When the weather is right or an sudden inspiration overcomes you, knowing how to pack a picnic basket is the first step to get you out the door. Having a sturdy and stable basket on hand is a good place to start. I prefer the large French market totes, as they durable with strong leather handles and can easy hold over 40 lbs — quite the haul! The wooden baskets, although classic and traditional, can be a bit cumbersome and not as flexible. One benefit if you do choose a wooden basket, is that you can use the top lid as a makeshift table or cutting surface. I find that the woven market totes holds more than their wooden counterparts.

Either basket that you choose, I prefer to keep all of the linens, utensils, cutting board, wine opener, glassware etc in the basket rather than the food. It keeps everything neat and tidy rather than including them in the cooler (especially if there is loose ice.) If it is a small picnic with just a few items you picked up from the shop, one large basket should suffice for everything. However, if it is a larger picnic with a wider variety of food, I tend to use at least one basket for linens, utensils, plates, etc., and a cooler for all of the food. Assess beforehand how many baskets and coolers you need (plus hands to carry!) before you begin packing. If you simply have a few sandwiches, fruit, a wedge of cheese, crackers, and some wine - one large woven basket with an ice pack should be plenty, if there’s room to spare with plates and linens.

Another thing to consider is your location because even though you may not have a large spread, the hummus and cheese you bought do need to be kept out of the heat! If you have quite a schlep, perhaps pack two smaller baskets or with one smaller cooler rather than stuffing everything in one which would be very heavy to manage.

Layering is key when it comes to finally packing. I find that putting the linens, towels, and any softer items at the bottom of the basket works as it acts as a protective cushion. Wrapping utensils and any serving ware in tea towels or a napkin help keep them all together. Cheese or bread knives should also be handled with care as they may jostle around; you wouldn’t want anyone to get a stray poke in the leg! If I’m bringing along a salad or a cold pasta dish I love to pack a “essentials” Ziplock bag of a small jar of olive oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps a lemon. If you do, make sure it is sealed well to prevent any leaks and oil stains on your lovely linens.

Finally, all glassware and dishes should be layered on top, wrapped in a napkin, if they are breakable. (One reason why I prefer to use enamel over glass!) If you have a large serving pitcher, tuck that in first before anything as you layer the rest of the items around it. If you do decide to bring fresh flowers, tuck those in last with the linens so they don’t get crushed. If are planning on something more elaborate, do carry them in a large pitcher or vase.

However you choose to pack, be sure to bring a carefree “oh well” kind of attitude. “It’s starting to sprinkle! Oh well, it will be an adventure!” Stress and anxiety — leave them at the door! Picnics should alleviate them not bring on more. At the end of the day, picnics are about gathering and sharing over delicious food outside with good company, not perfection.

If you are planning on an indoor picnic which can seem quite indulgent on a rainy day, definitely include anything cozy, soft, and comforting. Pillows, quilts, blankets…the works. It can completely transform a rainy or dully afternoon, especially if you have little ones about. Everything is simply novelty, the basket and the cooler…perhaps even set up a home movie in the background.

Whatever you decide, relax and let it be as it is!

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