Pack a little, snack a lot – here are the eight essentials that turn a sunny afternoon in the park into the kind of picnic you’ll want to linger in for hours.
A great picnic is more than just food in a bag – it’s a slow, sunny afternoon spent lounging on a soft blanket under a gum tree, playing games with friends, reading in companionable silence and snacking on something a little more exciting than a squashed sandwich. With a quick to-pack list and a few key essentials, you can turn any sunny day into a delicious adventure. Here’s exactly what to bring.
HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT SUMMER PICNIC
Imagine this: the sun’s warmth feels pleasant on your back, a gentle breeze runs across your skin, the birds are singing, and clover and everlastings are raising their colourful heads in the grass. You’re surrounded by your friends and could happily stay here all afternoon – relaxing, playing a few games and tucking into a delicious lunch.
Then you fish out a squashed sandwich and a packet of chips from your otherwise empty bag, and your mood sinks. You haven’t packed a book, a rug or your sunnies, and suddenly the dream picnic feels a long way off. The fix is simple: jot down a quick to-pack list before heading out, just as you would for any day trip. With a little extra effort, you can throw together a more exciting lunch and bring everything you need for a lazy summer arvo in the sun.
8 KEY PICNIC ESSENTIALS TO PACK
These eight elements will enhance any picnic, from a quick park lunch to a full-day adventure with friends.
1 TEMPTING FOOD OPTIONS
Sandwiches are fine if you have your favourite fillings, but there are plenty of easy-to-carry options that take a picnic from basic to brilliant. Think samosas, spring rolls, pasta salads, quiche, frittata slices, wraps, and fresh fruit. Choose foods that travel well and taste just as good cool as they do warm.
2 TASTY DRINKS
Drinks don’t have to be just about quenching your thirst – they can be part of the fun. Try cucumber-and-mint flavoured water, fresh fruit juices, smoothies, or a flask of iced tea. Pack them in a reusable bottle or thermos to keep them cool.
3 REUSABLE CUTLERY AND PLATES
Finger food is great, but it can feel extra special to make up a plate of different delicious foods and eat them with a knife and fork. Reusable plates, cutlery, cups and napkins are kinder to the environment than disposables – and feel a lot more lovely too.
4 A SELECTION OF GAMES
If you plan to while away the day outdoors, bring along a frisbee, a soccer ball, a cricket set or a pack of cards. Games are an easy way to keep the afternoon moving and get everyone laughing between snacks.
5 BOOKS AND MAGAZINES
There’s something lovely about sitting in companionable silence, reading alongside your friends. Pack a paperback, a magazine or your current favourite read for those slow, post-lunch hours.
6 SUN PROTECTION
Sunglasses, a sunhat and sunscreen are essential whenever you’re outside, even on overcast days. Slip, slop, slap your way through the afternoon so you can stay out longer without the sting.
7 A PICNIC BLANKET
Grass can get itchy, and few things feel as luxurious as reclining on a soft picnic blanket. A waterproof-backed rug is even better if you’re worried about damp ground.
8 RUBBISH BAGS
Leave the area as you found it. Separate recycling, reusables, and general waste into bags, and take home anything that can’t be disposed of properly. A tidy picnic spot is a kindness to the next group who finds it – and to the wildlife who call it home.
Your Picnic Packing Checklist
Make the most of sunny days with this easy checklist of essentials. You can get your checklist here. ✨
WORDS: Lorna Cowan
ILLUSTRATIONS: Lisa Glanz on Creative Market
This article was originally published under the title Picnic Perfect in Issue 49. You can get this issue here to enjoy more mindful inspiration.
