Yup, you know it. I love picnics, so today I am bringing you my top essentials to fill your basket up with the real goods needed for a lovely, real, pleasant picnic experience.

I recently planned a picnic in literally two hours and although I didn't have much time to set up and plan ahead, it turned out incredible. Mainly because of the location we chose... The New York Botanical Garden (this girl loves that place people).

Why? Hmm, nature all around...

Enough space to have a picnic surrounded by pure natural beauty... What's not to love? Plus, there is the Friday Kahlo exhibition going on now, so if you're in New York City, you might really enjoy this. Four or six of her original paintings are being showcased here.

The New York Botanical Garden (located in the Bronx) is such an amazing place to visit year round but specially during the warmer months because the landscapes truly speak for themselves.

While on this trip I realized I have a huge love for benches and water and landscapes more than I thought. I appreciate the people who design these places because, wow, they are magnificently well done.

Alright, lets get back to our picnic...

Picnic Basket Essentials

The Basket

First things first, you need a large enough basket to accommodate all your goods. I actually may use my bicycle's rear basket for my picnics at times. Most likely when I go to one, it's on my bike, so I just decided to stock it up with all my essentials and have it ready to go anytime. For those of you who prefer a modern alternative, totes would work too.

This particular picnic basket was an all Do IT Yourself project where I simply got a basket from Marshall's, a cutting board that fits perfectly as a cover and finally a strap from my tote bag. Put it all together and you get this...

Blanket

Not just any blanket, but THE blanket. One that is chic, sturdy, preferably water resistant and LARGE. Oh my, a large blanket (would be nice to change it up by season, bright colorful one during the warmer months and a cozy, earthy toned during fall and winter) accommodates a beautiful food set up but also yourself as you're laying down, enjoying the sky up above. If it is too small, your feet might stick out or all your food might not be comfortably placed... I don't know about you, but I find that utterly unnecessary. Just get a large blanket and spare yourself the trouble.

I wrapped sandwiches in parchment paper and then tied them with mint green twine. Everyone at the picnic thought it was such a lovely idea.

This picnic was relaxing, amid all the nature around... maybe too relaxing, huh?

Cutting Boards

Packing cutting boards inside your basket serves as a sturdy surface for your more delicate foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes, cheese + crackers) to lay on. This presentation truly elevates the look of your picnic. Note: If possible, flip your basket upside-down and place food there too.

I got these beautiful, bamboo cutting boards at Marshalls in a set of three with colorful grips.

The Right Tableware

You really don't need to carry around plates & cups in your picnic basket but if you're traditional then your best bet are those pretty, durable, high quality plastic sets (Also known as Melamine dinnerware), available in so many different designs instead of any delicate, fine china or ceramic/glass options that could break during transportation.

This beautiful set of dinnerware is not ceramic or glass, but of triple-weight Melamine, a very durable, virtually indestructible material, ideal for your picnic.  Find them at your local home-store. — This beautiful set of dinnerware is not ceramic or glass, but of triple-weight Melamine, a very durable, virtually indestructible material, ideal for your picnic. Find them at your local home-store.

Placemats

Fabric placemats may not be required during your picnic but they sure are handy for setting up individual place settings for each guest (they appreciate this), covering uneaten food while you go about your activities, and finally rolling forks, spoons, knives inside your placemats when it is time to store them.

Flowers

A fake flower arrangement will really make your picnic extra special. Believe me. Everyone around will look at how cute you've set up your little romantic space on the ground. These take up no space at all (of course, depending on how large the arrangement is) so you could simply whip it out for an instant boost to your picnic-scape.

Find them at your local home-store or craft store.  They are really inexpensive. — Find them at your local home-store or craft store. They are really inexpensive.

Extras

Garbage bags are a must so once the picnic is over you could dump all the trash in them and dispose of it in your nearest trash bin. No more dirty things making its way back into the basket.
Paper napkins + baby wipes to make cleaning up a breeze.

With these essentials to make your picnic oh so fancy and chic, you can easily bet that you will be having those outings more often. Please feel free to list more of what you consider picnic essentials for everyone else to consider. Hope this list was helpful. Muaaa <3