Essential Picnic Checklist

Follow this outdoor dining checklist and you'll be the best-prepared picnicker at the beach or park.

picnic checklist picnic checklist
  • For Toting and Seating:  

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  • Picnic basket or canvas bag 

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  • Cooler

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  • Picnic blanket (preferably waterproof on the bottom)

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  • Picnic chairs (if anyone in your group is not happy on the ground) 

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  • Portable picnic table (if that's the kind of picnic you're having!) 

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  • For Serving:

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  • Plates

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  • Utensils (including serving utensils)

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  • Napkins

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  • Cups 

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  • Drinks (including lots of water)

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  • Bottle opener

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  • Cutting board (also useful as a level serving surface, perfect for drinks) 

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  • Sharp knife (even if you don't plan to cut things, it's still a good idea) 

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  • Salt and pepper

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  • Mustard, mayo, ketchup, etc., if needed (a great way to make use of extra packets from a takeout place) 

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  • For Cleanup:

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  • Paper towels (and maybe wet wipes)

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  • A couple of dishtowels (always handy, and useful to buffer and support dishes in transport) 

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  • Extra plastic containers or sturdy zipper-top bags for packing up dirty utensils, leftovers, etc. 

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  • Trash bags

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  • Other Essentials:

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  • Sunscreen

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  • Hats

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  • Insect repellent

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  • Flashlight (if you plan to be out into the evening hours) 

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  • Sport or activity equipment (Frisbees, balls, bubbles, water guns ... whatever the crowd likes) 

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