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The Essential Outdoor Dining & Picnic Checklist
Planning the perfect outdoor dinner party sounds easy until you're about to welcome guests and realise you're not entirely sure you've got everything you need. From forgotten essentials to the wrong outdoor dinnerware, it's easy for small oversights to put a damper on your day outdoors. That's where this helpful guide comes in.
We'll walk you through everything you need to know, including how to choose the right outdoor dinnerware, the best accessories to bring, common mistakes to avoid and key things to consider before you leave. Our outdoor dining guide will help you enjoy a relaxed, organised and memorable outdoor party or gathering from start to finish!
Quick Links
- What Outdoor Dinnerware Should You Consider?
- What Should You Think About Before Buying Outdoor Dinnerware?
- Choosing The Right Materials For Your Outdoor Dining Plates & Bowls
- Choosing Outdoor Dining Cups & Drinkware
- Choosing Outdoor Dining Cutlery
- Outdoor Dining Serving Accessories
- Choosing the Best Picnic Blanket
- Keeping Food Fresh Outdoors
- Should You Choose Reusable Outdoor Dinnerware?
- Choosing Outdoor Dinnerware for Different Occasions
- Common Mistakes When Buying Outdoor Dinnerware
What Outdoor Dinnerware Should You Consider?
Plates: Choose stackable, shatter-resistant designs that are easy to carry, simple to clean and sturdy enough for everything from casual sandwiches to hearty barbecue feasts, whatever your outdoor entertaining plans are.
Bowls: Whether you're serving fresh salads, pasta, snacks or desserts, the right outdoor dining bowls make every outdoor meal more convenient. Consider lightweight melamine bowls for durability and plastic bowls. Shatter-resistant designs are perfect for stress-free outdoor dining wherever you go.
Cups and Drinkware: Keep everyone refreshed with outdoor dining drinkware designed for life outdoors. If you're going to an outdoor gathering, consider durable stainless steel tumblers for hot or cold drinks, lightweight melamine cups for everyday use, acrylic glasses for a premium look without the breakage, or insulated bottles that keep beverages at the perfect temperature from the first sip to the last. For outdoor table settings at home, outdoor drinkware, such as tumblers, is great for enjoying drinks in outdoor settings at home, from patios to backyard entertaining.
Cutlery: Choose outdoor dining cutlery that's practical, durable and comfortable to use. Stainless steel sets offer long-lasting performance and a premium feel, which is great for backyard dining. Lightweight plastic options are ideal for casual outings, and compact travel sets with storage cases make packing and transporting your essentials effortless.
Serving Platters & Bowls: Serve your favourite dishes with platters and serving bowls designed for outdoor entertaining. Lightweight melamine is perfect for durability, bamboo offers a natural look, while enamel brings classic camping charm. Choose stackable, shatter-resistant designs that make serving salads, fruit, cheeses and shared meals simple, whether entertaining guests or just enjoying an outdoor meal with the family.
Serving Utensils: Complete your outdoor dining setup with serving utensils that are lightweight, durable and easy to pack. For example, stainless steel serving spoons, spatulas and tongs offer long-lasting performance. Silicone-tipped utensils are gentle on servingware, making them ideal for salads, pasta and shared favourites.
Food Containers: Keep your food fresh and easy to transport with the right containers. BPA-free plastic containers are lightweight and practical, glass containers are great for salads and desserts, while stainless steel options offer excellent durability. Look for airtight, leak-resistant designs that stack neatly and help keep your outdoor dinnerware organised.
Cooler or Insulated Bag: Keep food and drinks fresh for longer with coolers and insulated bags suited to your outing. Soft-sided insulated bags are lightweight and easy to carry, while hard coolers provide superior insulation and durability. Look for leak-resistant linings, sturdy handles and quality insulation to keep refreshments cooler for longer outdoors.
Picnic Basket or Tote: Choose a picnic basket or tote bag that suits the way you like to dine outdoors. Traditional wicker baskets offer timeless charm, insulated tote bags keep food fresh, while canvas or polyester designs provide lightweight durability. Look for comfortable handles, generous storage and sturdy construction for effortless transport and organisation.
Tablecloth: Style your outdoor dining area with a tablecloth that brings your table setting together while adding a touch of personality. Choose from a variety of colours, patterns and materials to complement your outdoor decor and create a welcoming space for entertaining. Cotton tablecloths offer a classic look, while polyester blends can provide practical benefits such as easy care and quick drying. Whether you're hosting a relaxed lunch or enjoying dinner outdoors, the right tablecloth can help create a stylish and inviting dining setup.
