PICNIC LIKE A PRO: HOW TO PACK THE PERFECT ALL-DAY PICNIC
With the official start to Summer just around the corner, we’ve got some hot tips on how to elevate your warm-weather game this picnic season, pack the perfect picnic and spend some quality time with your gang.
But, let’s face it. The perfect picnic spot is rarely a stone’s throw from the carpark.
How much you pack depends on how long you plan on setting up shop for, how many people are joining you and your access to ice to keep it all safe.
If you’re planning a full day affair, you may as well indulge and bring some extras.
POP UP BEACH TENT
Handy for the grass and the beach, pop up shelters are great to have on hand to provide some shade and a separate space for little ones’ nap times.
PORTABLE TABLE
A boogie board or esky doubles as a great makeshift table to keep food up and away from the sand.
Or, these lightweight, classy folding wine tables from Indi Tribe Collective have enough room for food and most importantly, you won’t spill your wine.
WATER
A mandatory for a warm day spent outdoors, freeze your water bottles before you go, store in your drinks Esky and thaw as required.
REUSABLE OR RECYCLABLE PLATES, CUPS AND CUTLERY
If it’s practical for you, think environment first and bring along your own dishware to wash once you get home.
That said, there’s a certain headache involved in transporting cups and plates that may easily get smashed, especially if you have young children. Ditch the single use plastic and instead BYO enviro-friendly recyclable plates and cups.
SHARP KNIFE
Don’t be the person stuck trying to hack into a tomato with a butter knife. Bring a half decent one to make life easy.
BOTTLE OPENER
A fate worse than death, DO NOT forget the bottle opener / corkscrew.
PORTABLE SPEAKERS
Sure, the great outdoors are sometimes best enjoyed sans noise pollution. But for those time when you just need to pump some beats (or the Wiggles, depending on the average age of your guests) then don’t forget to pack the wireless speakers.
BIODEGRADEABLE WET WIPES
Every family with kids in nappies has a mountain of these on hand at all times, but they also double as the perfect clean up for sticky fingers and spills.
We love these Tooshies by Tom Organic wipes from Natural Supply Co.
OUTDOOR GAMES
Depending on how long you’re planning on staying and how much you are prepared to lug from the car, keep the good times rolling (and the kids entertained) with frisbees, beach balls or giant jenga.
BUG REPELLENT
The fastest way to ruin a picnic is with unwanted guests of the insect variety. Don’t forget the bug spray.
SUNSCREEN
“Between 11 and 3, stay under a tree”. After a lifetime spent in the harsh Aussie Summer sun, the old Slip Slop Slap mantra has been seared into our collective psyche.
Unfortunately for all of us, peak picnic hours coincide with peak UV hours. Even if you’re under an umbrella or shady tree, UV rays can sneak through. Make sure you and the fam are protected with 50+ sunscreen, all day long.
RUBBISH, RECYCLING AND COMPOST BAGS
It goes without saying, but make sure you have separate bags ready for the clean up.
ESKY PACKING 101
Believe it or not, there’s a fine art to packing an Esky. Check out our fail safe guide to Esky packing, here.
A REALLY BIG PICNIC RUG
Don’t forget to bring a waterproof picnic blanket that’s big enough to fit all your gang and all your gear. We might just be able to help you with that….
