Back to Basics: Tips for packing for a picnic: Freeze drinks overnight to help food stay cold in coolers. Avoid using mayonnaise. Don’t forget serving utensils, a cutting board, trash bags and hand wipes. Keep this checklist from Real Simple in your picnic basket: https://www.realsimple.com/…/every…/picnic-packing-checklist
Picnic Packing Checklist
Food and Beverages
1. Casual foods, preferably sandwiches or other things you can eat without utensils Avoid foods with mayonnaise. Pack everything in lightweight, resealable containers.
2. Ice pack or bags of ice Food can spoil and harbor bacteria when not stored at the right temperature. Keep everything cold with refreezable ice packs, or fill a couple of resealable bags with ice cubes: They’ll chill food as it’s transported. Add ice cubes to drinks during the picnic. Empty out whatever remains before you go, for a lighter trip home.
3. Drinks Bring an assortment of kid-friendly and adult beverages, such as bottled water and juice.
4. Condiments Some ketchups and mustards come in mini jars that are small enough to throw in your tote. (Keep the jars to refill at home for your next picnic.)
5. Salt and pepper Allow everyone to season their food to their liking on the spot.
Tableware
1. Cups and plates Whether you choose eco-friendly paper, plastic, or bamboo, lightweight, stackable dishes make packing easy. Tip: Stalk Market plates ($4 for 15) are made from renewable sugar cane fiber; buy at greenfeet.com.
2. Utensils, if needed Opt for reusable utensils.
3. Serving utensils, if needed If you’re serving salads, you may need tongs or serving spoons.
4. Cutting knife Look for one with a cover for safe transporting. Or wrap the blade in a kitchen towel.
5. Small cutting board It’s always handy to have a firm surface for slicing meat, cheese, and bread.
6. Corkscrew or bottle opener Or both.
7. Napkins If you prefer not to use cloth, look for ones made of recycled paper or other materials.
Cleanup
1. Trash bags Don’t leave a mess behind. Dispose of everything you bring to the picnic site.
2. Moist towelettes When you don’t have access to running water, these make it easy to wash up after eating.
3. Paper towels Keep a roll on hand for mopping up spills and wiping bowls, containers, plates, and utensils before you pack them back up.