Napkins: Napkins are a simple yet essential addition to any outdoor dining setup, helping keep hands and dining areas clean while adding a stylish finishing touch. Choose reusable cotton or linen napkins for a premium feel, or practical paper options for convenience. They're perfect for managing spills, serving guests and elevating outdoor dining.
Bottle Opener: A bottle opener is a must-have addition to your outdoor dining kit, making it easy to enjoy your favourite bottled beverages while outdoors. Compact and convenient, it takes up minimal space while adding maximum practicality. Choose stainless steel designs for durability and reliability, ensuring you're always ready for relaxed outdoor gatherings and celebrations.
Food Covers: Food covers are a smart addition to any outdoor dining setup, helping protect your meals from insects, dirt and outdoor elements. Choose lightweight mesh covers for breathable protection or durable designs with easy-to-use frames. They're perfect for keeping salads, snacks, desserts and shared dishes fresh, hygienic and ready to enjoy.
What Should You Think About Before Buying Outdoor Dinnerware?
How Many People Are You Catering For?
Before choosing your outdoor dinnerware, consider how many people you'll be catering for to ensure you have enough plates, bowls, cups, cutlery and serving essentials for everyone. A small set may be perfect for couples when dining outdoors, while larger gatherings like family BBQs require extra pieces for sharing meals comfortably. Planning your quantity helps avoid running short, reduces unnecessary purchases and makes hosting outdoor dining easier and more enjoyable.
Is Durability Or Appearance More Important?
When choosing outdoor dinnerware, consider whether durability or appearance is your top priority. If you enjoy outdoor entertaining regularly, tough materials like stainless steel, enamel or melamine can offer long-lasting performance. If creating a stylish outdoor dining setup is important, focus on colours, patterns and designs that match your entertaining style. Finding the right balance ensures your outdoor dinnerware looks great and performs beautifully.
Should You Choose Reusable Or Disposable Outdoor Dinnerware?
Consider whether reusable or disposable outdoor dinnerware best suits your outdoor dining needs. Reusable options made from materials like stainless steel, melamine or bamboo are a more sustainable choice and can be enjoyed for years. Disposable outdoor dinnerware offers convenience for quick outings and easy clean-up. Think about your lifestyle, how often you dine outside and what matters most to you.
Melamine
Melamine is a popular choice for outdoor dinnerware thanks to its lightweight, durable and shatter-resistant design - and a great choice for kids' outdoor dinnerware. It offers the look of traditional dinnerware while being much easier to transport, making it ideal for family picnics, outdoor entertaining and regular adventures. Melamine is best suited for those who want stylish, low-maintenance pieces that can handle everyday use. It's a great option when you need practical outdoor dinnerware that's easy to pack, stack and enjoy outdoors.
Bamboo Fibre
Bamboo fibre is a lightweight and eco-friendly choice for outdoor dinnerware, offering a natural look that's perfect for outdoor dining. It's best suited for those who want reusable pieces with a stylish, earthy feel while reducing reliance on single-use options. Bamboo fibre plates, bowls and cups are easy to carry, making them ideal for casual backyard dining, BBQs with friends and family gatherings. Choose bamboo fibre when you want practical, sustainable outdoor dinnerware that combines convenience with a modern aesthetic.
Plastic
For a practical and budget-friendly option, plastic is a great material for outdoor dinnerware, offering lightweight designs that are easy to carry, store and clean. It's best suited for casual outdoor dining areas, family gatherings and outdoor events where convenience is a priority. Choose BPA-free, reusable plastic options for a more durable and reliable choice that can handle everyday use. Plastic outdoor dinnerware is ideal when you want affordable, colourful and low-maintenance pieces that make packing and serving meals simple wherever you go.
Choosing Outdoor Dining Cups & Drinkware
Tumblers
When choosing tumblers for your outdoor dinnerware collection, consider the material, size, durability and how you'll use them outdoors. Stainless steel tumblers are great for insulation and long-lasting performance, while plastic or acrylic options are lightweight and practical. Look for comfortable designs, secure lids and easy-to-clean features to keep drinks enjoyable.
Mugs
Consider the material, weight, size and insulation features when choosing mugs for your outdoor dinnerware collection. Stainless steel mugs are ideal for keeping drinks warm, while enamel mugs offer a classic outdoor style. Lightweight options are easier to carry, especially when outdoor dining at a friend's house. Look for comfortable handles, durable designs and easy-clean features to enjoy your favourite beverages outdoors.
Wine Glasses
When choosing wine glasses for your outdoor dinnerware collection, consider the material, durability and ease of transport. Acrylic wine glasses are lightweight, shatter-resistant and ideal for outdoor entertaining, while stainless steel options offer excellent durability and insulation. Look for stackable designs, comfortable shapes and secure storage options to enjoy your favourite wines without worrying about breakages.
