What to Pack for a Picnic: A Short Checklist

Most picnic packing lists are long because they try to cover everything. This one is short on purpose. Pack these and you'll have a comfortable afternoon. Skip the rest.

The checklist

Somewhere to sit

• A blanket with a waterproof backing, about 5 × 6 feet for two people or 6 × 7 feet for four
• Low folding chairs if anyone has trouble getting up from the ground
• A small cushion or folded towel for each person

Food and drink

• Food that tastes good cold or at room temperature: sandwiches, grain salads, cheese, fruit, cookies
• More water than you think you need
• A cooler or insulated bag with two ice packs
• A cutting board and a small knife with a cover
• A bottle opener or corkscrew

To eat with

• Plates, cups and cutlery (reusable ones don't blow away as easily)
• Napkins or a roll of paper towels
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Two trash bags: one for trash, one for dirty dishes

Comfort

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Bug spray
• A light layer for when the sun drops
• Shade if there are no trees: an umbrella or a chair with its own canopy

How to pack it

Pack cold food last and straight from the fridge. Put ice packs on top, since cold air sinks. Keep the cooler in the shade with the lid closed.

Heavy things at the bottom. Drinks and the cooler go in first, then food containers, then plates and napkins on top so you can set up without unpacking everything.

One trip from the car. If you can't carry it all at once, you've packed too much. A basket or backpack for food and a blanket under one arm is the goal.

Food safety

Perishable food shouldn't sit out for more than two hours, or one hour when it's above 90°F. Keep anything with meat, dairy or mayonnaise in the cooler until you're ready to eat, and put leftovers back in right away.

Before you leave the house

• Check the weather and the sunset time
• Check whether the park allows glass or alcohol
• Look for restrooms and water near where you plan to sit
• Take the trash bag home with you if there are no bins

Good to have, not essential

A frisbee or a deck of cards, a portable speaker kept low, a small folding table so drinks don't tip over on the grass, and a pillow if you plan to stay for the sunset.