What to Buy and Bring for a Games Picnic

A Games Picnic needs more than sandwiches and a few games. You will need practical serving equipment, chilled drinks, food containers and enough game materials for several stations. Plan quantities from your final participant list, then allow extra cups, plates and snacks for late additions or spills. Check the weather before shopping so you know whether to pack for shade, rain or a change of playing surface.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

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
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Soup ladlesqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Bread knivesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Serving traysqty 4

Sports equipment

Board gamesqty 12
Card gamesqty 8
Kubb setqty 2
Petanque ballsqty 3
Frisbeesqty 4
Footballsqty 2
Tug of war rope
Scoreboardsqty 4
Markersqty 12
Notepadsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Lanternsqty 12

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Power banksqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 2
Litter pickerqty 2
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken - 1 kilogram
- Tuna salad - 1 kilogram
- Egg salad - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed lettuce - 1 kilogram
- Carrots - 1 kilogram
- Celery - 4 stalks
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Potato salad - 2 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 2 kilogram
- Quinoa salad - 1.5 kilogram
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salsa sauce - 3 jars
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers before guests arrive and keep water available in jugs.
Buy or prepare about 4–6 snack portions per person, plus 1–2 sandwiches or salad portions per person if the picnic covers a meal. Keep dietary requirements separate and clearly marked.
Allow at least 1 reusable plate, bowl, cup and set of cutlery per guest, plus 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each item to cover dropped or dirty tableware.
Match games to the number of guests instead of relying on one activity. For a group of 20, prepare at least 3 game stations and bring scoreboards, markers and notepads before setting up.
Pack serving platters, tongs, ladles, cutting boards and bread knives with the food rather than leaving them for the last minute. Set aside 30–45 minutes before arrival to chill drinks, fill baskets and arrange the buffet.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Games Picnic?: For a meal-sized picnic, plan 1–2 sandwich or salad portions per person, plus 4–6 snack portions. Add about 10% extra if attendance is not completely confirmed.
How many drinks should I bring to a Games Picnic?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1 more per person for every following hour. Bring extra water, especially when guests will be playing active outdoor games.
How many picnic plates and cups do I need?: Bring one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. For 30 guests, pack at least 33 of each reusable item.
When should I buy and prepare the picnic food?: Buy non-perishable food and drinks 1–2 days ahead, then chill drinks and prepare fresh sandwiches or salads on the day. Finish filling picnic baskets and setting out serving equipment 30–45 minutes before guests arrive.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.