We can’t wait for the picnic season to begin! Laying down a blanket, sipping an ice cold drink and indulging in your favourite foods is an idyllic way to spend your day – a chance to bask in the sunshine and spend some time with friends and family. It also means that winter is finally over, and it’s time to embrace the outdoors.

When packing for a picnic, you need to figure out what to bring, keep it chilled until ready to grill and have food that everyone loves, without bringing the entire kitchen with you. We’re sharing some tips to make your picnic perfect so you can enjoy a relaxed day.

Salads

It’s not a barbeque without some tasty side dishes. Prep your salads and slaws ahead of time – it’s actually better when made ahead so the flavours soak in. Pasta salad is one kiwi picnic classic that’s delicious and it’s easy to sneak a bunch of veggies in there for fussy kids. If you bring coleslaw, drain it well before packing into containers – good containers will also stop your coleslaw from leaking onto other foods. Plus make sure you store your salads in the chiller until ready to serve.

Meat

If you’re taking meat to cook, ensure you season and marinate it first, then you can easily slap it on the grill without any prep when you get there. Pack tongs and spatulas to handle your meat and don’t forget extra containers to store your cooked meat and leftovers in.

Grill

To save you fighting over the public grill, take your own portable grill with you. We’re loving the Cube Portable Charcoal Barbeque. It’s compact, safe and provides an authentic charcoal cooking experience, no matter where you are. Available in four colours, you can grab one that matches your picnic blanket!

Don’t forget dinnerware

No one likes to eat salad with their hands so make sure you pack utensils, plates, cups, napkins and of course condiments and something cold to drink.

But if all else fails…

…Bring the picnic to you! Everyone’s busy lives mean getting away for a picnic might just not be practical so instead soak up the picnic vibes in your own backyard. Fire up the Barbie, get the family together for some quality time and spend the afternoon eating good food and getting in some vitamin D. For the best in backyard lounging, explore our range of outdoor bean bags perfect for a chilled picnic at home.