Picnicking Perfection Made Simple

What’s better than spending a gorgeous sunny day eating delicious food surrounded by friends, family and the wonders of the great outdoors? Not much if you ask me! Picnicking is one of my absolute favorite pastimes – it combines two of the great loves of my life: nature and food.

But if you’ve ever planned a picnic before, I’m sure you know the pitfalls are unexpected and plentiful. Keeping food at the right temperature, picking the ideal location, bringing the right gear, entertaining guests – it’s a delicate balancing act. Some strategic planning will go a long way.

That’s where I come in! As a seasoned picnic pro (and bottomless pit always eager for an outdoor feast), I’ve mastered the art through years of trial, error, and eating way too many soggy sandwiches. Think of me as your personal picnicking sensei here to guide you along the path to portable food nirvana.

Trust me, I’ve made just about every rookie picnic mistake in the book so you don’t have to. Like the time I meticulously prepared a gorgeous cheese plate complete with fresh figs and honey…only to have it instantly destroyed by a ravenous swarm of bees upon arrival. Oops. Or the time I chose what seemed like the perfect grassy knoll spot, just to spend the afternoon desperately (and failing) to save all my picnic stuff from muddy bogwater … like some cartoon character in quicksand.

You live, you learn, you invest in a quality outdoor blanket with a moisture barrier! (That’s a saying, right?) But after many picnic fails and increasingly smarter adjustments, I’ve arrived at a winning formula that ensures picnicking success every time. As long as you follow a few tried-and-true fundamentals, your picnic will be chock full of good eats and great memories instead of logistical headaches.

Key Points on Picnicking Perfection

• Have a battle plan but stay flexible – the key to a great picnic is balancing preparation with a go-with-the-flow outlook
• Location is everything – scout ahead for the perfect scenic yet functional spot
• Keep it simple with foods that travel well (and don’t require utensils)
• But don’t be afraid to get a bit fancy if it’s an adults-only affair
• Games, activities, and entertainment are a must to keep things fun
• Most importantly, relax and soak in the great outdoors with your picnic pals!

Rule #1 – Have a Battle Plan (But Don’t Be Afraid to Adapt)

I call this first rule “the Three P’s”: Proper planning and preparation is key to success. You need to have your ducks in a row with food prep, gathering supplies, researching your picnic destination, assigning tasks to others if need be, and so on. Like the Big Guy on Christmas Eve, you gotta make a list and check it twice.

But maybe you’ve also heard this bit of wisdom from old Helmuth von Moltke’s: “no plan survives contact with the enemy.” I’m not saying nature is the enemy, but it can sure throw some curveballs. Weather can be unpredictable, travel can hit snags, picnic supplies may get accidentally left in the car – the potential for things to go awry is high. But honestly, some of my most memorable picnics have been the ones where we had to get resourceful, lean into the chaos a bit, and just go with the flow.

Like the time my friends and I decided on an ambitious hike to a waterfall for our picnic. Within thirty minutes, those storm clouds were rollin’ in. We ended up having to take shelter and eat our whole (mostly-dry) feast huddled together in a small rocky overhang…and you know what? It was an absolute blast! The food tasted even better as we laughed at our ridiculous circumstances.

So have a solid game plan for sure, but also be ready embrace the spontaneity and inherent unpredictability that comes with eating outdoors. As long as you pack the right supplies and keep an easygoing, adaptable attitude, even curveballs can enhance picnicking rather than derail it.

Rule #2 – Location, Location, Location

Picking the right picnic locale is arguably the most important decision you’ll make. The setting can either elevate your alfresco experience …or utterly derail it. So what’s the wise approach? Advance scouting and research.

Honestly, sometimes the best and easiest solution is to picnic in your own backyard. With a little extra planning, your own little patch of nature behind your house can be the perfect spot for making picnicky memories. But let’s assume you’re wanting to travel a bit.

Ideally, you’ll want to find a picnic spot that offers a mix of seclusion, scenery, and convenience. You’re communing with nature, sure, but you also want basic amenities like flat/dry ground, shade, accessible parking, and bathrooms nearby. That Pinterest-worthy shot of you and your friends delightfully dining on a remote alpine meadow may look amazing on Instagram, but if you then have to hike three miles back to your car while desperately needing a bathroom, was it really worth it? (For me, that’s a hard pass.)

