How to

Plan the Ultimate Picnic

You don’t need a special occasion to turn any picnic into an opportunity to celebrate. Whether you’re spending a Saturday in the park or going to enjoy a concert outside, what you pack and how you pack it sets the tone for the whole day. From baskets and quilts to dinnerware and glasses, you just need a few ideas and some basic gear to plan the ultimate picnic. Pottery Barn has a few quick tips to get you started.

Plan the Party

Think of every picnic just like a small, movable party. For the ultimate picnic, you need a great spot, a great bunch of people, delicious food and tasty drinks. To get started, make a guest list to determine the number of people you need to account for. Check with the park or picnic location to make sure there aren’t any rules or restrictions you need to be aware of before you spread out your blanket.

Serve It Up

Part of the fun of a picnic is in unpacking a basket filled with tasty treats. You won’t be doing prep work while you picnic, which means you’ll want serving platters, trays, bowls and containers to pack all your goods into. Pro tip: skip the disposable containers and flatware in favor of eco-friendly reusables.

Plan the Menu

Plan the ultimate picnic with an on-point menu filled with fresh, seasonal specialties and shareable dishes that you can prep the night before and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to pack your picnic basket. Stick to unfussy foods like sandwiches, salads, charcuterie, cheeses, hummus and veggies, and fresh fruit. Upgrade your picnic from paper plates in favor of eco-friendly, shatter-resistant outdoor dinnerware.

Don’t Forget the Drinks!

Fruit-infused water, freshly brewed iced tea, lemonade, beer, wine, and batch-made cocktails are perfect for effortless entertaining. Bring a separate cooler or insulated tote with your cold beverages and reusable ice packs to keep your drinks cold.

Lovely Linens

This is where the guest list really comes in handy, as you need enough seating for everyone who’s joining you. Pack an eclectic assortment of quilts, blankets or towels to spread over the ground. Add some throw pillows for extra comfort or bring along portable seating. If you’re worried about a chill, throws and blankets make for extra-cozy comfort.