11 Things To Pack When Taking An Impromptu Summer Picnic

A summer picnic is a whimsical and often romantic way to spend a summer day. When the weather is lovely, there is no reason why you should eat indoors, especially if there is a beautiful beach or park nearby. If you find yourself with the urge to embark on an impromptu picnic this summer, make sure you pack all the essentials before heading out the door.

When you are planning a last-minute picnic, make sure you use a cooler bag and ice packs to keep food at safe temperatures. Use a thick and durable blanket to keep yourself comfortable, no matter where you picnic. Bring the right utensils, plenty of plates, and a roll of paper towels. Use insulated water bottles to keep drinks at the right temperature, and don't forget to bring a bag for your rubbish.

If you are planning a last-minute picnic, make sure you read the rest of this article. An unplanned picnic is fun, but only if you remember all the essentials. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination without a trash bag, ice packs, or a decent picnic blanket. Below is a list of all the essentials you’ll need to ensure your impromptu summer picnic has everything you’ll need to have a delicious and enjoyable time.

11 Things To Pack When Going On An Impromptu Picnic

1. A Thick And Durable Blanket

Apart from the food, a good blanket is the most important item to bring to a summer picnic. You can use all sorts of blankets on a picnic, but some are better than others. The first consideration you need to make is the blanket size. In most circumstances, bigger is better. Remember, you need room not only for you and your guests, but also for your spread of food, and maybe other belongings. You should also choose a blanket that is durable and thick. Thin blankets can allow grass to sneak through and tend to be less comfortable.

2. Ditch The Picnic Basket For A Cooler Bag

Picnic baskets are adorable and very on-theme. They are also very impractical. Instead, consider swapping out a wicker basket for an insulated cooler bag. Most people have one (or many) cooler bags for groceries. They are not only great grocery bags, but also fantastic picnic bags.

They will help keep all your food cooler and safe for longer. They also tend to be easier to carry. If you have a picnic basket you love, use it to carry your utensils and shelf-stable items.

3. A Bag For Rubbish

Picnics are a great way to appreciate nature. To show your appreciation for nature, make sure you leave your picnic area just as clean as how you found it (or cleaner). The best way to ensure you leave the area clean is to bring one or several bags for your rubbish. Bring a large Ziplock bag if you have any messy food, and make sure your bag won’t leak in your car on the way home.

4. Ice Packs

When packing for a picnic, it’s important to remember the food you are bringing will be exposed to the summer sun and the heat that comes with it. The odds are you will bring some sort of dairy or meat products that need to stay at a safe temperature. The best way to keep your food safe is with some ice packs.

If you have frozen water bottles, you can use those as well (and then drink the water once it melts). Whether you use classic ice packs or a bag with ice cubes, just make sure your perishable food is kept cool.

5. A Wooden Cutting Board

One way to make your last-minute picnic look well-planned and elegant is by bringing along your best wooden cutting board. If you have meats and cheeses, a wooden cutting board is the perfect place to display them. You can also use it to cut up fresh fruit and bread. It can serve as a functional cutting board and also a large picnic platter.

6. Cutting And Spreading Knives

Knives are a crucial element in many picnics, and you often need several types. Unless you pre-cut everything, you will need a sharp, possibly serrated knife. If you are bringing any dips or soft cheese with you, then a good spreading or cheese knife will also be very handy. You can do without knives sometimes, but you will be glad you brought at least one.

7. Roll Of Paper Towels

Napkins are important to have when you are eating. They keep your hands and clothes clean. But picnics in nature often involve gusts of wind, and wind is the enemy of napkins everywhere. If you have napkins, bring them, but keep them weighed down.

Instead of napkins, consider bringing a roll of paper towels. A roll is heavier than one napkin and is less likely to blow away. Paper towels can also clean up any messes that may occur.

8. Plates And Utensils

Just because you are eating outside doesn’t mean you can’t be civilized. Therefore, make sure you pack all the utensils and plates you would use if you were eating indoors. This means packing plenty of plates, and possibly some bowls (paper is best, but wood or anything non-breakable is great). Bring tongs or serving spoons as well if you are serving anything that might need that sort of larger utensil.

9. Quality Tupperware To Hold The Food

Make sure you keep your picnic food in air-tight and locking containers. Picnics involve a lot of walking, which means there is a chance your food items might shift and flip over in transit. Protect yourself and your picnic basket by only using reliable glass or plastic Tupperware and plastic bags that seal tight.

10. Insulated Water Bottles

Another modern invention that makes summer picnics more amazing than ever is the insulated water bottle. Large insulated water bottles can keep drinks hot or cold for 12 to 24 hours. Fill your thermos with your favorite summer drinks like iced tea, or even some white wine. This is a great way to enjoy beverages at the perfect temperature without having to bring a cooler full of ice.

11. Hand Sanitizer Or Wipes

When packing for a summer picnic, don’t forget to think about sanitation and the inevitable sticky fingers you are left with after enjoying the spread in front of you. Make sure you pack hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes (or both) along with your other picnic essentials.

Best Foods To Take On An Unplanned Picnic

Fruits And Vegetables: Fruits and veggies are healthy, and they are also usually fine to keep in the sun for short periods of time. They are a great add-on for any picnic.

Chips, Crackers, And Dips: The perfect accompaniment to a picnic of sandwiches or pasta salads is chips or crackers. Pair these munchies with your favorite dips and you have yourself a perfect spread.

Prepared Charcuterie Offerings: Almost every grocery store nowadays has some pre-cut meats and cheeses. If you don’t have time to cut your own, this is a great last-minute summer picnic spread option.

Finger Sandwiches: Finger sandwiches or pinwheel sandwich wraps are excellent and satisfying finger foods. Finger foods are ideal for a last-minute picnic.

Exotic And Refreshing Beverages: Don’t underestimate the powerful effect of a delicious beverage at a picnic. Instead of just bringing water or something plain, consider an infused tea, cold white wine, or a homemade agua fresca.

Nuts And Trail Mix: Packing some nuts or your favorite trail mix is a great energy-packed snack. Most trail mixes can also be left in the sun briefly, unless, of course, you choose one with chocolate.

Summing Up What To Bring On An Impromptu Summer Picnic

If you are thinking about putting together a last-minute picnic, make sure you don’t leave anything crucial behind. Most importantly, remember to bring a thick and large blanket for you and your guests. Bring a cooler bag instead of a picnic basket, and make sure you add some ice packs to keep your food at a safe temperature. Utensils, a large cutting board, and a few knives are always helpful. Make sure you bring a trash bag, paper towels and some hand sanitizer or wipes for cleaning up after you finish enjoying your spread.

Related Guides:

• What Size Tablecloth Do You Need For A Picnic Table?
• Are Cutting Boards Heat Resistant?
• What Is The Best Type Of Wood Cutting Board?