How to Plan a Perfect Picnic

There’s something idyllic about enjoying a picnic outdoors. Maybe it’s the pleasure of dining amongst nature or the intimate setting with loved ones, or maybe it’s the peace that comes with eating slowly and no rush to clean up afterwards. In any case, it’s a lovely and unique way to share a meal with family and friends.

Of course, it comes with a bit of planning and prepping; finding the right location is key. Follow along as we provide tips on how to plan the perfect picnic.

Essential items to have for picnics

It’s not necessary to run off and buy every little item for your picnic, but there are a few super helpful things.

• An OiOi Cooler Picnic Bag is ideal for keeping your food and drinks cold. Its size allows you to pack numerous items, plus it has an internal mesh pocket for your ice pack, a zip pouch for cutlery and a big outside pocket for phone, wallet, keys and more. Another big bonus feature is its full shoulder strap that allows you to have your hands free for other items while you walk to your designated spot.
• A big blanket to spread out on the space. Be mindful if it’s a rocky or rougher terrain and maybe pick out a thicker, more durable option.
• Lightweight plates and bowls are much easier to haul to your picnic location.
• Skip glassware with little ones and stick to enamel or plastic mugs and cups.
• Use an OiOi Fold-up Tote to carry your plates, cups, extra layers, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
• Reusable Tupperware for picnic food and an insulated water bottle if tea time is on the cards.
• Pack the parents’ dinner in a maxi bag and the kids’ meals in their own Mini Lunch Bag. The kids find it extra special to have their own picnic meal to set up.
• Make it more intimate with a nice candle. We recommend a battery-powered one with little ones or if there are high-risk fire concerns.
• For those who prefer to sit on seats rather than the ground, grab a fold-up table and camp chairs for the ultimate relaxing set-up.

Picnic Prep

Food is the main event for any decent picnic. Lunch, dinner, or simply a snack party works wonders. Choose a theme for your outdoor meal, stick to a certain cuisine or mix and match favourite foods. If you are planning for a big group, setting up platters may be the best option for people to graze on.

Pre-chop veggies, make your own or purchase a few dips, grab some crackers and nice bread for an easy-to-share meal. Add in falafel, nuts, olives and cheese for a bigger spread. Fruit platters are always great for kids and thanks to your insulated OiOi Lunch Bag, they’ll stay fresh on the journey. Make a simple cold pasta salad, pre-make pb&j’s for the picky eaters or go all out with a seafood spread. If you can’t be bothered prepping a meal, grab some takeaway on your way to your destination and pop in your insulated lunch bag to keep warm or cool.

You can’t have a meal without drinks! Simply fill up everyone’s water bottles or go fancy with juice, adult beverages and/or tea.

Don’t forget something sweet to finish on. A packet of biscuits or your go-to baked treat will be the perfect end to your perfect picnic.

Other ideas to bring from home for your picnic:

• Deck of cards or any easy travel game
• Soccer ball to kick around
• Frisbee to toss
• Paddleboard, togs, towels if near water
• Sunscreen, bug spray, insect repellent candles or coils
• Layers if it gets chilly
• Umbrella or some type of sunshade
• Wipes and towels for spills and clean up
• Empty shopping bag for rubbish and dirty dishes
• Fairy lights to add ambience

Choosing your picnic location

Picking your picnic spot can be as simple as setting up in your garden or as extreme as hiking to the top of a mountain to lay out your spread. It’s all about your enjoyment and preference, but here are a few spots we recommend.

• Beach picnic: Watch the waves as you dine al fresco. Bring a pop-up table to avoid sand getting in the food and don’t forget your togs! Heading to the beach with young ones? Here’s a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything!
• Playground picnic: Perfect for parents who want to enjoy eating while the little ones run around. There is also a great chance, a picnic table is nearby.
• Nature park reserve picnic: Head into your favourite nature reserve. Make a day trip visiting a National Park and lay out your picnic amongst the flora and fauna. Many parks have designated picnic spots and sometimes include BBQs if you want to bring items to grill up! Enjoy a stroll through the reserve before or after your meal.
• Sunset picnic: Find a scenic location to watch the sunset as you enjoy your packed meal.
• Hiking picnic: For those looking for a bit of adventure, head on the trails and find a spot with great views to enjoy your meal. And remember leave the land as you found it, bringing everything you packed home with you.
• Gardens picnic: Smell the roses while you dine! Search for a Botanic Garden nearby and find a perfect spot to plant your picnic.
• Backyard picnic: Dinnertime is often a challenge with kids, especially those picky eaters. Make it fun by surprising them with a backyard picnic to change it up every once in a while. A bit of fresh air is good for every member of the family. Rained in? Did the weather mess up your plans? Clear your living room floor and set up a picnic at home. The kids will find it hilarious to dine in an unusual spot.
• Movie and a meal: Have a projector? Set it up with a spread in front and munch away as you watch your favourite films.

Prep, pack up and enjoy your perfect picnic!

Bon appétit!

Do you have a favourite picnic memory? Share it below!

We hope that you enjoyed reading this blog article. Special thanks to Viktoria @viktoriawanders for writing her wonderful guide and to her husband Ryan for the photos. OiOi is a family run Australian business who have built a strong reputation over 25 years for designing Australia's best nappy bags and pram accessories. Follow us on Instagram @oioi_global for daily inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for beautiful fortnightly emails.