How to pack the perfect picnic basket

Picnics are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Packing a good picnic basket can add to your experience in a positive way. Read our tips to help you impress your friends and family this summer when visiting one of your favourite CapeNature reserve spots.

The basics

Invest in a picnic basket. Bringing along a picnic basket will set the tone for the day and will add an instagram-worthy element to your setup.

Pack a pretty picnic blanket to sit on.

Pack a wooden board for your snacks to be laid upon.

With these three must-have items and the beautiful nature setting of the reserve, you will have the perfect foundation for an insta-worthy picnic.

Impressive picnic food

Impressing your friends and family with simple snacks can be easily achieved by selecting the correct picnic snacks and treats. A freshly baked baguette or French loaf always looks great on a wooden board and can feed many guests. Choose two or three cheeses to put on the breads as well as one or two cold meats of your choice. Be sure to add two types of fruits - grapes and strawberries are always a winner as they are easy to eat and add some colour to your snack board. Introduce crunchy textures such as carrots, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes paired with hummus and/or pate´. Pack a chocolate or cupcakes for something sweet at the end of the day. Don’t forget the biltong !

Include a refreshment of your choice, and water to stay hydrated.

Tips for packing your basket

1. Pack heavy items at the bottom of your basket
2. Pack soft/light items at the top to avoid getting squashed
3. Pack a rubbish bag to clean up afterwards
4. Pack one or two bottles of frozen water, this keeps your ingredients cold and serves as a cool refreshment as it melts
5. Pack plates and cutlery
6. If you’re using glasses, roll them in a tea towel to protect them
7. Pack a game to play (Uno or Cards)
8. Don’t forget your camera to document the special moments as well as your beautiful set up
9. Pack some indigenous flowers for aesthetics, and give them to your friends to take home as a gift (optional)
10. Don’t forget sunblock!

Layout

Find a cool, shaded area to set up and consider how the sun will move… Make sure the area is level / comfortable for you to sit.

Place your picnic basket onto a chosen corner of your blanket to allow for seating space. Place all your snacks carefully on a wooden board in the middle of the blanket. This will create an impressive mini harvest table for you and your friends to snack on throughout the day. Leave your bouquet of flowers in the basket as decor. (optional)

Curating your picnic buffet board

Start by placing your breads on the edge of the board, cut a few slices for your guests. Place one cheese against your breads and your other cheese(s) opposite allowing access to cheese from any side of the board. Then place your cold meats amongst the cheeses. Separating your cold meats and placing them on the board individually can give the board a beautifully styled look. Add your colourful fruits to any gaps on the board. Finally, add your biltong where there is space. Be sure to pile the biltong in two or three places so that it is accessible from all angles. Enjoy!

Remember #DoNotBeTrashy and take all your picnic items including your trash back home with you. As a bonus you can enjoy a stroll, swimming, mountain biking and so much more while picnicking. Read more about planning your picnic trip here or call 087 087 8250 or email reservation.alert@capenature.co.za