When I’m scoping out a potential picnic locale, I always assess these key factors:

• scenery/ambience
• terrain/ground covering
• shade sources
• parking accessibility
• bathroom access
• permissible activities (some places prohibit BBQs, dogs, music etc.)
• crowd levels

I like to find places that offer a nice mix of natural beauty but also user-friendly logistics.

If you have a larger group, areas with pavilions, gazebos, or picnic shelters can be great shaded hangout zones. I’m a big fan of picnicking at well-maintained parks, wineries, public beaches, botanical gardens, or similar recreational spaces that are designed specifically for leisure. You get access to the great outdoors while still having some key amenities. (Why, hello, well-maintained public restroom!)

For more intimate picnic dates or small groups, find a picturesque but secluded spot at the beach, lakefront, scenic vista, or deep in the woods – just make sure it’s an area you’re actually permitted to have food, drinks, etc. Few things are as romantic as a private picnic in a beautifully remote location!

Rule #3 – Master Your Menu With Travel-Friendly Foods

Now for the main event…the food! This is where many picnickers struggle if they don’t have the right game plan. Since you’ll likely be eating outdoors with no kitchen access, you need to carefully select picnic dishes that can travel well and hold up in the elements. It’s also smart to stick with foods that can stay chilled or at room temperature.

The good news is, there are tons of incredible picnic-friendly recipes out there once you know what to look for. As a rule of thumb, dishes you can easily eat with your hands or only a single fork/spoon are ideal. Think sandwiches, vegetable hand pies, chicken salad, deviled eggs, proteins and dips, portable entrée salads (pasta, quinoa etc.), cheeses, olives, fresh/dried fruit, and baked goods (like brownies, cookies, or pie bars).

When planning your picnic menu, versatility is key. Pick dishes that can work for any meal, travel well for a bit, and still hold up if not eaten right away. For instance, my go-to casual picnic dish is always a choose-your-own-adventure sandwich box. I pack a variety of deli meat, cheese, veggie and bread/tortilla options in a cooler so everyone can customize their handhelds while we’re outside. For sides, I typically do one portable salad like pasta or quinoa, one dip like hummus or baba ghanoush with plenty of crudités, plus a mix of fresh fruit, nuts, and a sweet baked treat.

Of course, fancier fare is possible for the right occasion, too – think charcuterie spreads, intricate pre-plated salads, decadent chilled appetizers, and so on. Just make sure these are the types of dishes that can travel safely, sit for a bit outside, and are outdoor-eating friendly. (You wouldn’t want to pack a towering cake that could get crushed in transit, for instance. That would just be silly. Don’t ask if I tried this, please.)

And don’t forget those bevvies! Drinks are crucial for picnics to keep you hydrated and satisfied. I like to keep things simple and picnic-portable with things like bottled waters, lemonade or iced tea in thermal jugs or insulated boxes. Or maybe a thermos of hot coffee or cocoa if it’s a chilly day. For adult picnics, canned drinks like wines, seltzers, and beer/cider are all great options, too. And those pre-bottled cocktails can really spice things up, if that’s more your speed. Really, with the right planning and portability options, the choices can seem endless!

Rule #4 – Pack All The Right Picnic Gear

Having the essential picnicking equipment and supplies on hand can truly make or break your outdoor eating experience. Even if you have incredible food packed up, forgetting plates brings everyting to a screeching halt!

At minimum, make sure to bring (feel free to use this as your starting list, in fact):

• One or a few large, durable picnic blankets or outdoor mats
• Basket, backpack, or cooler for transporting food/drinks; baskets are cute, coolers are often WAY more functional
• Plates, napkins, utensils (go eco-friendly with reusables!)
• Glass or dishware for serving
• Trash bags (leave nothing but footprints, right?)
• Ice packs or cooler ice for the perishables
• Cutting board and knives for prep
• Activities like games, sports equipment, books
• Rain ponchos or tarpaulin for iffy weather
• Insect repellent, sunscreen (these are crazy important)
• Bottle/wine opener
• Cleaning/sanitizing wipes
• First aid kit

You can find picnic basket sets that include most of those basics, or just gather mismatched gear from around your house. Thrift stores and garage sales are also gold mines for scoring cheap picnic supplies!

