So, you've decided on a venue and who will make up your picnic party. The next step is to create a checklist.

I know, it's only a picnic, but it's away from all your home creature comforts, and you don't want to complicate your time out because you forgot the corkscrew or serving spoons. 

A basic checklist helps to cover most eventualities away from home. 

Here is a list of essential items; however, some may not be needed on the day but remain necessary to have on hand.

• A picnic blanket. Lying on a picnic blanket and gazing up at the sky is synonymous with picnics. Picnic blankets also serve as the setting for your food, drinks, and board games if you're so inclined. If you're using a throw or large blanket, it's a good idea to have a tarp or some type of waterproofing to set down on damp grass or sand first before you spread your picnic blanket over it.
• A picnic basket, cooler box, and carry bag. For all your food, drinks, cutlery, and fun items.
• Ice packs in your cooler box.  
• A first-aid kit. You may not use it, but it is always a good idea to have one with you.
• Trash bags. For all your trash. Leave your picnic spot clean for others to enjoy. 
• Picnic chairs. Although not essential for everyone, older folks and those with medical conditions may prefer a camping chair. If you're taking camping chairs, a portable table may complete the setting. 
• Napkins. Wet wipes come in handy, especially if you're having a finger lunch.
• A few dishtowels. You can use them to buffer items packed in your picnic basket, and later you can use them to cover the food to keep bugs at bay.
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Be prepared at all times. It will help you avoid embarrassing situations and ensure your hygiene simultaneously.
• Plastic food containers. For leftover food but not essential if you've packed your food in containers to start with.
• Sunscreen and hats. Protects your skin and eyes when you're out in the sun for long periods.
• A flashlight. You might need it if the fun goes beyond sunset.

The above list gives you an idea of what you'll generally need for a picnic, but the list can be modified to include activities around your picnic. 

A family or group of friends may decide to go kayaking for the day and include a picnic lunch in the afternoon as part of the day's itinerary. 

In this case, you'll still need the essential checklist but will have to include water safety items as well. 

Picnic food is mostly ready-to-serve food items prepared beforehand or purchased from your local deli.

But you may want to light a small camp-style fire to roast marshmallows on as a final treat rounded off with stories or just good conversation. A few good food ideas that are easy to prepare are:

• Homemade mini pies, cold meat sandwiches, sausage rolls, and chicken drumsticks
• Wraps assembled at your picnic from an assortment of meats, condiments like pickled gherkins and fresh lettuce, freshly sliced cheese (don't forget a cheese knife and cutting board), and your favorite bottled sauces.
• Finger foods like salt tarts or make a batch of crusty pies with a filling of salami, spinach, basil, pesto, and mozzarella. Bacon-wrapped chicken strips with a sweet and sour dip or conventions pork and chicken nuggets with a few different dip options are always a winner.
• A glazed rack of ribs cut up into individual pieces with an assortment of cheeses and a loaf of fresh bread or buns from the bakery makes for a filling addition to the spread. 
• Pasta salad, potato salads, and carrot salad can be made the night before and chilled in the fridge. Wrap the sealed container in glad wrap and pop them in your cooler box to keep them chilled. 
• Chilled treats for dessert can either be made at home or purchased from your local bakery. Traybakes and loaf cakes are ideal, as are cupcakes and other sweet delights. 

Using the proper containers to store and transport your food is essential. Glass Pyrex bowls with plastic lids are ideal for most food items that need to be kept chilled. 

Although it's more weight to carry, glass tends to keep food chilled longer than plastic containers.