A Guide to the Perfect Picnic
May 19, 2026
by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette
Biography: Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.
“The unspoken rules that drive outcomes.”
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The perfect picnic offers simple pleasures that transcend the ordinary – sunlight dappling through leaves, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers, and laughter mingling with birdsong. It’s a chance to disconnect from screens, reconnect with nature, and enjoy delicious food in a beautiful setting. Today I asked a local Trader Joe’s employee if he ever goes on a picnic. He commented that it’s been too long since he had. I shared a few of the following ideas and we had a nice chat, however holding up the check-out line.
Why Picnic?
Beyond the idyllic scene, picnicking boasts a surprising number of benefits. Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and even boosted creativity. The fresh air invigorates, while the natural environment provides a calming backdrop for conversation and connection.
Planning the Perfect Picnic
When planning any event, there are three things that must always be considered: location, food, and supplies. Special attention must be paid to outdoor events, especially if you will be away from home or will not have a place to purchase last-minute items nearby.
Your picnic planning checklist:
- Choose the right location. The activity or reason for your picnic will determine the general location – a beach, scenic park, a meadow in the country, or the parking lot of a stadium. Consider factors like shade, accessibility (especially for young children or those with mobility limitations), and amenities like restrooms.
- The food! When it comes to food, keep it simple yet satisfying. Pack finger foods like sandwiches, wraps, fruit skewers, and bite-sized desserts. Don’t forget drinks and plenty of water. And keep in mind someone must carry all the food, drinks, and supplies. Pack coolers, cases, and backpacks as they’re mobile and definitely more reliable than paper or plastic bags.
- Essential necessities. A blanket for lounging, plates and utensils (biodegradable options are a great eco-friendly choice), napkins, wipes, sunscreen, bug spray, first aid kit, and a cooler bag are all picnic must-haves. If the picnic is centered around another activity, make sure to include those supplies, too. Hiking boots, extra socks, bug spray, sunscreen, soccer ball, frisbee, swimsuits, a good book etc. may come in handy for some post-meal fun.
The Great Outdoors
There is one word to keep in mind when you spend time outdoors: unpredictable. From the weather to untamed animals to the occasional patch of poison ivy, you never know what the great outdoors has in store for you.
If you’re planning to explore around your picnic site, or if you’re out for a hike, ensure that safety rules are explained to those participating. Children should be given boundaries to stay within. And everyone should know what critters, poisonous plants, and other dangers to watch out for if any.
One constant rule when spending time outdoors is that you leave nothing behind. Bring trash bags and dispose of all rubbish appropriately.
An Organized Plan
A really good picnic usually has a moment where everything clicks at once: good food, no rush, fresh air, and conversation that feels easier outside than indoors. Picnics exist for the sole purpose of having a meal or snack with people you want to spend time with, while enjoying the outdoors.
