Family Picnic Packing List: What Should Be On the List

Last modified on August 5th, 2020 at 6:08 pm

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A picnic is always a great time to spend together. But you still have to make sure you take the necessary things to be perfectly installed with your children. Below is a list of things you should keep in mind.

Tablecloth and Other Fabrics

What would a picnic be without a tablecloth? It doesn’t have to be Vichy-style, but you need one to put your whole meal in. Depending on the ground on which you will be installed, opt for a more or less rigid material. On the sand, a classic tablecloth will do very well. On rocks or grass with a few roots, choose a lightly padded mat or a straw mat that will allow you to sit comfortably. If you have room in your bags, also take some small pillows and a throw or two. Indeed, once seated in the shade, it could be cooler, and it would be a shame if one of your children had goosebumps.

Cutlery and Utensils

Depending on what you have planned for lunch, you will need:

  • plates
  • cutlery
  • glasses
  • bowls

Remember to take a few serving place settings to avoid mixing up flavors in the dishes to share. If you have planned food in pieces, like fruit or diced cheese, remember to take wooden spikes to catch them more easily. Choose dishes of all colors, ideal for adding cheerfulness to this outdoor meal. Also, prefer reusable plastic cutlery, which will be less likely to be damaged in the event of a fall.

The little extras

  • Paper or cloth napkins, essential for everyone to wipe their hands and mouth,
  • A small bottle of antiseptic gel to make sure everyone has clean hands before eating
  • A paper towel roll is also welcome in case of spilled glass on the tablecloth for example,
  • A plastic bag will serve as a trash can at the end of the meal. This is perfect for showing your children that nothing should be left lying around in nature.
  • It will be useful for a parasol to put if you plan for a picnic in a place where there is little or no shade. Indeed, shady corners are often taken by storm at lunchtime, and your children should not be left stagnant in the sun.
  • Hats and caps are also a must to protect the whole family from the sun.

Folding Picnic Blanket

The blanket is a staple of any picnic. This has the advantage of being folded up and carried in a small bag and being machine washable. It will also be super practical for picnics, outdoor lunches or outings to the park. 

Picnic Bag with Cooler Bags

To transport all the dishes and food, you can opt for a more classic picnic basket, a cooler, or a backpack with isothermal bags. This one comes fully equipped for 4 people, with utensils, wine glasses, plates, napkins, bottle openers, cutting boards, and a set of salt and pepper shakers. 

Coolers and Cooler Bags

Keeping drinks cool, such as juice, wine, beer, or water, is another crucial point for a successful picnic. The usual cooler or cooler bags like this are used to keep white or rosé wine cool. 

Tableware Set

In the best case, we favor reusable dishes for our meals outside rather than disposable plates and utensils. We love this set of plates and bowls with lids, which allows you to bring different dishes. 

Wine Glasses

On the beverage side, we also avoid single-use glasses and, of course, glass. These cups, whose foot can be unscrewed, take up little space in the bag and give a fancier side to our picnic. And above all, we do not forget the bottle opener.

Portable Barbecue

For more elaborate picnics, this portable grill is ideal. We take out the skewers and the vegetables to the grill to prepare a whole feast.

Snack Pack

These washable bags are just perfect for bringing in snacks such as chips, cookies, nuts, chopped veggies, or grapes. The bag is closed with cords and, once opened, it stands upright, becoming a snack bowl.

Cutting Board with Knife

This accessory can be used both as a cutting board, with its integrated knife, and as a serving board. It is ideal for serving sausages, cheeses, and vegetables. 

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