What you need for a Mediterranean picnic

A Mediterranean picnic needs more than bread, dips and salad. Plan the food by final guest count, then make room for cooling, serving and outdoor comfort. Reusable plates, bowls, glasses and serving platters keep the table practical, while coolers protect fresh produce and prepared dishes. The items people most often arrange too late are fresh groceries, dietary labels, enough chilled storage and shelter from sun or changing weather.

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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 50
Picnic blanketsqty 10
Low picnic tablesqty 4
Seat cushionsqty 30

Tableware

Reusable dinner platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 80
Reusable wine glassesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving boardsqty 10
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Water carafesqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Food containersqty 16
Corkscrewsqty 3
Can openersqty 2

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Power banksqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 4
Flower bouquetsqty 6
Glass vasesqty 8
Menu Card Holdersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Recycling binsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 2
Dustpansqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Ciabatta - 12 loaves
- Pita bread - 60 pieces
- Focaccia - 8 loaves
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Baba ganoush - 2 kilograms
- Tzatziki - 2 kilogram
- Green olives - 2 kilograms
- Kalamata olives - 2 kilograms
- Feta cheese - 3 kilogram
- Mozzarella - 2 kilograms
- Parmesan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast - 7 kilograms
- Falafel - 4 kilograms
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Couscous - 3 kilograms
- Pasta - 3 kilograms
- Arugula - 1.5 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Beef tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Red bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Zucchini - 10 pieces
- Eggplants - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 3 kilogram
- Spring onions - 6 bunches
- Garlic - 8 bulbs
- Lemons - 25 pieces
- Limes - 15 pieces
- Fresh basil - 8 bunches
- Fresh mint - 6 bunches
- Fresh parsley - 6 bunches
- Fresh oregano - 4 bunches
- Olive oil - 5 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Red wine vinegar - 2 bottles
- Tahini - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Honey - 2 jars
- Dried oregano - 2 jars
- Cumin - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Chili flakes - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 2 grinders
- Strawberries - 4 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Baklava - 3 kilograms
- Greek yogurt - 4 kilogram
- Honey cake - 4 pieces
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Lemonade - 10 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Ginger beer - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 36 bottles
- Rosé wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 8 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Wooden satay skewers - 100 pieces

Tips

Confirm the final guest count before buying fresh produce, bread, dips and dessert portions. Keep dietary requirements with the menu so vegetarian, vegan or allergy-friendly foods are clearly labelled.
Pre-cool the coolers before the picnic and reserve separate space for drinks and perishable food. Collect or buy fresh groceries close to serving time rather than leaving salads and dairy-based dips warm for hours.
Plan one plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus serving platters, boards, tongs and water carafes for the shared table. Add reusable wine glasses if wine is part of the menu.
Arrange party tents, picnic blankets, tables, chairs and seat cushions before the day itself. A picnic area can feel under-equipped quickly when guests have nowhere to sit or shade is unavailable.
Pack practical items with the food instead of leaving them at home: kitchen knives, cutting boards, food containers, corkscrews, can openers, power banks and labels. Test portable speakers and prepare string lights or LED lanterns if the picnic runs into the evening.

Frequently asked questions

What food should I buy for a Mediterranean picnic?: Plan the menu around shared dips, salads, fresh produce, bread, herbs, garnishes and desserts, then calculate portions for the final guest count. Buy non-perishable groceries earlier, but order or collect fresh produce shortly before the picnic.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a picnic?: Allow one dinner plate, bowl, drinking glass and cutlery set per guest. Add at least one serving platter, serving board and pair of serving tongs for each main shared dish, plus water carafes for the table.
How far in advance should I buy picnic groceries?: Buy non-perishable items several days ahead and check the shopping list before doing so. Collect fresh produce on the day or the day before, depending on its shelf life, and pre-cool the coolers before packing.
What should I bring to keep Mediterranean picnic food cold?: Bring enough coolers to separate drinks from food and keep salads, dips and other perishables chilled. Pack the coolers before leaving and do not wait until guests arrive to arrange cold storage.

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