A good picnic is about more than throwing a few sandwiches into a basket and finding a patch of grass. The best spreads have a bit of variety: something savoury, something fresh, a few snacks to nibble on and a sweet treat for later. You also want food that travels well, doesn’t need much preparation once you arrive and is easy to share, whether you’re heading to a park, the countryside or a favourite spot by the water.

Start with Something Filling

Snacks are great for grazing, but you’ll want something more substantial if you’re planning to spend a few hours outdoors. Sandwiches, wraps, savoury pies and slices of quiche are all practical choices because they’re easy to portion and don’t require cutlery. Bread, cheese and a few savoury accompaniments can also make a satisfying spread without much preparation. Think about how you’ll serve everything before packing: foods that can be eaten straight from their containers are usually easier to manage than dishes that need assembling on a picnic blanket.

Add Fresh Fruit and Crunchy Snacks

Fresh fruit brings colour and a refreshing contrast to richer foods, making it a natural fit for a picnic. Apples, pears and grapes are particularly handy because they travel well and are easy to eat without much fuss. Pair them with crackers, nuts, biltong or dried fruit for snacks that offer different textures and flavours. If you’re packing softer fruit, such as peaches or plums, place it in a sturdy container so it doesn’t arrive bruised at the bottom of your bag.

Don’t Forget Something Sweet

A little sweetness rounds off a picnic, whether it’s a homemade bake, biscuits, muffins or a few pieces of chocolate. Choose treats that can handle being carried around rather than delicate desserts that need careful plating. Fruit can do double duty here, too: ripe pears or grapes pair nicely with cheese, while apple slices make a good addition to a snack spread. You don’t need a separate dessert course; sometimes a few sweet bites shared between everyone are enough.

Pack for the Weather and the Journey

Picnic food needs to survive the trip before anyone gets to enjoy it. Use containers with secure lids, keep heavier items at the bottom of your bag and pack anything easily squashed near the top. Perishable foods, including meat, cheese and dishes containing eggs, should stay properly chilled in an insulated cooler with ice packs. Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight and return food to it when you’re finished serving. It’s also worth bringing enough water, reusable napkins and a rubbish bag, so you’re not left searching for the basics once you’ve settled in.

Leave Room for a Little Spontaneity

You don’t need to plan every bite of a picnic. In fact, leaving a little room for whatever the day brings is part of the appeal. Pack enough to keep everyone comfortable, choose food that can be enjoyed at different times and don’t worry about making everything from scratch. A good picnic gives you more time to enjoy the company, the scenery and the simple pleasure of eating outdoors.