What to buy for a farm picnic

A farm picnic needs more than sandwiches and a few blankets. Plan food and drinks for the final guest count, then add the equipment that makes serving outdoors manageable: coolers, ice packs, pitchers, reusable tableware and cutting boards. Pack weather cover, seating and lighting if the picnic runs into the evening. Check dietary requirements before shopping and prepare allergen cards so guests can choose food safely.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Picnic blanketsqty 15
Buffet tablesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 18
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 3

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 6

Sports equipment

Kubb setqty 2
Frisbeesqty 6
Picnic gamesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Whole wheat loaves - 6 loaves
- Mini croissants - 50 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2.5 kilos
- Brie - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Egg salad - 1.5 kilos
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Mixed salad - 2 kilos
- Potatoes - 5 kilos
- Pasta - 3 kilos
- Pesto sauce - 1 liter
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Balsamic vinegar - 500 milliliters
- Mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Mustard - 500 milliliter
- Ketchup - 500 milliliters
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 100 grams
- Paprika powder - 100 grams
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Fresh basil - 6 bunches
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Marshmallows - 2 kilos
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea - 100 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Water - 40 liter
- Sparkling water - 20 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Alcohol-free beer - 50 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan about two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra water, especially if guests will be walking or playing games outdoors.
Allow one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. Pack coffee cups separately so they do not get overlooked during table setup.
Use at least one cooler for drinks and another for perishable food when possible. Freeze the ice packs the day before and keep food chilled until it is ready to serve.
Buy or pack serving platters, serving tongs and pitchers as well as the food itself. Without them, guests end up handling shared dishes or pouring drinks from bottles onto picnic blankets.
Pack weather cover and evening lighting before the forecast becomes a problem. Party tents, picnic blankets, string lights and battery lanterns are easy to forget when the shopping list focuses only on food.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a farm picnic?: Plan one substantial portion per guest, plus two to three snack portions per person. Add about 10% extra food for a mixed group, and use the confirmed guest count rather than the number originally invited.
How many drinks should I buy for a farm picnic?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more per person for every following hour. Include water and keep chilled drinks in coolers with frozen ice packs.
How many picnic blankets do I need?: Provide enough blanket space for around four to six people per large blanket, then add one or two spare blankets for bags, children or damp ground. Wash and dry them before packing them for the farm.
What should I prepare the day before a farm picnic?: Wash fruits and vegetables, prepare baked goods and snacks, freeze the ice packs and collect tableware and materials at least one day ahead. Confirm the final guest count and dietary requirements before doing the main shop.

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