Family picnic shopping list

Use this list to shop for a family picnic without overlooking the practical items that are easy to arrange too late. Plan food and drinks by guest count, then add serving equipment, seating, shade and a way to keep everything cold. Wash produce, chill drinks and prepare salads, dips and sandwiches before packing. Check dietary requirements before you buy, and leave time to collect bulky items such as tables, chairs and party tents.

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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 40
Picnic blanketsqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 60
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 12
Scissorsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Bread basketsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 18
Water jugsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12

Equipment

Kettleqty 2
Extension cordsqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 40

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 2
Frisbeesqty 3
Badminton setsqty 2
Tug of war rope
Outdoor gamesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 2
Handwashing stationsqty 2
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 8

Safety

First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 5 loaves
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Herb cream cheese - 500 grams
- Egg salad - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Potatoes - 4 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Feta cheese - 750 grams
- Olives - 3 jars
- Corn - 4 cans
- Kidney beans - 4 cans
- Mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Watermelons - 2 pieces
- Chocolate cookies - 4 packs
- Apple pies - 3 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water in jugs as well as chilled drinks in coolers.
Allow at least one reusable plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon per guest, plus 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. Pack serving spoons separately so they do not get mixed up with eating utensils.
Use one cooler for drinks and another for food if possible, with ice packs around salads, dips, sandwiches and desserts. Chill drinks the night before and keep perishable food out of direct sun.
Bring one picnic blanket for every four to six people who will sit on the ground, then add folding chairs for guests who need back support. Pack tablecloths after checking the number and size of the tables.
Pack the items people usually remember last: bottle openers, scissors, aluminum foil, food storage containers, extension cords and LED lamps. Put these in a clearly marked equipment box rather than burying them under the food.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a family picnic?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more per person for each later hour. Buy enough sandwiches, salads, fruit and desserts for every registered guest, then add about 10% extra for seconds and spills.
When should I buy and prepare food for a family picnic?: Buy shelf-stable items up to 3 days ahead and chill drinks the night before. Wash produce, prepare salads, dips and sandwiches on the day of the picnic, keeping perishable food in coolers until serving.
How many picnic blankets and chairs do I need?: Allow one picnic blanket for every 4 to 6 people using the ground. Provide one folding chair per guest who needs a seat, plus 1 or 2 spare chairs for serving and unexpected needs.
What should I pack for a family picnic if it rains?: Confirm the backup weather plan at least 24 hours before the picnic and pack party tents or other cover if needed. Bring tablecloths, serving trays with lids and food storage containers so food can be protected quickly during a shower.

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