What to Buy for a Spring Picnic

A spring picnic needs more than sandwiches and a blanket. Plan the food, servingware, cooling equipment, seating, and setup supplies before shopping day so nothing is missing at the venue. Use reusable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery where possible, and allow enough cooler space for food and drinks. Check dietary requirements before finalising quantities, then wash and prepare fresh produce close to the picnic date.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Picnic blanketsqty 10
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Knivesqty 60
Forksqty 60
Spoonsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6
Pitchersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice packsqty 16
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 6

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Power banksqty 3

Cleaning

Hand soapqty 2
Towelsqty 8
Dish brushesqty 2
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Bucketsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- White and brown baguettes - 10 pieces
- Mini bake-off rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Vegetarian slices - 1 kilogram
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Canned corn - 6 cans
- Canned chickpeas - 6 cans
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Pesto sauce - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Salted Nuts - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Brownies - 60
- Lemon cake - 4 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 20 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle

Tips

Plan about 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra water, especially if the picnic area has no nearby drinking fountain.
Allow 2 sandwiches or wraps per adult, plus salad, fruit, and dessert portions. Add at least 10% more food when the guest count is uncertain or children are attending.
Use one reusable plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, and spoon per guest, then add 10% spare tableware. Pack serving platters, tongs, pitchers, and coffee cups separately so they are easy to find during setup.
Prepare coolers with ice packs the night before and keep cold food in sealed storage containers. Pack sandwiches, salads, and desserts in separate containers to prevent spills and make dietary options easy to identify.
Plan seating for every guest, using picnic blankets as overflow space if there are not enough folding chairs. Pack tablecloths, food preparation tools, thermos flasks, and lighting together with the furniture so they are not left behind.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a spring picnic?: Plan 2 sandwiches or wraps per adult, one salad portion, one fruit portion, and one dessert portion. Add about 10% extra food for uncertain attendance, children, or guests who may stay longer.
How many drinks should I buy for a picnic?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 additional drink per person for every hour after that. Include extra water and keep chilled drinks in coolers with ice packs.
How many plates and cups do I need for a picnic?: Pack one plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, and spoon per guest, plus 10% spare items. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 of each reusable item.
When should I shop for a spring picnic?: Buy non-perishable groceries, drinks, and disposable backups 2 to 3 days before the picnic. Shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, and other perishable food 1 day before, then prepare it as close to serving time as practical.

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