Our Editors' Must-Have Picnic Essentials
Create the ultimate pack-and-go dining experience with these stylish ideas.
Whether you're planning a beach day or a getaway at the local park, setting up a picnic is a breeze with the right essentials. Do it in style with fun patterned plates, upgrade your seating with plush pillows, and elevate the fare with a portable grill. Packing up for a day in the summer sun has never been easier with our editors' must-try tips below.
1
PICNIC BASICS
Foldable tables like this are a cinch to pack in the back of your car and set up in minutes. No more worrying about the wind kicking up sand on your blanket or blowing it away! Complete your picnic setup with a few other essentials:
- Colorful melamine plates
- Reusable plastic cups
- Portable cooler
- Disposable flatware (or serve finger food!)
- Beverage server
2
STYLISH ACCENTS
Dress up your picnic spot with unexpectedly chic accents, like a striped table runner or patterned napkins. They're easy to pack up and will elevate the look of your table for an Instagram-worthy picnic. Plus, colorful table linens are more eco-friendly than the usual paper napkins!
3
FUN EXTRAS
Kick it up a notch and turn your picnic into a camp-out with a cool mini grill. It's perfect for serving up hot dogs or warm appetizers all day long; plus, it's a fun way to give those typical picnic sandwiches a huge upgrade.
Tip! See how one blogger packed a romantic picnic for two with some delicious recipes in How to Pack a Summer Picnic.
