Natalie McCormick

Your Ultimate Picnic Basket Checklist

picnic basket

• Packing List

• Basket or tote

• Ice packs or bags of ice

• Cooler

• Drinks

• Food

• Condiments

• Salt and pepper

• Cups

• Plates

• Utensils

• Serving utensils

• Cutting Knife

• Cutting board

• Napkins

• Trash bags

• Paper towels

• Hand sanitizer

• Blanket

• Safety Tips

• Keep any perishable foods cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or below) by transporting them in a cooler filled with ice or ice packs. Perishable foods include meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, pasta, rice, cooked vegetables, and peeled and cut fruits.

• Research ahead of time to determine if your picnic site has a source of safe drinking water. If not, be sure to pack water for drinking and cleaning.

• If you plan to grill, be sure raw meat and poultry are wrapped securely to prevent their juices from cross-contaminating other foods in the cooler. 

• Don’t use the same utensils or serving dish for raw and cooked meat. Choose disposable plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination. 

• If you’re grilling or cooking food while at your picnic site, be sure your food is kept hot, at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

• Consider packing non-perishable food items, like potato chips instead of potato salad and whole fruit instead of fruit salad.