Blog

Jul 01, 2025

Throw An Epic July 4th Picnic Without Breaking A Sweat

ByLanee Lee, Contributor. A family of four and their dog enjoy a day outdoors during a picnic, Agoura, CA, 1958. Have you ever met a professional picnicker? I have. His name is Brian. His picnic menus

ByLanee Lee,

Contributor.

A family of four and their dog enjoy a day outdoors during a picnic, Agoura, CA, 1958.

Have you ever met a professional picnicker? I have. His name is Brian. His picnic menus and accessories game were so strong, I married him. In fact, he proposed with a surprise picnic on the beach.

Today, I’m sharing his top picnic tips—plus expert advice from chef and Get Stuffed author Emily Susman—so you can host an awesome 4th of July picnic (or a picnic on any good-weather day with good food and great company).

Start from the ground up. Choose a generously sized picnic blanket with a waterproof backing—ideally one that’s soft, stylish and easy to pack. My go-to picks are the Nemo Victory Blanket (extra large for groups) and the Rumpl Puffy Blanket; so comfy. Emily adds: “A cozy blanket that doesn’t itch and a shady spot with a breeze can set the whole tone.”

Ditch the flimsy paper plates. Opt for reusable or compostable tableware like enamelware, bamboo or melamine—they’re sturdy and look great on grass. Thrift stores are perfect for picking up silverware and cloth napkins on a budget. Cloth napkins won’t blow away, and if you lose a fork, it’s no big deal.

Use lightweight, reusable plastic wine glasses (like stackable and colorful TossWare or cute, vintage-looking plastic wine glasses) for an elevated but stress-free vibe. Want to splurge? Gift each guest a Corkcickle stemless flute or Yeti wine tumbler. Yeti’s answer to a glamping wine glass is sleek, bug-proof and keep drinks cold. And your guests will think fondly of you every single time they use it in the future.

Don’t forget…Pack a large plastic bag or Ziploc for dirty dishes, and follow Emily’s tip: “Use stackable containers that double as serving dishes. It keeps cleanup easier and looks effortlessly put together.”

A low table instantly elevates your setup—literally and visually. Brian’s folding tray draws compliments every time. An overturned crate with a cute runner also works, or search Amazon for compact breakfast trays for each guest. Bonus: bring portable seat cushions for comfort (think stadium seats—compact but comfy).

A low table invites you to lay back and enjoy the spread.

Yes, wicker baskets are adorable. But for July 4th picnics or any picnic besides a romantic one where a proposal is expected, opt for an insulated cooler with wheels—easier to transport, keeps food safe in the heat and fits way more. Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs that double as drinks.

Hot tip: Pack your cooler starting with least priority items and layer ice packs, then put your items you’ll use most or first on the top.

Brian never leaves home without:

Emily ups the game with:

A curated vibe turns a good picnic into a great one. Pack a Bluetooth speaker for your July 4th playlist, add a jar of fresh flowers and bring fairy lights if you're heading out at dusk.

“It’s about the intentional extras,” Emily says. “A little detail that makes someone pause and smile—that’s the magic.”

The golden rule: Skip anything that wilts, melts fast or needs tons of prep. Emily says to focus on flavor-packed, handheld and heat-safe foods.

For dips and garnishes, Emily advises: “Pack sauces in small jars and add them on-site for freshness and flair.” And don’t forget to season well—her [Not So] Simple Spice blends add instant magic to even the simplest dish.

Chill cans of sparkling rosé, canned cocktails or, for brunch picnics, pack a bottled mimosas like Granriviera Mimosa in your cooler. If you must bring a whole bottle of wine (which I insist on every time), keep it cold with a low-fi ice sleeve or insulated wine carrier, stuffed with ice packs.

For non-alcoholic drink options, try:

Pro tip for cocktail lovers: Brian brings his own pre-frozen cocktail ice cubes (in a Ziploc near the ice packs)—a small effort, big payoff. This will also elicit ooohs and ahhhs from your guests.

If you’re looking to impress friends—or maybe even a future spouse—remember: The best picnics are about smart planning (and not over packing), flavor and good vibes. With a bit of forethought, a few pro picnic gadgets and supplies and attention to the little things, your 4th of July picnic can be the highlight of the summer.

So cue the playlist, grab your fly fan and bottle of rose and toast to a picnic that’s equal parts effortless and memorable and all parts joie de vivre.