14 Essentials to Help You Plan the Perfect Picnic

If you’ve ever brought a bed sheet to the park and instantly regretted it because you could feel each and every twig and rock under you, it’s time to invest in a blanket meant for outdoor dining and sitting. This waterproof and machine-washable option from L.L. Bean will keep everything on it dry on damp days, and the top layer is a soft and comfortable fleece that will hide a multitude of grass stains. It’s large enough to comfortably fit four seated adults while also being lightweight and packable. 

For a more practical alternative to the classic picnic basket without totally losing the sweet retro vibe, try this cooler with interlocking handles for easy carrying. It will keep your food and drinks cold for hours, can carry 36 12-ounce cans, and has extra storage pockets in its soft lid.

Whatever the vibe of your picnic — from a classy cheese and charcuterie board to delightful dips and veggies — pistachios make for a delicious and nutritious addition to every spread.  Wonderful Pistachios No Shells are perfectly packable for any picnic, and if you’re craving adventure beyond the tried-and-true Roasted & Salted variety then ditch your chips for flavors including Sea Salt & Vinegar, Chili Roasted, Smoky Barbecue, and Honey Roasted.

For all of you slow sippers out there, these can coolers have your back by keeping your drink cold without being heavy and bulky to pack. And you can’t beat the price on this set of four. If your drink of choice comes in a skinny can, go for these slim can coolers instead. Whether it’s a hot day at the beach or you’re easily distracted by lawn games, you’ll never suffer through the last warm sips of your drink again.

You know what’s not fun? Spilled dips and dressings in the bottom of your cooler. If you’re in the market for sturdy, lightweight food storage containers with secure lids, Rubbermaid is the best option out there. This variety pack comes with 12 containers in sizes perfect for packing every type of food you’re bringing along.

If you’re packing for a smaller crowd, these divided containers from W&P are ingenious. Each comes with a divided lower section and a removable tray on top to hold even more food, so if you’re aiming to pack a few different snacks for a smaller group, you can. 

Single-use plastics are an unfortunate byproduct of picnics, but they don’t have to be. Avoid tossing handfuls of plastic bags in the trash with these silicone bags, which are nothing short of miraculous. They’re dishwasher and microwave safe, they’re perfect for everything from sandwiches to salad dressings, and they fold up easily for transport. 

At $3 for eight sets of flatware, Brandless makes it easy to stock up on all the picnic-friendly utensils you’ll need this summer. They’re sturdy enough to actually eat with, and you can even hand wash and reuse them.

Hello and welcome to hydration nation! Keep your group running all day with this two-gallon jug from Igloo, which will keep your water, lemonade, cocktail, or whatever’s on the drink menu chilled for hours at a time. The classic jug has a spigot for easy pouring, and the handle locks the lid into place to prevent any spills while carrying. Igloo’s unbeatable durability means you’ll be using this for years.

You won’t believe these beautiful plates are melamine until you feel how lightweight they are. The durable, dishwasher-safe set will help you ditch the flimsy paper plates for good and brighten up your picnic-tablescape. 

These insulated tumblers work for whatever you’re drinking at the picnic, whether it’s wine or coffee, and they won’t leak a plastic taste into anything. The different colors ensure everyone can keep track of their cup all day, and there’ll be no broken glass if one gets stepped on.

There are a few groups that’ll never get an invite to one of our picnics, and one of those is bugs. Ants can ruin an outdoor shindig, and so can gnats and mosquitoes. This DEET-free but effective bug spray is one of Thistle Farms’ bestsellers, and you won’t have to worry about nasty chemicals getting on your food.

Avoid the post-picnic sunburn with Kinfield’s water-resistant sunscreen. Even though it’s mineral-based (instead of chemical), it doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin and is packed with moisturizing, soothing ingredients like aloe and sea kelp. Pick up some of Kinfield’s Daily Dew for your face as well, or go with The Sunshine Bundle to get all three of their stellar sunscreens at a discount.

Papaya’s reusable paper towels can double as napkins on your next picnic. They make cleanup a breeze by being both super absorbent and quick-drying, and you can toss them in the dishwasher with the rest of your utensils when you get home to freshen them up.