The Ultimate Picnic Guide

When was the last time you enjoyed a proper picnic? I’m talking about spreading a blanket across the grass, opening a basket packed with delicious food, and spending time outdoors surrounded by fresh air and beautiful scenery.

I’ve always been a huge fan of taking meals outside. Whether it’s something as simple as wine and cheese or a complete dinner, eating outdoors makes an ordinary meal feel much more enjoyable.

During the summer, when we spend time at our ranch in Montana, we often prepare a picnic several times a week and head out into nature. It has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy the season.

So today, I’m sharing some of the essentials that can help make an outdoor meal comfortable, easy, and enjoyable.

Your picnic doesn’t have to take place in a specific setting. It can happen at the beach, in the forest, at a local park, or even right in your backyard. With a few useful items prepared in advance, you can put together a wonderful picnic almost whenever the mood strikes.

1. Choose a Versatile Picnic Blanket

A traditional picnic blanket is a wonderful foundation for an outdoor meal, particularly when you know you'll have a nice grassy area where everyone can sit comfortably.

However, not every picnic location is suitable for sitting directly on the ground. Depending on where you're going, a picnic table or a few lightweight folding chairs might be much more practical.

For that reason, I like to bring a blanket that can serve more than one purpose. In addition to spreading it over the grass, you can use it as a tablecloth when you have access to a picnic table.

A lightweight blanket can easily be draped over a park table and still create a charming and inviting setting. A slightly heavier blanket, meanwhile, provides enough cushioning when you're sitting on the ground.

Having a multipurpose blanket means you're prepared regardless of where the picnic takes place.

2. Select the Right Picnic Basket

The type of basket or carrier you choose should depend largely on how far you're traveling.

If you're having lunch in your backyard or driving only a short distance, a traditional picnic basket can be an excellent choice. It provides plenty of room for dishes, utensils, food, and other essentials while also giving the outing a classic picnic feel.

For longer journeys, however, keeping food and drinks properly chilled becomes much more important. If you'll be spending several hours in the car before stopping for lunch, an insulated cooler bag or insulated picnic basket is a much better solution.

I keep several traditional baskets in different sizes for shorter outings, along with a couple of soft insulated coolers for longer trips.

Sometimes I combine the two. Cold foods and beverages go into the insulated cooler, while plates, utensils, napkins, and other items that don't need refrigeration are packed separately in a traditional basket.

This setup gives me both the convenience of proper cooling and the charm of a classic picnic basket.

3. Pack Plates, Glasses, Napkins, and Utensils

This is the part where I occasionally get a little carried away.

If you've followed me for a while, you probably know how much I enjoy setting a beautiful table. That preference sometimes carries over into outdoor dining.

Of course, paper plates, disposable cups, and paper napkins are perfectly practical, and we use them regularly. But when we're having a picnic close to home, I often bring our regular dishes, glasses, and silverware.

There is something particularly enjoyable about taking the dinnerware you normally use indoors and bringing it outside. Eating a meal from real plates with real utensils can make even a simple picnic feel like a special occasion.

That approach isn't always practical, especially when you're traveling a long distance. For those situations, I also keep a selection of melamine plates. They're lightweight, durable, and much more convenient to transport than traditional dishes.

The important thing is to choose picnic tableware that matches the type of outing you're planning.

4. Bring Useful Serving Pieces and Food Containers

When planning a picnic, I generally choose foods that don't require a lot of preparation, extra dishes, or complicated serving equipment. Easy-to-pack foods that can be eaten outdoors are usually the best choice.

Even so, there are a few containers and serving tools that I almost always bring with me.

One of my favorite options is Weck glass jars and bottles. They are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them useful for everything from drinks and sauces to salads, desserts, and other picnic foods.

I also use mason jars in different sizes for storing and transporting food and beverages.

Another item I always like to have is a wooden cutting board along with a sharp knife. A small board is incredibly useful for serving cheese, slicing bread, or preparing food once you've arrived.

Because compact cutting boards don't take up much room, one can usually fit easily into the bottom of a picnic basket without creating a packing problem.

5. Make the Picnic Comfortable

Let's be realistic: sitting directly on the ground for a long period isn't always the most comfortable experience.

That's why I like to bring a few extra items that make the picnic more relaxing.

A couple of small pillows can provide some much-needed support, while an additional throw blanket can be useful if the weather becomes cooler or if you simply want another layer beneath you.

I also recommend bringing a small basket or bag containing essentials such as sunscreen and insect repellent. These items may not seem important when you're packing, but you'll definitely appreciate having them once you're outside.

A little extra preparation can make the difference between a picnic that feels uncomfortable and one where everyone can sit back, relax, and enjoy the afternoon.

6. Keep the Food Simple and Delicious

Picnic food doesn't have to be elaborate to be delicious.

A few good cheeses, some quality cured meats, and a fresh French baguette can create an incredibly satisfying meal with almost no complicated preparation.

Sandwiches are another easy option. I often prepare several varieties, cut them in half, and arrange them on a wooden serving board. They're simple to transport, easy to eat, and can be customized for different tastes.

If I'm looking for something more substantial, I'll sometimes bring a cooked rotisserie chicken that has been cut into smaller pieces. Served at room temperature alongside a couple of deli-style salads, it makes an easy and filling outdoor meal.

When I have more time or feel like creating something a little more special, I may prepare a more sophisticated picnic menu.

There are also plenty of excellent cookbooks filled with creative picnic recipes and menu ideas, so you can find inspiration for everything from casual snacks to more elaborate outdoor dinners.

Ultimately, the best picnic isn't necessarily the one with the most complicated food. It's the one that allows you to relax, enjoy good company, and appreciate the beauty of being outside.