10 Must Haves For Your Next Picnic

Have you ever arrived at your perfect picnic location only to realize that you’ve forgotten something important? With this handy checklist tucked inside your picnic basket, your future will be full of perfect picnics.

Blanket or tablecloth. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a picnic location and finding an absolutely filthy picnic table. Always pack a tablecloth and/or blanket to keep your picnic safe and clean.

Extra plates and utensils. I cannot tell you how many times my children have dropped their plate or fork on the ground at a picnic. Always pack extra plates and utensils to make sure that everyone has what they need.

Napkins. Just like plates and utensils, a busy picnicking family will run out of napkins just when they need them the most. Packing extra napkins or those handy wet naps is a sure way to make sure you always have clean hands.

Bottle opener. Keep this kitchen tool in your basket at all times. In fact, if you can find a bottle opener/corkscrew tool then you’re in good shape.

Bug spray. Doesn’t sound like a picnic item but when you’re without it is when you’ll likely need it the most. Bugs seem to be drawn to picnickers and having spray handy means that your picnic won’t be ruined by biting insects.

Sunscreen. I used to coat my family with sunscreen before we left for an outing and then assume that they’d be safe from burning, however there always seems to be a lake or stream to play in and the sunscreen washes off. Now I keep sunscreen in my car, picnic basket, and purse. Don’t leave home without it!

First Aid kit. Cuts and scrapes happen. If you have a first aid kit with you, they’re no problem. Without it, they can be painful lessons.

Trash bags. Some of the best picnic locations are remote, meaning there isn’t a trash receptacle nearby. Always take an extra bag or two with you and you can easily, and cleanly, carry out your garbage. It’s important to preserve our favorite picnic spots!

Matches. It never fails, you get to the picnic site, pull out the charcoal and hot dogs and guess what? No matches, or worse you have the matches but they’ve fallen into the cooler and they’re soaked. Always pack a book of matches and keep them in an airtight bag or container.

Condiments. Those little ketchups, mustards, salt and pepper, and packets of mayo are lifesavers. You can keep them permanently in your picnic basket and you’ll never be without.

Of course the perfect picnic isn’t complete without a picnic basket or cooler and delicious gourmet food and beverages! Keep this checklist, and these items together inside your picnic basket or cooler and your picnicking future will be delightful and carefree.