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Picnic outdoors

When the warm weather and the long evenings come round, it's the perfect time to enjoy non-stop outdoor fun with family and friends. 

When times are tough, leisure is always the first place where we cut back on spending; but that doesn't mean that there aren't still plenty of fun activities for us to do. IKEA brings you one of the most affordable activities that is always a big hit: a picnic. 

Close-up of kids playing cards on a picnic blanket in a garden.
Close-up of kids playing cards on a picnic blanket in a garden.

Beach, pool, garden or mountains? The first thing to do is to pick a spot 

Taking in nature while enjoying a delicious meal is the perfect combination and will ensure your picnic goes smoothly. We suggest choosing a large, quiet spot that has some shade. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city or area where you live is a great option. For example, find a local park in the outskirts, a beach, outdoor picnic areas or a garden. We're sure that a place has already sprung to mind as you're reading this.  

Enjoy a delicious al fresco meal

The food is the star of the show at your picnic. If you decide to have a picnic away from the house, go for dishes that can be easily transported. One essential item you need for transporting everything is a bag like our NÄBBFISK cooling bag. Available in two styles, it is spacious and easy to carry. Some food will need to be chilled, and you'll want your favourite drinks to be nice and cold – so you'll need a cooling bag. 

Once you have the food ready, it's time to think about how to transport it. We recommend transporting snacks and starters in food containers with lids, so they are ready to serve at the picnic. The best way to transport your main course is in airtight food containers, to prevent any leaks.

If you're a coffee lover and you take your coffee hot, you'll need a flask to ensure you have hot coffee on hand whenever it takes your fancy at the picnic. 

Create a special, cosy vibe 

Next, it's time to set the scene just how you like it to ensure a top-notch experience. If the food is the star of the show, your picnic blanket isn't far behind. One good option is our STRANDÖN blanket, which has room for everybody to sit round and enjoy a delicious lunch without compromising on comfort. 

You still need to set the table at a picnic. We recommend bringing plates and cutlery that are light, easy to stack, reusable and suitable for kids.  

During the picnic, it's important to stay properly hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. If you want to bring along a drink from home containing fresh fruit or herbs, we have a guaranteed show-stopper for your picnic: the NÄBBFISK jar with tap. Thanks to its handle, this essential product is easy to carry.

We'll leave the games and other plans up to you. If you want to bring some beats to your picnic, our VAPPEBY speaker is a classic that will never let you down. 

A picnic can last into the evening if you stay to see the sunset. Remember to take a source of light for when it gets dark. Lighting options such as our LEDLJUS LED lighting chain or a SOLVINDEN lantern will create a cosy feel as they illuminate your evening gathering.  

We know you must be even more in the mood for a picnic now. We've told you everything you'll need to get organised, so we recommend making a list and crossing things off as you go – that way you won't forget anything. All that's left to do now is set a date and enjoy the experience.