What to bring to a picnic – elegant ideas for dining stylishly in the great outdoors this summer

There’s something truly enchanting about dining outside, surrounded by nature. If you're wondering what to bring to a picnic this summer, whether it be lunch in a country meadow, supper on the beach, or a spontaneous gathering in the garden, we've got you covered. We talked to some experts about their picnic essentials and styling tips.

Start with picking your location and think about the picnic recipes you'll bring, as this will determine what you need to pack. Essentials include a waterproof picnic rug, shatterproof plates and glasses, cutlery, napkins, and a practical cool bag and basket to transport everything.

You can also enhance comfort and style with cushions, folding chairs, twinkly garden lights, and other decorative items like outdoor wireless lighting and summer table centerpieces. A Bluetooth speaker and some outdoor games can add to the fun atmosphere.

1. Choose a classic picnic basket

A picnic basket is a must-have for your summer picnic and sets the tone if you're planning a garden party theme. Some luxury baskets come fully equipped with plates, glasses, and cutlery, and others have built-in cooling compartments. More basic options let you customize them to your style with your own mix-and-match items.

“We love using rattan picnic baskets with lids and built-in coolers – they’re perfect for keeping drinks chilled while offering a dry compartment for essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer,” says Alidia Olcott, owner and lead designer at Lake Geneva Picnic Co. “We also love sourcing vintage picnic baskets whenever we can; they add so much charm and character to the setup and feel like an extension of the overall aesthetic.”

Shea McGee, founder of Studio McGee, also loves traditional rattan picnic baskets. "I love picnic baskets that make everyday moments feel special. A well-designed picnic basket combines function, style, and the comfort of bringing a bit of home wherever you go."

2. Go for a colorful cool bag

If you’re traveling far or having a picnic on a hot day, you’ll need a well-insulated, leak-proof cool bag for salads, meats, cheese, drinks, and anything perishable.

Soft cool bags and backpacks are often easier to carry than hard ones; they can also be collapsed for easier storage at home. You’ll also need some airtight containers for storing and transporting food, such as this 40-piece food storage container set from Amazon, which includes various sizes and handy stick-on labels.

If you don't have ice packs, homeware designer Sophie Allport suggests this clever hack: "pack frozen drinks or water bottles to double as ice packs — it's a smart way to keep everything cool while maximizing space."

3. Choose a pretty yet practical rug

From a sandy cove to a sunny orchard, any outdoor space can be instantly transformed into a cozy dining area with a large, practical picnic blanket. "A picnic should be relaxed and full of home comforts. Start with a soft picnic blanket, preferably one with a waterproof backing, then layer cushions and throws. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns either," says Sophie Allport.

If you’re setting up a picnic in your backyard, a large, lightweight outdoor rug can offer a bigger seating area, especially useful for hosting a luxury picnic with more guests. “We love using rugs instead of traditional picnic blankets – they help anchor the space visually and elevate the overall aesthetic, making it feel more like an outdoor living room than a casual picnic,” says Alidia Olcott.

Alternatively, why not use a tablecloth? “I love using a bold tablecloth thrown on grass for an instant picnic vibe,” says Joanna Buchanan, founder of her eponymous lifestyle brand. “They’re lighter than blankets if space or transportation is an issue."

4. Get comfy

If you are planning a leisurely lunch that extends into the evening, comfort is crucial. Fold-up seating like deck chairs or camping chairs provides comfortable seating. Alternatively, for a more authentic picnic feel, bring plenty of outdoor floor cushions, poufs, and throw pillows for maximum comfort at ground level.

“We love creating a cozy, grounded experience with a mix of floor cushions and oversized throw pillows — ideally around 22x22 inches," says Alidia Olcott of Lake Geneva Picnic Co. "The larger scale not only offers more comfort but also looks more balanced when paired with low tables.”

“We don’t always use outdoor-specific materials; as long as items aren’t left out in the elements, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the same beauty and comfort outdoors as you would inside. That little touch of luxury makes the experience feel all the more special.”

