Essentials for Autumn Picinics

A few months ago, my friend called me over and said "Ok, check this out. I've got my entire picnic packed at all times." And she rolls out this large bin and opens it. Wow. It was like a small convivence store. Everything but the food. And I mean everything. So I want to share with you a list of the items in there.

Set up of this bin is the most expensive part. But in the long run, it has always saved me money. My friends, family and I used to always forget some of the most important things, like paper towels, garbage bags, matches and someone would have to leave our picnic and go to the store. Now, I always replace every single thing that was used at the picnic within a few hours after I get home. What I've found helpful is to tape the list of items that are in the bin to the top of the lid on the inside, and that way you always know what to replace and what to look for. Ok, are you ready to see the list?

THE ULTIMATE PICNIC BASKET

1. Storage Bin/Picnic Basket - It's important to me that it closes and locks tight to keep everything clean and dry at all times.

2. Picnic Blanket or Table Cloth. - I like to use disposable ones for easy clean up and I always keep about 5 in there.

3. Plates - I use 100% compostable paper plates, and usually keep 25 in there. Sometimes It's handy to have extra at the time as a serving platter.

4. Utensils - Again, 100% Biodegradable & compostable, and I actually keep the entire package in the bin at all times, as well as keep a package at home for replacement. I also pack reusable serving utensils: A large fork, a large spoon, 4 steak knives, and a couple extra carving 1 butcher knife, and of course a cutting board.

5. Napkins or Paper Towels - If I want a little bit of a fancier picnic, I'll bring along napkins, but I do not keep them in my bin. I don't see the need for both types when it is just my family or my husband and I.

6. Drinking Cups & Straws - One thing that is helpful is to pack a sharpie marker right in with the cups and mark everyone's name on each cup to avoid extra trash.

7. Sanitizing Wipes - I use a sanitizing wipe that is great for both hands and tables, utensils etc.

8. Hand Sanitizer - Of course hand sanitizer is a must. And, I actually bring a roll of toilet paper as well. You never know when it may be needed, or if the park restrooms are out!

9. Trash Bags, Zip lock Bags, Aluminum Foil & Plastic - An entire roll of trash bags is handy so you don't have to replace very often. Zip lock bags are great for dirty utensils or leftovers

10. Salt, Pepper & Olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil) - So often forgotten and always a necessity.

11. Grill Tools - Tongs, spatula, foil pans, grill brush, hot mats and whatever other tools you consider a grilling essential

12. Charcoal - I prefer lump charcoal because of the fire starters I use.

13. Fire Starters & Matches - I hate packing newspaper, and all the mess that goes with, so I keep fire starters in my picnic bin at times, and keep extra at home for when I run out.

14. Rope, Duct Tape & Flashlight - Essential Survival tools! I haven't used these too many times, but I wouldn't want to be caught without them in a pinch!

15. First Aid Kit - Here is what mine includes: Adhesive Bandage Strips (6 varieties), Abdominal Trauma, Eye Pads, Sterile Gauze Sponges/Rolls, Medical Tape, Prep Wipes, Povidone Iodine Wipes, Antiseptic Towelettes, Wound Cleansing Wipes, Cotton Tip Applicators, CPR Protective Device, Mouth/Nose Protection, Disposable Latex-Free Gloves, Instant Cold Compress, Metal Scissors/Tweezers, Safety Pins, Tourniquet, Wooden Splints/Tongue Depressors & more

I hope your next picnic experiences go just as well as mine! I have never forgotten anything besides parts of the food, which I also would like to create a list and bin for. Any thoughts on what could be on that list? Comment below!