16 Best Picnic Supplies According to Aesthetic TikTok (2024)

With summer quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to stock up on the best picnic supplies for the lavish outdoor festivities you and your friends have planned just in time for Memorial Day weekend. If you haven’t already seen picnic TikTok (which, FYI, is what dreams are made of), know that picnics are an incredible aesthetic and can be customized to you and your friend group. For instance, some may opt for a royalty vibe with a tea set, whereas others will want a more casual setting with reusable metal straws and a cheeseboard.

To help weigh in on exactly what you should bring, Teen Vogue talked to Cristina Viseu, whose TikTok is filled with the most beautiful picnics you can imagine. From cheeseboards to sunscreen, below find everything you’ll need to create the perfect picnic (besides snacks!).

Picnic Basket

Although this may seem like a given, picnic baskets are a picnic essential—specifically if hiking is required to get to your favorite outdoor park. Viseu recommends bringing one like this that opens up as it’ll avoid everything getting jumbled around on your journey. Also, just saying, picnic baskets look incredibly chic in photos, too! If you just want something to throw in all your picnic supply essentials though, a big market bag is the way to go.

Small Portable Table

Not a fan of placing your food on the picnic blanket? Try using a small, portable tray table. While keeping unwanted bugs away, these bamboo tables will prevent the dreaded neck strain to eat your food (the struggle is real!). When you’re finished using them, quickly wipe them down and fold the legs to pack them up. Bonus: they can also be used at home to prop up your laptop on the couch or to eat breakfast in bed.

Picnic Blanket

To avoid getting your trendy picnic outfits all full of dirt, double-check that you have a cozy picnic blanket to sit on. Instead of going for the traditional blanket option, this vintage, farmhouse-style one will allow all food, accessories, and outfits to really pop. Warning: if you’re planning to go for a sunset picnic, Viseu advises bringing a second picnic blanket — in case it gets chilly outside!

Pillows

Just like cozy picnic blankets, you can never go wrong with a couple of soft pillows. You can sit on them, lie down with them, or just use them as props in your photos. Regardless of what you decide, it’s an addition you certainly won’t regret. All in all, comfort is a top priority and these are a major upgrade from the ground.

Cheeseboard

Let’s be honest: are you really going to lug an entire charcuterie board to your picnic? Probably not. Instead, opt for these mini cheese boards. Small and compact, they’ll fit seamlessly into any picnic basket or backpack. Plus, cheese pairs exceptionally well with fruit — a.k.a a go-to picnic snack.

Dish Set

Although real dishes are a bit heavier than plastic ones, Viseu mentions that they’ll make your picnic feel much more elevated. If you plan to take a real set, make sure you pick an outdoor spot that’s close walking distance to your car as cleaning up broken dishes is not fun. Worried about breaking them? Corelle makes a durable, lightweight set that looks just as beautiful

Cutlery Set

Unless you’re eating only finger foods (which, TBH isn’t a bad idea), make sure you pack cutlery to go along with your dishes. You can’t really go wrong with this white set with gold detailing. It’s super cute and reusable!

Polaroid Camera

Don’t forget to snap the polaroids of your picnic! It’ll look super creative for the ‘gram and leave you with cute keepsakes from the day. Snap some photos of the setup and of you and your friends so you can truly remember every single detail.

Reusable Drinkware

Mason jars not only look super cute but also provide a great reusable drinkware option during your picnics. While they can’t keep drinks cool (the TikTok viral tumbler would be your best bet for that), they can be sealed for on-the-go and are part of practically every Pinterest picnic inspo board.

Umbrella

Summer is prime picnic season, but it’s also really, really hot outside. Stay cool and under the shade, thanks to this super chic picnic umbrella. While giving you a little hideaway from the sun (you still need SPF, though!), it’ll give you a cool place to enjoy your food without the sweltering sun shining down on you.

Metal straws

Metal straws are not only super trendy but great for the environment, too. Just like the reusable bags, this is one little addition that can make a huge difference to the outdoors. Avoid plastic and use these instead, you’ll thank us later.

Flowers

If you’ve ever seen aesthetic picnic photos, you know flowers are an absolute must. Order this uber colorful bouquet from the Bouqs to really enhance your picnic aesthetic. Just make sure to pack some extra water to keep them fresh and a little vase to put them in.

Reusable bags

Make sure to pack away leftover food and snacks into these reusable Stasher bags. To save some space, use them to bring and store food for your picnic. It’ll avoid the bulk of containers and leave you with less garbage to dispose of post picnic.

Speakers

Thinking about entertainment options, but not sure what to bring? Try a set of speakers to blast your favorite jams. You can have your own personal dance party, create a makeshift karaoke game, or just use it as background music. Not fans of music? A portable Bluetooth projector is another great option for a sunset picnic. Once it gets dark, hang a white sheet and project your favorite Netflix shows or movies. Regardless of what you choose, both are sure to be fabulous additions.

Setting powder

To avoid ruining your makeup before all your IG photos, pack a mini-setting powder for on-the-go application. It’ll fit right into your belt bag and keep you from looking super oily in photos. Just dab a little on, and, bam, as good as new. Also, you may want to throw a matte lipstick in your bag, too, as that upper lip sweat can be brutal — IKYK.

Sunscreen

Listen up: SPF is a necessity for all outdoor activities. Aside from providing much-needed sun protection, this Supergoop! Unseen sunscreen applies smoothly under makeup and leaves zero white cast whatsoever. To reapply (an absolute must!), use the Defense Refresh spray by SuperGoop!. It applies like a setting spray so it’s perfect for use over that glowy makeup and winged eyeliner you just spent tons of time applying. It’s imperative that you protect your arms, legs, and body, too, so make sure you grab a body sunscreen. One of our favorites is this Sunscreen Mist from SuperGoop!.

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