What to Buy for a Moonlight Picnic

A moonlight picnic needs more than sandwiches and blankets. Plan food that can be served outdoors, enough chilled drinks for the first hours, and lighting that keeps tables, paths and coolers visible after dark. Reusable plates, bowls, cups and serving utensils reduce last-minute washing and waste. Check dietary requirements before shopping, then allow time to wash produce, prepare wraps and salads, and chill drinks before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Picnic blanketsqty 12
Cushionsqty 30
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice packsqty 16
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Serving trays with lidsqty 8

Equipment

Portable speaker
Power banksqty 3

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 6
Name badgesqty 45
Table decorationsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 8
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Herb cream cheese - 750 grams
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Falafel - 1.5 kilograms
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Iceberg lettuce - 3 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Watermelons - 2 pieces
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Quinoa salad - 2 kilograms
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Mini muffins - 50 pieces
- Lemon cake - 3 cakes
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 1 jar
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra water in jugs, especially if the picnic is away from indoor facilities.
Prepare about two sandwich or wrap portions per person, plus one small serving of salad and two snack portions each. Keep prepared food in coolers with ice packs until it goes on the buffet.
Bring one reusable plate, bowl, cup and full cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Pack serving platters, tongs and spoons separately so the buffet can be set up quickly.
Use LED string lights and lanterns around the buffet and seating area, and keep at least two flashlights available for paths, toilets and packing up. Charge the portable speaker and power banks the day before.
Allow 30 to 45 minutes before arrival to lay out blankets, tables and chairs, fill coolers, arrange the drinks station and check that every table has napkins and lighting. Keep a printed visitor list and name badges together at the welcome point.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Moonlight picnic?: Allow two sandwich or wrap portions per guest, one small salad serving and two snack portions each. Add about 10% extra if guests will stay longer than three hours or if there is no nearby food option.
How many drinks should I buy for a Moonlight picnic?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for every extra hour. Include water as well as other drinks, and chill non-perishable drinks at least 4 hours before the picnic.
How many picnic blankets and chairs do I need?: Provide seating for every guest, using a combination of picnic blankets, folding chairs and cushions. A practical starting point is one large blanket for every 4 to 6 people, with at least one chair per person who may need back support.
When should I prepare the food for a Moonlight picnic?: Wash fruit and vegetables and prepare sandwiches, wraps and salads on the day of the picnic, ideally 2 to 4 hours before guests arrive. Keep everything chilled in coolers with ice packs until serving, and set up the buffet within 30 minutes of arrival.

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