What to Buy for an Autumn Picnic

An autumn picnic needs more than sandwiches and a blanket. Plan food for the full group, plus warm drinks, soup, coolers and enough servingware for outdoor use. Check dietary requirements before buying bread, toppings, dips and desserts, and leave fresh items until close to the event. For a late-day picnic, add lanterns, spare batteries and weather cover so a change in temperature or daylight does not end the meal early.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 48
Picnic blanketsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6
Storage cratesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving utensilsqty 12

Decorations

Autumn leavesqty 6
Table lanternsqty 10
Buntingqty 4
Table decorationsqty 12
Name badgesqty 50

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Soup thermosesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Portable speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Soup ladlesqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Cleaning

Washing-up basinsqty 8
Spongesqty 12
Hand broomsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4

Sports equipment

Frisbeesqty 4
Kubb gamesqty 2
Picnic ballsqty 4
Game cardsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- White sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Herb cream cheese - 500 grams
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Smoked chicken - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian falafel - 1,5 kilogram
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Balsamic vinegar - 500 milliliters
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Pumpkin - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Arugula - 8 bags
- Lamb's lettuce - 8 bags
- Celery - 2 bunches
- Corn - 6 cans
- Chickpeas - 6 cans
- Feta cheese - 1 kilogram
- Raisins - 500 grams
- Walnuts - 500 gram
- Pumpkin soup - 8 liters
- Vegetable broth - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Curry powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Pears - 4 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mandarins - 4 kilogram
- Apple pie - 50 portions
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Liquid dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include both chilled water and lemonade, and bring extra water for coffee and tea.
Buy fresh bread, sandwich fillings, salad ingredients, fruit and desserts no earlier than the day before. Keep bread and cut produce separate from ice packs so they do not become soggy.
Plan one serving of soup per person, using soup thermoses to keep it hot. Pack bowls, spoons and serving utensils with the soup rather than leaving them at home with the kitchen supplies.
Count reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery against the final participant list, then add at least 10% extra. Outdoor food often needs a replacement plate or cup when one is dropped or used for a second course.
For a picnic that runs into the afternoon or evening, take one lantern or light source per table area and spare batteries. Add extension cords only if the venue has a safe, approved power point.

Frequently asked questions

What food do I need for an autumn picnic?: Plan one main portion per person, such as a sandwich or wrap, plus salad, fruit, a dip or sauce and one dessert portion. Add one soup serving per person if you are serving soup, and buy 10% extra for larger appetites.
How many drinks should I buy for an autumn picnic?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about 1 drink per person per hour. Include water, lemonade and enough hot water or coffee and tea for the full group.
How much picnic tableware do I need?: Prepare one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each reusable item, plus enough coffee cups for anyone having a hot drink.
When should I buy food for an autumn picnic?: Buy non-perishable items several days ahead and check the shopping list before the final week. Buy bread, vegetables, fruit and other fresh toppings the day before, then chill drinks and prepare cut produce on the event day.

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