Lovers of sun, sea, beach, and picnics – this blog is for you! Whether you’re organising a beach picnic with friends or planning a romantic seaside date, we’ve gathered the best beach picnic ideas and tips to ensure your beach outing is both relaxing and memorable. Start planning it today, to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
1. Prepare the food
It’s crucial to prepare your food in advance for a beach picnic, because you don’t want to have to frantically prepare meals on the beach. Note that some foods spoil quickly in the sun, so it’s best to avoid them for long beach picnics. These include mayonnaise, sushi or fish, meat, ice cream, and sodas. If you have an eskie, go for it and ensure a more enjoyable dining experience.
At home, chop, mix, and properly pack everything in grazing boxes or cardboard food boxes. This is one of the best beach picnic ideas to ensure that your snacks do not get crushed and arrive at the picnic in their original form. Various salads and fruit cold cuts are popular beach picnic food ideas, as they are juicy and refreshing during high temperatures.. If you have more time, you can also prepare sandwiches or veggie pie.
When it comes to sweet treats, this time avoid chocolate or ice cream, as they tend to melt quickly. Instead, opt for biscuits or brownies and pack them in cookie boxes. For the little ones you can also bring lollies.
2. Bring water
Just like food, water is key on a beach picnic, so make sure you bring enough water to last throughout the day. With all the sun and all the food, you’ll all want a refreshing sip of water. Additionally, it can be used to wash dirty hands. We suggest that you freeze the water the day before so that it is easier to keep it cold the next day at the beach picnic. You can also prepare lemonade for refreshment on a hot day.
3. Check If Your Beach Allows Alcohol
It’s true, alcohol is not allowed on every beach! And, since many people would like to combine their beach picnic with a bottle of wine or interesting cocktails, check the regulations of the local council. If it is allowed, don’t forget to bring a bottle opener, drinking cups, and glasses. To make your decoration more interesting, you can add colourful straws, stirrers, and picks.
4. Make a List of the Picnic Supplies
In addition to food and water, you will also need other supplies for a picnic to enjoy it carefree on the beach or sand with a wonderful view of the sea. Here are some of the most important things you should not forget:
Suncream
Ensure a sun-safe beach picnic by bringing proper suncream to protect your skin against the sun rays. Don’t forget to reapply it consistently throughout the day, particularly after refreshing dips in the sea.
Big Umbrella or Shade Tent
When going to the beach, it’s important to have some protection from the sun. While it’s great to soak up some vitamin D, having the option of shade is always a good idea, particularly when children are involved. After spending hours in the sun, adults too will appreciate the added comfort of much-needed shade.
You can also keep your food and drinks cool by placing them in the shade of an umbrella or tent.
To make sure your umbrella stays upright, it’s a good beach picnic idea to bring a smaller shovel in case you need to dig a deeper hole in the sand.
A Large Blanket or Tablecloth
While towels are great for lounging on the beach, they are not ideal for beach picnics as their edges tend to fly up, scattering sand on our snacks. Opt for a large blanket or tablecloth instead. This will provide enough space for you to lie down comfortably without worrying about sand getting everywhere.
Grazing Boxes
Grazing boxes are an excellent beach picnic idea to display the food you have brought along. They also make it easier for you to transport food from one place to another. After all, grazing boxes enhance the presentation of food and can express your style and personality, making it a delightful experience for your guests.
Tableware and Catering
When planning a beach picnic, it’s important to remember to bring plates, napkins, drinking cups, and glasses. Remember to pack wooden cutlery as well, to avoid the inconvenience of getting your fingers wet and sandy. You have a lot of options of picnic supplies, as you can choose from different materials, colours, sizes, and more. If you’re planning a themed picnic, pick a colour and match your picnic items to it.
5. Prepare Beach Picnic Games
Instead of just sitting and eating, add an active, fun element to your beach picnic. Organising games will make this beach picnic more engaging and memorable for everyone. To ensure a smooth fun-filled outing, make sure you have all the essential equipment for the games. Here are some very popular beach picnic game ideas:
Beach Volleyball: Set up a beach volleyball net and challenge your friends to play a game.
Frisbee Throwing: This classic beach picnic game idea promises a lively and entertaining experience for everyone.
Shell Hunting: Explore the beach and collect various shells. Bring along acrylic paints and painting brushes to turn these natural treasures into colourful masterpieces.
Water Novelty Balloon Toss: This beach game not only cools you off but also brings lots of laughter.
Party and Card Games: For those who enjoy the leisurely fun of board games, consider bringing along party and card games.
6. Clean up after yourself
After a long day of having fun, remember to leave nothing behind but your footprints. Pick up all rubbish and dispose of it in a nearby rubbish or recycling bin. The beach must remain clean when you leave it, ensuring the beach remains beautiful for others to enjoy.
Conclusion
With these beach picnic ideas and tips, you’re all set for a fun day in the sun that your friends, family, or your partner will love! Taking a break from the routine of everyday life is truly priceless. If you want to make your beach picnic even more special, consider decorating the beach picnic with our festive party decorations. Now, let the exciting preparations begin!