Everything You Need to Pack the Perfect Picnic

From fantastic over-the-top feasts to small pick up meals, picnics are the perfect way to celebrate summer. It takes more than family-friendly recipes to make a meal memorable. This list includes everything you need to pack the perfect picnic.

It’s picnic season and we’ve been busting out the basket as often as we possibly can. We’ve taken it up the canyon and to fireworks in the park. Last week we filled it up with delicious pulled pork sandwiches and took it to the symphony! Creating a great atmosphere takes more than good recipes. Here’s everything you need to pack the perfect picnic.

Everything You Need to Pack the Perfect Picnic

1. Freddie and Sebbie Picnic Blanket – This traditional Burberry-style print blanket with waterproof backing is perfect for picnicking in the park or creating a spread at the campground. Bonus? It rolls up tightly for easy transport.

If you’re not into plaid, or you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, check out this classic red and white picnic blanket. And, this pocket blanket packs up so small, you can carry it with you all the time. 2. Whicker Picnic Basket – I am a sucker for a classic whicker picnic basket. They’re super-fun to use and serve as a great keepsake. This sturdy luxury basket contains service ware for four at a great price. Most large baskets like this one run $150-200. This basket is available at a fraction of the price.

If you’re not the whicker basket type, you’ve got options. This cooler-style picnic basket packs up nice and tight. I also love the idea of being able to carry the entire picnic in a backpack!3. Collapsable Mesh Food Tent – Sturdy 16×16 pop up mesh food tents made of fine nylon mesh screen and extra lace around the bottom, ensure your food and beverages are safe from bugs and flies.

Looking for something a bit bigger? Be sure to check out these giant food tents. I also love these sweet patterned mesh food tents. 4. Thermos – Keep cold drinks cold, hot drinks hot with this vacuum insulated thermos made by Stanley. This leak proof, packable stainless steel container will keep hot and cold drinks at temperature for 24 hours, while iced drinks remain cold for 120 hours.

If you’re looking to pack a larger beverage, this thermos-style pitcher is a great option. This soup-style container is a great option for those who want to pack a hot meal. 5. Lunchskins – Don’t fill your basket with plastic waste, check out reusable snack and sandwich packs for your picnic items. Even better? these particular bags come in dozens of designs, they’re easy to clean, dry and are dishwasher safe.

If reusable packs aren’t your thing, collapsible bowls are great for picnic baskets and outdoor dining. And, paper basket liners are great for wrapping up sandwiches! 6. Reusable Ice Cubes and Packs – Reusable ice cubes ensure that cold drinks remain cool, without diluting the potency. My favorite are the cute citrus-style BPA-free cubes.7. Citronella Candle and Outdoor Lantern – Keep the night lights burning and the bugs at bay with this classic Coleman-style lantern. One of the best things about this piece is that the lantern provides additional safety that a regular torch or candle would not.

A flat citronella candle packs up nicely and would be great for picnics. Traditional torches are still a great option, particularly in the back yard. 8. Portable iPod/iPhone Speaker – Create a little ambiance or a whole lotta fun with this portable speaker. This speaker is durable, rugged and water resistant.

This mini speaker would be perfect for a picnic basket. And, this acorn-style speaker? To die for.9. Bocce Ball Set – We love playing this classic outdoor game. It’s the prefect activity to enjoy before and after your delicious meal. It’s a true family favorite.10. Instax Camera – Capture every moment with this classic instant camera, from Fuji. This particular camera automatically detects the light and adjust the flash and shutter speed to optimize photo quality. In addition, it has “kids mode” that employs a fast shutter speed to capture faster moving subjects.