What to Bring to a Rainbow Picnic

A rainbow picnic needs more than sandwiches and colourful decorations. Plan food, drinks, serving equipment, shade, seating and a few simple games so guests can settle in comfortably. Buy or pack chilled drinks, labelled food, reusable tableware and separate options for dietary requirements. Check the forecast before shopping: outdoor shade, lighting and weather protection are easy to overlook and difficult to arrange at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Picnic blanketsqty 15
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 3
Parasolsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 10
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Portable speaker
Power banksqty 3

Lighting

Battery lanternsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Rainbow flagsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6
Balloon archesqty 2
Info boardsqty 4
Chalkboardsqty 3

Sports equipment

Frisbeesqty 4
Picnic gamesqty 6
Soft ballsqty 4
Skipping ropesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up basinsqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 50 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 50 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Gluten-free wraps - 10 pieces
- Hummus - 2.5 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1.5 kilograms
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Vegan cheese - 750 grams
- Chicken breast topping - 1.5 kilograms
- Smoked salmon - 750 grams
- Egg salad - 1 kilogram
- Vegan falafel - 1.5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Radishes - 4 bunches
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Baby potatoes - 4 kilogram
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Pasta salad dressing - 1 liter
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Balsamic vinegar - 500 milliliters
- Salt - 250 grams
- Black pepper - 100 grams
- Paprika powder - 100 grams
- Italian herbs - 100 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Vegan mayonnaise - 500 milliliter
- Ketchup - 1 liter
- Mustard - 500 milliliter
- Pesto - 500 grams
- Tortilla chips - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 1,5 kilogram
- Plain chips - 1.5 kilograms
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Raisins - 750 gram
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan brownies - 30 pieces
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Spa Blue - 50 bottles
- Sparkling water - 20 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Mint - 10 bunches
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them before guests arrive and keep extra water in jugs or coolers.
Allow 2–3 sandwiches or wraps per adult, plus fruit, snacks, salads and dips. Wash fruit and vegetables before packing, and label vegetarian, vegan or allergen-free food separately.
Pack one plate, bowl, cup and set of cutlery per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Add serving spoons, platters and tongs so guests do not use personal cutlery on the buffet.
Provide one picnic blanket for every 4–6 people and one chair for anyone who may not sit on the ground. Take parasols or other shade for roughly 1 shaded spot per 6–8 guests.
Charge the portable speaker and power banks the day before. Bring battery lanterns if the picnic may continue after sunset, and set up waste stations before food is served.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a rainbow picnic?: Plan 2–3 sandwiches or wraps per adult, plus about 150–200 g of salads, fruit and snacks per person. Add 10% extra if guests will stay for more than three hours.
How many drinks should I buy for a picnic?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 more per person for every additional hour. Include water as well as other drinks, and chill everything at least 3 hours before serving.
How many picnic blankets do I need?: Use one blanket for every 4–6 people, depending on its size. For 20 guests, bring about 4–5 blankets and add chairs for guests who need more support.
When should I buy supplies for a rainbow picnic?: Buy decorations, reusable tableware, games and furniture at least 3–7 days ahead. Shop for fresh food and drinks 1 day before, then prepare and label the food on the morning of the picnic.

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