Picnics never go out of style — well, except for when it’s too cold to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. But assuming it’s warm enough, good company and good food can be more fun outside than inside. Add a pretty setup and suddenly your picnic isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience — an Instagram-worthy one at that.
Here’s how to put together a picnic that’s easy to carry, enjoyable to eat, and genuinely beautiful.
Start with the right location
Before you think about food, think about where you’re going. A scenic spot instantly elevates everything. Trees, water, open fields, even an interesting city overlook—these all make natural backdrops that require zero extra effort.
If you plan on taking photos, vary your angles and surroundings. One strong view is great, but a few different perspectives will give you more interesting shots without moving far.
Pack smart (your back will thank you)
Keep your picnic basket practical. Heavy baskets and long walks don’t mix well. If you’re heading somewhere with hills or trails, pack low and light. Get yourself a sturdy basket that’s designed for transporting food and allows for neat stacking of containers. Stacked containers save space and (hopefully) keep your food from sliding around.
Simple styling touches that matter
You don’t need fancy props, just a few thoughtful choices:
- Remove labels from jars or bottles before packing breadsticks, crackers, or cheese.
- Use clear glasses when possible — they reflect the scenery and immediately look more intentional.
- When taking photos, a camera aperture between f/6 and f/11 helps capture both the food and the landscape clearly.
Small details do a lot of visual work here.
Picnic food that’s easy, shareable, and pretty
The golden rule of picnic food: nothing awkward to eat. Everything should be easy to serve, easy to share, and comfortable to enjoy outdoors.
That doesn’t mean boring food — just smart choices.
Sandwiches that show off
Sandwiches are picnic classics for a reason. They travel well, please everyone, and look great with just a little effort.
Use colorful ingredients like:
- Cheese
- Meat
- Leafy greens
- Tomatoes
- Sweet peppers
- Cucumbers
Cut sandwiches diagonally so the filling shows. Toasted bread adds texture and looks especially appetizing. If you’re using ciabatta, try slicing it partially instead of all the way through — it holds everything together and looks rustic in the best way.
Try chicken Caesar salad sandwiches for their variation and texture or a turkey Reuben because it’s easy to transport.
Salads actually belong at picnics
Light meals are ideal outdoors. Salads keep things fresh and won’t leave you feeling weighed down if you plan to walk, play games, or linger a while.
These tips make all the difference:
- Skip disposable dishes. Small reusable containers are sturdier, more attractive, and easier to pack.
- Bring real cutlery. Metal forks look better and won’t snap mid-bite.
- Cut ingredients into fork-friendly pieces — not too small, not too large.
- Dress salads on site to keep everything fresh and avoid leaks.
Simple, fresh salads feel especially good outside. Try cucumber mango salad for its bold colors.
The magic of a shared plate
If you want your picnic to look effortlessly elegant, include one communal plate. A mix of foods arranged together always feels more abundant and inviting.
Some picnic-friendly options:
- Nuts: A few varieties add texture and pair with almost anything.
- Cheese: Choose firmer cheeses that won’t melt quickly. Lighter-colored cheeses photograph better alongside nuts.
- Meat: Thinly sliced ham or sausage works better than very pale meats. Arrange slices loosely for a relaxed, artisanal look.
Just remember — everything on the plate should still be enjoyable to eat outdoors. Avoid foods that melt, leak, or attract too much attention from insects.
Drinks that can travel
You and your guests need to stay hydrated right? Plus drinks look amazing in photos. The problem is, glassware isn’t practical on a picnic.
Your best options:
- Reusable plastic glasses. They’re lightweight, durable, and picnic-friendly.
- Real glassware from home. Beautiful, but only if you’re confident you can transport them safely.
Disposable plastic cups? Let’s skip those. They don’t do your setup — or your photos — any favors.
Your best picnic set up
You don’t need fancy food or expensive gear to host a gorg picnic. You only need easy-to-eat dishes, the right containers, a pretty spot to lay down your blanket, and the people you love most.