The one piece of picnic equipment I’d urge splurging on is a quality insulated cooler, preferably with wheels for lugging it around. An inferior or too-small cooler leads to soaked, warm food – an absolute picnic party foul! With a good cooler properly loaded with plenty of ice packs, perishable items like meats, salads, and beverages can stay fresh for hours.

Of course, for bigger groups you may need a separate drink cooler, more baskets/coolers, and additional blankets or pop-up shade structures. When picnicking with lots of people (or kids), having enough supplies and seating can make or break the experience.

Rule #5 – Bust Out The Entertainment

Most seasoned picnickers know that food alone does not an unforgettable picnic make. Sure, dining on tasty snacks in nature is delightful, but bringing some form of entertainment or activity takes picnicking to the next level of awesome.

This is where you can get creative and cater to your group’s interests! Games are always a great move – bring a deck of cards, some board games (many are portable now), frisbee or cornhole sets, balls to kick or throw, badminton gear, you name it. Bring an outdoor projector and screen for movie nights or sports viewings, assuming you have access to electricity. If you have kids, bubbles, hula hoops, kites, sidewalk chalk and art supplies can help unleash creativity during your picnic.

Musicians could bring portable instruments to pass around, while bookworms can pack poetry books to read aloud or host a book club picnic discussion. Active types may want to trek to a picnic spot offering hiking, swimming, kayaking, or climbing opportunities.

You’d be surprised how often a simple box filled with random toys, puzzles, and novelties can provide endless entertainment. Just use your imagination! Activities and entertainment help make picnicking into a rich experience versus just eating in the grass. Careful though, too many balls and frisbees flying around the food area is an easy way to ruin a meal.

Rule #6 – Cherish the Simple Moments

At the end of the day, picnicking is all about enjoying good food, good company, and good surroundings at a wonderfully leisurely pace. The best picnics have an easy, free-flowing vibe where you can truly relax and take everything in without a bunch of rules or schedules.

While some pre-planning is wise, try not to overly-script the details or have a rigid agenda. Make sure to build in plenty of downtime so you’re not just rushed from activity to activity. Those spontaneous, unplanned stretches are often where picnicking memories are made!

Disconnecting from our busy, every-day world, slowing down, and truly being present in that gorgeous setting with good friends is a priceless feeling. More and more, simple picnics represent an opportunity to unplug, re-center, and recharge our souls by reconnecting with nature.

So by all means, plan some fun activities and delicious provisions for your picnics! But also remember to save room on the agenda for doing…nothing at all really. Those peaceful interludes admiring the clouds, laughing with loved ones, or just closing your eyes to breathe in some fresh air are often what picnicking is all about at its core.

Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

There you have it folks – all my time-tested tips, tricks and musings for throwing picnics that are truly perfect no matter the size, occasion or destination. Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll be able to pull off a memorable outdoor feast every time!

Remember, with a bit of preparation but an easygoing outlook, picnicking doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. At its essence, it’s just a chance to slow down life’s frenetic pace for a bit, gather your favorite people, nosh on tasty provisions, and enjoy some quality time immersed in nature’s simple pleasures. Done right, a picnic can recharge your soul as much as it refills your tummy.

So get out there and start picnicking, my friends! Spread out those blankets, fire up those portable grills, cue up the tunes and games, and settle in for an al fresco afternoon or evening filled with nourishing food, drink, conversation and laughter amid the great outdoors. With the ultimate guide in your back pocket, all the planning stress melts away so you can focus on making wonderful memories. Few things satisfy that primal human craving for leisure time in nature while connecting with loved ones quite like the simple yet sublime act of picnicking.

See you on the trails, grassy knolls and sunny beaches for our next picnic soon! I’ll be the one guarding my prized cheese plate from bees this time…