5. Serve in style

Your summer spread can be just as stylish as your outdoor dining table. A tablecloth layered with practical and pretty tableware can create a low-level summer feast that rivals formal settings.

“I like to make a picnic look like a dining table, with restaurant-quality acrylic wine glasses and beautiful melamine plates that could be mistaken for fine china, plus a fabulous patterned tablecloth,” says Joanna Buchanan. “Decorative melamine plates are perfect for eating outdoors in the summer: they don’t break and still look chic, making them a win.”

Alternatively, try palm leaf tableware, which is a more sustainable option than paper. “Opting for natural, compostable tableware is a simple change with a lasting impact. Our palm leaf plates are classy and degrade in 90 days without leaving a trace, making them a smart choice for those looking to reduce single-use waste without sacrificing style,” says Pallavi Pande, founder of Dtocs.

6. Bring a practical folding table

If transportation isn't too cumbersome, bringing a couple of lightweight folding tables is helpful for keeping food and drinks off the ground, especially if there are bugs or pets around. Mesh or rattan food domes, like these covers from Amazon, can also help.

You could line up a few low folding tables and drape a tablecloth over them to create a low-level picnic table surrounded by cozy floor cushions. Consider having a larger table or trolley to serve as a buffet station for guests to help themselves. “A dedicated table for things like coffee, tea, or other beverages keeps the main picnic table tidy and allows for a relaxed flow,” says Alidia Olcott. “Guests can help themselves and refill without disrupting the setup. Depending on the size of the gathering, small side tables, lightweight bar carts, or folding tables draped with a tablecloth all work beautifully.”

7. Don't forget the serveware

If you've spent hours in the kitchen preparing a delicious picnic spread, curating some lovely serveware is just as important to show it off. Packing a range of lightweight trays, platters, and even a cutlery caddy elevates the picnic experience for guests, making it feel more organized and refined. Rattan trays and wood platters add a relaxed, country feel and are very on-trend right now.

"I love packing a chic tray for a picnic; the ground can get wobbly with grass or sand underneath, so a tray is a great way to keep open bottles and glasses stable. It also makes everything feel more elegant. My favorite vintage wicker picnic basket even has two handy spots for bottles and French bread," says Joanna Buchanan.

"I also love to bring a small empty vase on a picnic — then, if you pick some wildflowers, you have an instant floral centerpiece."

8. Make it magical with outdoor lighting

If you’re setting up a picnic in your garden or have extra space in your bag, let the magic continue after dark by adding atmospheric lighting. Dot tables with cordless rechargeable lamps, and hang solar-powered lanterns or festoon lights from trees to make your setting extra special.

“If you're picnicking into the evening, lighting is everything — taper candles or cordless table lamps create the dreamiest setting,” says Alidia Olcott. “Here [above image] I’ve used table lamps with crystal shades for a touch of luxury and sparkle.”

The finishing touches

“It’s all in the details," says Alidia Olcott, founder and lead designer of Lake Geneva Picnic Co. "Fresh florals are a must — they instantly elevate the entire setup. We love layering textures to create a cozy, intentional atmosphere. Thoughtful touches like personalized name cards or a custom sign make each picnic feel truly curated.”

“For fun, we always include a few extras in our picnic baskets — like a Polaroid camera to capture the moment and conversation cards to spark connection. It’s those little details that make a picnic an experience to remember.”

Another fun and practical idea is to create pre-prepared individual food boxes for guests. Not only do these feel special, like a present to be opened, but they also mean fewer serving platters and tableware to carry. “For food, we love packing individual grazing boxes for each guest. They're beautifully arranged, easy to eat, and perfectly portioned," Alidia adds.

Picnics are a wonderful way to enjoy outdoor dining, allowing you to savor the bounty of summer. Regardless of the scale or style of your picnic, you can make it a truly magical occasion with some carefully chosen pieces to bring comfort, style, and ease to the event.