How to Plan a Perfect Picnic

Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes a world full of magic and renewal. Wildflowers are vividly coloring the landscape, trees are budding, baby animals can be seen frolicking, Disney-style, and new life is on display wherever you look. So, before the days of triple-digit temps are upon us, why not get out in nature and embrace some of this enchanting energy with a perfectly planned picnic? When was the last time you enjoyed a good old-fashioned picnic? For me, it had been years—that is, until I recently curated a pleasure-packed day at a local park, and I was overjoyed by how much fun it was! Whether you want to plan a romantic picnic with your partner or a fun-filled day with the whole family, I’ve got you covered. So grab an iced tea, pull your favorite sundress out of the closet, and let’s unpack these top tips for a perfect picnic.

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1. Pick Your Spot & Check the Weather

Creating a picturesque outdoor picnic starts with choosing the right location. Think about the type of atmosphere you’re looking for, maybe it’s a serene local park, a beautiful beachside escape, or a romantic remote destination. If you live in the beautiful Arizona desert landscape, like I do, there are numerous serene spaces to choose from. For this particular picnic, I chose the beautiful, historic Encanto Park. Established in 1934, Encanto Park was conceived by philanthropist William G. Hartranft, who envisioned a park comparable in scale to San Diego’s Balboa Park and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The weather was in the mid 70’s on this particular day, and I wanted to savor every minute of it before we head into the sidewalk-scorching summer days ahead. When those dog days of summer are keeping most Phoenicians indoors, a quick two hour drive up north to Sedona can offer a refreshing change. What about you? Are you near lush woods, a tranquil lake, or a charming green nook in your community? No matter where you are, with thoughtful planning, you can transform any location into a special retreat.

Just remember to check the weather before setting out. On our picnic day, we embraced a slightly cloudy and overcast ambiance—which I find delightful, but we took a risk with the potential for rain. We enjoyed the day’s breezy conditions, flying a wonderfully-whimsical octopus kite, but as evening rolled in so did the thunderstorms; which rained all over a large group of people that were setting up for a party as we were leaving the park. To ensure a comfortable picnic experience, plan appropriately: pack umbrellas, jackets, sunblock, and whatever essentials the weather demands.

2. Gather the Essentials

Start with a sturdy basket and get ready to gather your goodies. I was very excited to dust off my vintage picnic basket, and bring it out into the wild after years of hibernation. There’s just something so charming and romantic about an actual wicker basket. It gives the ultimate cottagecore vibes. Although, a cooler, tote, or backpack works fine too, if that’s more your style. In addition to the picnic basket, we brought a small cooler to keep the drinks and cheeses chill.

Next, you’ll want to bring a big blanket or two. One thing that made our spot super snuggly was using both a weatherproof outdoor-style picnic blanket and a second, softer blanket to lay on top. I bought the outdoor picnic blanket on Amazon (linked below), and it kept my cozy blanket free of any pokey grass, dirt, or duck doodie, making everything feel cleaner and more comfortable. If you want to add even more cushy comfort, consider bringing along a few throw pillows as well, which can really elevate the esthetics of the experience. A small butler tray can make a great table, and double as a cutting board. Also remember to bring along napkins, utensils, plates, and any cups you may need. It’s also a good idea to bring a trash bag for easy clean up.

3. Bring the Fun

Picnics are all about fun, so think about what that might look like for you and your plans for the day. If you’re with a group maybe you want to bring a volleyball, soccer ball, or some cards and games. A chess board can add a classy, romantic touch, and is a perfect stimulating game for two. I also really wanted to fly a kite and thanks to the windy weather, I got my wish. When was the last time you flew a kite…maybe never? Well, if you want to enjoy some good old fashioned, high-flying fun, a kite is a great addition to any picnic. Just check the weather—ideal wind conditions for kite flying are generally between 8-18 mph. Speaking of wind, pinwheels and bubbles can be a lot of fun to bring along too. Want to pick up some fun items on the cheap, check out your local dollar store. I went there to get bubbles, and found this little octopus bubble maker, which totally grabbed me.

To add some creative fun you could even bring stuff to color or paint. Channel your inner Bob Ross, and bring along some brushes, paints, and little canvases or even rocks to paint. Capture all the happy little clouds and memories. Coloring books and markers can be a relaxing touch too.

Other fun items to consider: a small speaker so you can jam some music, books, an instapic/Polaroid camera, and some food to feed the ducks, if they’re around. It should be noted that bread is not good for ducks, even though they’ll chase you like a gang of winged crack addicts to get it. You’re better off actually purchasing duck food, or doing a little research on what foods are best for them. Ducks can safely enjoy a variety of picnic foods and fruits, including watermelon, banana, berries, peaches and grapes; provided they’re served in manageable bite-size pieces.

4. Plan Your Menu

You’ll want to craft a menu that’s both delicious and easy to transport—so think finger foods like sandwiches, wraps, or even chicken tenders. For a more curated choice, perhaps create a charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, olives, and baguette pieces. Chips and salsa, or hummus are tasty choices too. Potato or macaroni salad make for some savory side dishes. Deviled eggs are a delicious delicacy. And add something sweets—cookies, brownies, or chocolate-covered strawberries, anyone? Don’t forget the drinks! If you want to bring alcohol, make sure check the local laws, since consuming alcohol in most parks is illegal without a permit. Don’t let that be a buzz kill though, lemonade, iced tea, sodas, or flavored sparkling water are perfect picnic classics.

5. What to Wear

Comfort is key when dressing for a picnic. Because picnics have me all in my vintage-loving vibes, I opted for a blue and white gingham dress, a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses, sandals, and a little white cardigan, which came in handy as the temperature dropped. Do yourself a favor and dress in layers, ensuring you’re comfortable no matter what the forecast brings. Sandals or flip flops, if you want to be able to easily slip off your shoes and put your feet in the grass; or tennis shoes if you’re planning to get sporty. Sunglasses are a must for sunny days, and a hat adds style while providing extra protection. Don’t forget the sunblock to keep your skin looking young and safe from all the harmful UV rays.

6. Clean Up Consciously

Before packing up and heading home, tidy up your spot, and leave it even better than you found it. Bring along trash bags for waste disposal, and ensure all trash is collected. If you notice any other trash along your path to the garbage and recycling cans, toss it in your bag, leaving the location a little more looked after. Biodegradable wipes are handy for quick cleaning, and stackable Tupperwares help organize leftovers and used utensils efficiently. If you’re picnicking in a natural setting, take a moment to appreciate and protect the local flora and fauna, ensuring your impact is minimal. If you’re picnicking with kids, it can also be a good opportunity to teach them about appreciating the beauty of the natural world, and the importance of caring for the environment.

With your basket packed and your plan in place, you’re ready for a picture-perfect picnic. Whether you’re lounging on cozy blankets, creating art in the open air, or simply sharing laughs with loved ones, you’ve set the scene for an incredible day. So gather the goods, soak in some sunshine, and revel in the joys of the outdoors.

What are some of your favorite things to bring on a picnic? I’d love to hear your suggestions, so feel free to comment below. If you enjoyed this post please share with your friends, and subscribe to our newsletter for more lifestyle tips and exclusive content.