What to Buy for a Picnic

Planning a picnic means more than buying sandwiches and fruit. You need enough food for the full time outdoors, plus coolers, serving items, blankets and games that are easy to carry. This shopping list covers the supplies behind the plan, including reusable tableware, drinks service, food preparation and shade. Check guest numbers and dietary requirements before shopping, then allow time to wash, cut and portion food before you leave.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Picnic blanketsqty 10
Parasolsqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Bread knivesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Power banksqty 3

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 6
Welcome sign

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 2
Frisbeesqty 3
Badminton setsqty 2
Picnic gamesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Handwashing stationsqty 2
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 2.5 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Egg salad - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Celery - 4 heads
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Baby potatoes - 5 kilo
- Feta - 1 kilo
- Olives - 1 kilo
- Chickpeas - 6 cans
- Corn - 4 cans
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Mini meatballs - 3 kilo
- Falafel - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto dressing - 3 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Sandwich bags - 1 pack
- Paper napkins - 4 packs

Tips

Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Buy extra water for warm weather and keep it separate from alcoholic drinks if applicable.
Allow 150–200 g of food per person for a light picnic, or 250–350 g for a meal-sized picnic. Add separate portions for guests with dietary requirements instead of assuming shared dishes will suit everyone.
Pack one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each item so replacements are available when something is dropped or misplaced.
Use enough cooling capacity for all perishable food and drinks, and freeze the cool packs at least 24 hours before departure. Put salads, dips and cut vegetables into the coolers last so they stay cold during transport.
Do not leave shade, seating or serving equipment until the day itself. Check the picnic area the day before, and prepare allergen labels, washed fruit and portioned snacks at least 2 hours before leaving.

Frequently asked questions

What food do I need for a picnic for 10 people?: For a light picnic, buy roughly 1.5–2 kg of food in total, spread across bread, fillings, salads, dips, fruit and snacks. For a full meal, plan about 2.5–3.5 kg, then adjust for children and dietary requirements.
How many drinks should I buy for a picnic?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 additional drink per person for every hour after that. For 10 people staying 3 hours, this works out at about 40–50 drinks, including water.
How many plates and cups do I need for a picnic?: Take one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. For 10 guests, pack 11 of each item; for 20 guests, pack 22.
When should I prepare food for a picnic?: Wash and cut vegetables, fruit and bread no more than 2–4 hours before leaving, then refrigerate them until packing. Prepare allergen labels and fill the coolers before departure so chilled food is not left at room temperature.

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