Summer Picnic Essentials

One thing on my bucket list this summer is to go on a picnic.  It’s been years since I’ve done such a thing!  Being on the lake this past weekend sparked the idea and I’m thinking this waterfront view wouldn’t be a bad place to have a picnic!  I already have some summer picnic essentials, but I still need to grab a few others before I make any official plans. I’m hoping to make it happen as soon as we get back from the beach this weekend.  I like to keep it simple for these types of activities since the less to carry, the better!  Here’s what I’ll be bringing along:

1.  Drink cooler

For a hot summer day, especially down in south Louisiana, a drink cooler, out of all things, is the most important!  I’m loving this monogrammed cooler that is functional yet cute.

2. Plates and utensils

Some prefer to use picnic kits that come stocked with reusable plates,  utensils, and wipes, but I prefer to go with the disposable items for picnics since lugging around dirty plates after you eat can be a bit of a challenge.  These disposable plates are perfectly themed and besides, you can never have too much gingham for a summer picnic.

3. Picnic basket

A medium sized basket is ideal for storing plates, utensils, and food while also keeping the bugs out.  I prefer a classic wicker basket and this one was too cute at too good of a price to pass up.

4.  Insulated bottle

Whether it be a S’well bottle, a YETI tumbler, or whichever you prefer, an insulated bottle is a summer picnic essential for sure!  You’ll want something that keeps your ice frozen and drinks cold when it’s 100 degrees out.  My personal favorites are the S’well and YETI cups since they don’t sweat in the heat.

5.  Cheese board set

Wine and cheese pairings are always a hit for a summer picnic!  This cheese board set is my go to since it’s portable and the swivel base with built in tools is very functional.

6.  Wine cooler

You can’t have the cheese without the wine, am I right!?  This wine cooler is part of a matching set like the beer/drink cooler above and is a definite summer picnic essential for all the wine lovers out there!

7.  Picnic blanket

It’s always a great idea to keep a picnic blanket on hand, especially if you plan on picnicking in the grass!  This blanket is lightweight and doesn’t take up much room, so it could easily fit at the bottom of a picnic basket.

8.  Cleansing cloths 

If you’re planning a full day outdoors, it’s better to be prepared!  It never hurts to carry a pack of cleansing cloths, plus it’s better than relying on park restrooms to be stocked when you need them! The Cottonelle FreshCare flushable cleansing cloths are a great option for on the go since they come in convenient sizes.  They’re alcohol free, safe for all ages, and give a more confident clean.  If you’re going to be out and about a lot this summer, I recommend getting a mega pack from Sam’s– it’s the best value and you can save $3 instantly here!