Summer Picnic Shopping List

A summer picnic needs more than food and a blanket. This shopping list covers the practical items for serving a buffet, keeping drinks cold, creating shade and seating guests comfortably. Plan portions from your confirmed guest count, then add supplies for dietary requirements and bad-weather changes. Buy chilled drinks, fresh produce and ice close to the picnic, while hiring or collecting tables, chairs and tents several days ahead.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Picnic blanketsqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 100
Wine glassesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8
Scissorsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 2
Power banksqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Menusqty 6

Sports equipment

Frisbeesqty 4
Badminton setsqty 2
Badminton shuttlecocksqty 12
Boccia setsqty 2
Picnic gamesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Handwashing station
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole wheat loaves - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Grill sausage - 1.5 kilograms
- Falafel - 1.5 kilograms
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Chickpeas - 8 cans
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Rice - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Corn - 6 cans
- Olives - 4 jars
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Pesto sauce - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Brownies - 60
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Fresh mint - 6 bunches
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Allow about 500–700 g of food per adult across salads, bread, toppings, mains and dessert. Add at least one clearly labelled option for each dietary requirement you collected.
Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 per person for each additional hour. Chill most drinks the day before and buy enough ice packs to keep every cooler cold.
Take one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each item so a dropped or dirty piece does not interrupt the buffet.
Provide one table or buffet surface for every 8–10 guests, and check that party tents, picnic blankets, folding chairs and tablecloths fit the venue and transport space before shopping.
Pack serving spoons, platters, cutting boards, kitchen knives, pouring jugs and scissors separately from the food. Bring power banks for speakers and battery lanterns if the picnic may continue after daylight.

Frequently asked questions

What food do I need for a summer picnic?: Plan 500–700 g of food per adult, including salads, bread and toppings, main dishes and dessert. For a four-hour picnic, provide 2–3 drinks per person in the first hour and 1–2 per person after that.
How many plates and cups do I need for a picnic?: Buy or bring one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 30 guests, prepare 33 of each item to cover replacements.
When should I buy food and drinks for a summer picnic?: Buy dry goods, tableware and decorations 2–3 days ahead. Purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, salads and ice packs no earlier than the day before, and chill drinks overnight.
How many picnic tables and chairs do I need?: Allow one table or buffet surface for every 8–10 guests and one chair per seated guest. For 24 people, plan on 3 tables and 24 chairs, with picnic blankets as additional seating.

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