4 Things To Pack For A Perfect Beach Picnic

So You Want To Plan A Picnic On The Beach

Are you ready to soak up some sun, catch some waves, and chow down on some delicious treats at a beach picnic? Of course you are!

But before you hit the sand, you’ve got one important task to tackle: packing. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Packing can be a real beach, am I right? But fear not, my friend! With a little bit of planning and a lot of sunscreen, you’ll be beach-picnic-ready in no time. So, let’s dive in (or should I say, shore up?) and get packing!

Beach Picnic Essentials

You may be asking yourself, what should I bring to a picnic at the beach? First and foremost, let’s talk about beach gear. The most essential item you will need to bring is an umbrella. Not only will it keep you and you food out of the direct sunlight, but it will also give you some protection from dive bombing seagulls looking to share your picnic delights.

You will also need some place to sit, either a blanket or if you have beach chairs. If you are going to sit in chairs you may also want to bring a camping table. Here are some other items you may want to consider:

• Portable speaker
• Plastic cups and utensils
• Lightweight but sturdy plates
• Napkins
• Wet wipes
• Trash bag
• Toys & games
• Towels
• Bug spray
• Baby powder (absorbs water and helps remove the sand from your hands easily)
• Portable power bank

Protect Your Food

Finding the perfect cooler for your beach picnic is essential to keep your food and beverages fresh and cool Here are some factors to consider when searching for the perfect cooler.

Size and Capacity: Coolers come in various sizes, ranging from small personal coolers to large family sized ones. Consider the amount of food and drinks you plan to bring to ensure the cooler is the right size.

Insulation and Cooling Performance: Look for coolers with . high quality insulation properties, Check product specs and customer reviews to gauge the cooling capabilities of the cooler you’re considering. Some coolers even come with specific claims about ice retention duration, so check product details for this information.

Portability and Weight: Consider how portable you need your cooler to be. If you plan to carry it for long distances or over challenging terrains, a lightweight and compact cooler may be preferable. Look for coolers with comfortable handles or shoulder straps for easier transportation.

Features and Accessories: Consider additional features that can enhance your cooling experience. Some coolers have built-in cup holders, cutting boards, or compartments for organizing food and drinks. Look for features that align with your specific needs and preferences.

A fantastic tip for packing your cooler is to freeze water bottles. This serves a dual purpose: not only do the frozen bottles act as ice to keep your food cold, but they also provide you with refreshing, ice-cold water when you’re ready to hydrate. Simply retrieve the bottles from the cooler while they are still frozen. Even on scorching hot days, they will gradually melt, ensuring that the water remains chilled and ready to quench your thirst.

Protect Yourself

Apply Sunscreen: Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or above) at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating.

Protect Your Face and Eyes: Wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Look for sunglasses with a UV 400 rating or ones that explicitly mention blocking UVA and UVB rays. You can also wear a wide brimmed hat to shield your face and neck.

Food For Your Beach Picnic

When preparing a delectable spread for your beach picnic, it’s important to select foods that are not only delicious but also convenient to transport, require little prep work, and can be enjoyed in a relaxed outdoor environment. Here are some food options to consider:

1. Hummus & Pita Bread
2. Fried Chicken: Fried chicken can be enjoyed both hot and cold and is easy to eat on the go, making it perfect for a picnic setting. You can enjoy it with your hands, eliminating the need for utensils and plates.
3. Cold Pasta Salad: Make a simple pesto pasta salad with mozzarella pearls, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
4. Sandwiches
5. Fresh Fruit – Pack water filled options like watermelon slices, grapes, berries, or sliced pineapple. Try freezing grapes for an extra special treat.
6. Prepared Skewers: Create pre-made skewers with a combination of bite-sized items like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and cured meats such as salami or prosciutto. These skewers are convenient to eat and offer a mix of flavors.
7. Mason Jar Salads: Prepare individual mason jar salads by layering ingredients like lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and dressing. Seal the jars tightly and toss the salad when you’re ready to eat.
8. Picnic Pies: Bake individual savory pies with fillings like spinach and feta, chicken and mushroom, or vegetable medley. These handheld pies are convenient to pack and enjoy during your beach picnic.
9. Sesame Noodle Salad: Toss cooked noodles with a sesame dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic. Add shredded carrots, thinly sliced scallions, and sesame seeds for a flavorful and satisfying salad.

Luxury Beach Picnic

By adding a touch of luxury, you can turn an ordinary beach picnic into an extraordinary experience. Elevating a beach picnic involves careful planning and attention to detail. First and foremost, it’s important to choose the perfect location. Look for picturesque and secluded beaches that offer privacy and stunning views.

Set The Scene

Start by setting up elegant beach themed decorations and table settings. Utilize a color palette inspired by the ocean and incorporate tasteful embellishments such as seashells, starfish, or driftwood. If you want to go above and beyond, include customized stationery with your guests’ names, monogrammed napkins, or personalized drinkware. These small details will leave a lasting impression and make your guests feel special and valued.

Comfortable seating options such as plush beach chairs or oversized cushions will make your guests feel at ease while adding a touch of luxury.

Selecting a luxurious picnic basket or cooler adds an element of sophistication to your setup. Opt for designs that feature premium materials like leather or wicker.

Gourmet Food & Drinks

When it comes to a luxury beach picnic, the food and dinks play a pivotal role in creating a memorable experience. Curate a high quality menu and incorporate fresh and seasonal ingredients to add a touch of sophistication to each dish. Consider a variety of appetizers, main courses, and decadent desserts.

Also be sure to opt for premium beverages. Some beaches may not allow alcohol, and most do not allow glass. So, here is what you can do. If you are able to bring wine on the beach transfer the contents of the bottle to a Corkcicle. A Corkcicle is 750ml reusable bottle, just the right size for a bottle of vino!

Foods to consider packing:

• Prosecco Grapes
• Orzo Salad
• Burrata Dip Bread Sticks
• Chicken, Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich
• Roasted Sweet Potato Wraps with Caramelized Onions and Pesto