What to buy and bring for a Meerpicknick

A Meerpicknick needs more than food and drinks. Plan the serving setup, seating, shade and waste collection before you shop, especially if the picnic area has limited tables or facilities. For a group picnic, reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery keep the buffet moving, while coolers and ice packs protect drinks and salads. Check dietary requirements and the weather forecast early so you can adjust quantities and bring enough blankets, parasols and rain cover.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Picnic blanketsqty 12
Parasolsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 80
Wine glassesqty 45
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Bread knivesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Coolersqty 5
Ice packsqty 20
Bottle openersqty 4

Equipment

Kettleqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Table decorationsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up bowlsqty 3
Cleaning brushesqty 3
Hand broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Other

Ropeqty 2
Conesqty 8
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Herb butter - 500 grams
- Chicken breast - 2 kilogram
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Celery - 1 kilogram
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Feta - 750 gram
- Olives - 4 jars
- Corn - 6 cans
- Chickpeas - 6 cans
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Fresh basil - 6 plants
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Olive mix - 2 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Beer - 5 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 3 packs
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Tips

Plan food and drinks by guest count, then add about 10% extra for shared dishes, bread and snacks. Collect dietary requirements before shopping so suitable options are not an afterthought.
Keep drinks, salads and other chilled food in coolers with ice packs until serving. Chill drinks in advance; a cooler filled on the day is not a substitute for refrigeration.
Allow at least one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. Bring serving platters, serving spoons, cutting boards and both chef’s and bread knives for the buffet.
Count seating before you leave: provide a chair or picnic blanket space for every guest, and check that the number of foldable tables matches the food and drinks you need to set out. Add parasols for exposed picnic areas.
Prepare waste stations before guests arrive, with waste bins placed near the buffet and seating. Pack washing-up bowls, cleaning brushes and spare cloths so reusable tableware can be collected and cleaned during the picnic.

Frequently asked questions

How much food should I buy for a Meerpicknick?: Use the number of confirmed guests as your base and add about 10% extra for shared dishes and snacks. Buy enough bread, salads, toppings and fruit for the whole picnic rather than relying on guests to bring food unless that has been agreed in advance.
How many drinks do I need for a Meerpicknick?: Plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include plenty of water and keep chilled drinks in coolers with ice packs.
What picnic equipment should I bring for each guest?: Bring one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% spare. Also allow seating or blanket space for every person and enough serving platters and spoons for the buffet.
When should I check the Meerpicknick shopping list?: Check it at least 3 to 5 days before the picnic, after registrations and dietary requirements are complete. Do the main shopping no later than the day before, and chill drinks and prepare fresh ingredients on the day.

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