresistible:

  1. Sandwiches and Wraps

    • Classic Ham and Cheese: Simple yet satisfying, ham and cheese sandwiches with a touch of mustard or mayo are picnic staples. Use crusty bread or soft rolls to suit your preference.

    • Flavoursome Wraps: Filled with lean turkey, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and tangy ranch dressing, these wraps are both nutritious and delicious.

  2. Salads

    • Pasta Salad: A colorful pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, mozzarella balls, and a zesty Italian dressing is perfect for picnics. It’s filling and can be served cold.

    • Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein, a quinoa salad with cucumbers, feta cheese, red onions, and a lemon vinaigrette is light yet satisfying.

  3. Finger Foods and Snacks

    • Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs, with their creamy and tangy filling, are easy to make and a favorite at any gathering.

    • Stuffed Mini Peppers: Fill mini bell peppers with a mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and spices for a crunchy and flavourful snack.

    • Cheese and Charcuterie: A selection of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and pickles makes for an elegant and easy-to-assemble picnic platter.

  4. Savory Pastries and Pies

    • Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches with fillings like spinach and feta or ham and cheese are perfect for a portable and delicious picnic option.

    • Hand Pies: Savory hand pies filled with ingredients such as chicken and mushroom or beef and onion are easy to eat and satisfying.

  5. Dips and Spreads

    • Hummus and Veggies: Classic hummus paired with an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers is both nutritious and satisfying.

    • Guacamole and Chips: Freshly made guacamole served with tortilla chips is always a crowd-pleaser.

These savory foods provide a delicious and varied picnic spread that caters to different tastes and preferences. Easy to pack, share, and enjoy, they ensure that your picnic is a gastronomic success. So, include these savory delights in your picnic basket and prepare for an enjoyable and satisfying outdoor meal.

Picnic savoury meals

Sweet Treats for Your Picnic

No picnic is complete without a selection of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings and add a delightful end to your meal. Here are some delicious and easy-to-pack sweet treats that will make your picnic extra special:

  1. Fruit Skewers

    • Ingredients: Fresh strawberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, melon balls, and blueberries.

    • Preparation: Thread the fruits onto skewers in a colorful pattern. This simple yet refreshing treat is not only visually appealing but also a healthy option that everyone will love.

  2. Brownies and Blondies

    • Fudgy Brownies: Rich, dense, and full of chocolatey goodness, brownies are a picnic staple. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy handling.

    • Blondies: These buttery, vanilla-flavored bars with a hint of caramel are a perfect complement to their chocolate counterparts.

  3. Muffins and Cupcakes

    • Blueberry Muffins: Moist and bursting with juicy blueberries, these muffins are perfect for a morning picnic or as a light dessert.

    • Vanilla Cupcakes: Decorate with colorful frosting and sprinkles for a fun and festive treat that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

  4. Fruit Tarts and Pies

    • Mini Fruit Tarts: These individual-sized tarts filled with creamy custard and topped with fresh fruits are as delicious as they are beautiful.

    • Hand Pies: Easy to eat and transport, hand pies filled with apple, cherry, or berry filling are perfect for picnics.

  5. Chocolate-Dipped Delights

    • Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Fresh strawberries dipped in rich chocolate and allowed to set make for a luxurious yet simple treat.

    • Pretzels and Marshmallows: For a sweet and salty combination, dip pretzels or marshmallows in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles.

These sweet treats not only add a delightful end to your picnic but also provide a range of flavors and textures to enjoy. Easy to pack and share, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at your picnic.

picnic sweet treats

Refreshing Picnic Drinks

No picnic is complete without a selection of refreshing drinks to keep you cool, hydrated, and satisfied as you enjoy your outdoor meal. Whether you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a touch of alcohol, or something in between, here are some delightful drink options that will enhance your picnic experience:

  1. Juices and Smoothies

    • Fresh Fruit Juice: Pack bottles of freshly squeezed orange juice, apple juice, or a tropical blend for a burst of natural sweetness.

    • Smoothies: Prepare smoothies using a mix of fruits, yogurt, and a touch of honey. Pack them in insulated bottles to keep them cold. Popular combinations include banana-strawberry, mango-pineapple, and berry-mix.

  2. Mocktails

    • Virgin Mojito: Mix fresh lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, and soda water for a refreshing mocktail that mimics the classic mojito without the alcohol.

    • Sparkling Berry Punch: Combine sparkling water with mixed berry juice and add a handful of fresh berries and mint leaves for a festive, non-alcoholic punch.

  3. Alcoholic Beverages

    • Wine: A bottle of chilled white wine, rosé, or a light red wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of picnic foods. Consider packing plastic wine glasses for an elegant touch.

    • Beer and Cider: For those who prefer beer, pack a selection of your favorite craft beers or refreshing ciders. Keep them cool in an insulated cooler.

    • Sangria: Make a batch of sangria with red or white wine, fruit slices, and a splash of soda or juice. Serve it in a pitcher or pre-poured into mason jars for easy transport.

  4. Non-Alcoholic Beverages

    • Homemade Lemonade: Classic lemonade made from freshly squeezed lemons, sugar, and water is a picnic staple. Add a twist by infusing it with fresh mint, berries, or lavender.

    • Iced Tea: Brew your favorite tea and chill it for a refreshing drink. Sweeten it to taste and add slices of lemon or peach for extra flavor.

    • Fruit-Infused Water: Keep hydrated with water infused with slices of cucumber, lemon, strawberries, or mint. It's both refreshing and visually appealing.

    • Sparkling Water: For a fizzy option, bring along sparkling water. You can enhance it with a splash of fruit juice or a few fresh fruit slices.

  5. Hot Beverages

    • Thermos of Coffee or Tea: For cooler days or early morning picnics, a thermos of hot coffee or tea can be comforting and warming. Consider bringing along milk, sugar, and other add-ins.

    • Hot Chocolate: Prepare rich hot chocolate and pack it in a thermos. Bring along marshmallows or whipped cream for an extra treat.

drinks for a picnic

Keeping Your Picnic Comfortable

Ensuring comfort can significantly contribute to the success of a picnic. Using a blanket ensures comfort whilst a lightweight camp chair can be a more comfortable option if you're planning for a long stay. Small pillows and extra throw blankets can enhance comfort during your picnic.

Picking the right picnic blanket. You want something that's big enough to provide enough floor coverage but light enough to throw in your bag and travel with.

Our Audley Herringbone Throw is a great choice for those looking for a timeless and durable picnic blanket. Easy to fold up small and fairly lightweight, this is great for travelling.

For a picnic blanket with a pop of colour, the Multicolour Check Throw is one to opt for. Striking from afar, this patchwork throw is soft and thick, providing a comfy layer to lounge on.

picnic throw blanket

Fun Activities for Picnics

Maintaining entertainment is key to making a picnic memorable. DIY some giant games, or bring a trusty pack of cards to keep everyone laughing. Or perhaps pack a Frisbee or ball if you have any dogs joining your picnic to keep both the humans and the furry friends busy.

Other fun activities include:

  • Tug of War, a high-energy game perfect for picnics

  • Bring a Kite, and see who can get theirs the highest.

  • Hide and Seek, a simple and engaging game that can be easily played in areas with lots of trees and bushes.

Get creative with games and activities based on who you're with and where you're picnicking. Create lots of fun memories in between munching on the tasty assortment of foods.

Picnic activities fun, fly a kite

Summary

Hosting the perfect picnic is all about preparation and creativity. From choosing the right location and packing delicious food to keeping everyone entertained and comfortable, each aspect plays a crucial role.

By following these tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to planning a memorable picnic that everyone will enjoy. So, gather your loved ones, pack your picnic basket, and head out to enjoy the great outdoors!

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