Insulated Cups
If you're choosing insulated cups for your outdoor dinnerware collection, consider the material, insulation performance, size and portability. Stainless steel options are popular for their durability and ability to keep drinks hot or cold for longer, while lightweight designs are easier to carry. Look for features like secure lids, comfortable grips and easy-clean designs to keep beverages enjoyable wherever you go.
Choosing Outdoor Dining Cutlery
Choosing the right outdoor dining cutlery can make outdoor dining easier, more enjoyable and perfectly suited to your needs. In this section, we'll explore the best types of outdoor dining cutlery and how different options perform across various materials, helping you find the ideal choice for your next outdoor gathering.
What Type Of Outdoor Dining Cutlery Is Best?
Stainless Steel Cutlery
Stainless steel outdoor cutlery is the perfect choice for those who want long-lasting durability, reliable performance and a premium feel outdoors. It's best suited for alfresco areas, outdoor table settings and outdoor entertaining occasions where cutlery needs to handle frequent use. Resistant to rust and easy to clean, stainless steel offers a practical option for anyone looking for reusable pieces that can be enjoyed for years.
Bamboo Cutlery
Bamboo outdoor dining cutlery is a great choice for those who want lightweight, reusable pieces with a natural look and feel. It's best suited for casual outdoor dining, outdoor events and eco-conscious gatherings where easy packing and portability are important. Bamboo offers a stylish alternative to traditional cutlery, making it ideal for anyone looking for practical, sustainable options that are simple to carry and enjoy outdoors.
Reusable Plastic Cutlery
Reusable plastic outdoor dining cutlery is a practical choice for those who want lightweight, affordable and easy-to-carry options for outdoor dining. Plastic cutlery is great for backyard BBQs, children's outdoor gatherings, parties and casual outings where durability and convenience are important. Resistant to everyday bumps and simple to clean, reusable plastic cutlery provides a fuss-free solution for anyone wanting reliable outdoor diningware essentials without the extra weight.
Outdoor Dining Serving Accessories
Serving Boards: Serving boards are a must-have outdoor dining accessory for creating a stylish and practical outdoor dining setup. They're perfect for serving cheeses, meats, fruit, snacks and shared dishes while making food presentation effortless. Consider durable materials like acacia wood, bamboo or plastic for different needs. Serving boards come in handy when entertaining large groups of guests outside or creating a beautiful grazing spread wherever you dine outdoors.
Cheese Knives: Cheese knives are a handy addition to any outdoor dining serving setup, making it easier to slice, spread and serve your favourite cheeses. Consider durable materials like stainless steel for reliable performance or wooden handles for a comfortable grip and stylish look. They're perfect for outdoor dining occasions featuring grazing boards or enjoying shared platters where presentation and easy serving matter.
Salad Servers: Salad servers are a practical outdoor dinnerware accessory for easily serving fresh salads, pasta dishes and shared sides. Consider materials like stainless steel for durability, bamboo for a natural style or silicone options for gentle handling. They come in handy for family outings outside, outdoor gatherings and entertaining occasions where guests are sharing meals, helping make serving simple while keeping your outdoor table setting organised.
Tongs: Tongs are a versatile outdoor dining serving accessory that make it easy to serve meats, salads, snacks and shared dishes without creating mess. Consider stainless steel for durability or silicone-tipped designs for gentle handling. They're useful for any outdoor occasion, from backyard barbecues to larger gatherings where guests are sharing food, helping make serving quicker, cleaner and more convenient.
Serving Spoons: Serving spoons are an essential outdoor dining accessory for sharing salads, pasta, desserts and other crowd-pleasing dishes with ease. Consider durable materials like stainless steel for long-lasting use or lightweight plastic for casual outings. They come in handy for outdoor entertaining and gatherings where multiple guests are enjoying shared meals, making serving simple, practical and mess-free.
Condiment Containers: Condiment containers are a handy outdoor dining accessory for keeping sauces, dressings and toppings organised while preventing spills and mess. Consider materials like durable plastic for lightweight portability or glass for a premium presentation. They come in handy for barbecues, family picnics and outdoor entertaining where you want to easily serve sauces, dips and extras alongside your favourite meals.
Choosing the Best Picnic Blanket
Waterproof Backing
Consider a picnic blanket with a waterproof backing to help keep you comfortable and protected from damp grass, moisture and uneven outdoor surfaces for your next picnic. Look for features like water-resistant materials, durable construction, easy-clean fabrics and a secure backing that stays in place. A quality waterproof picnic blanket makes relaxing outdoors more enjoyable, whether you're at the park, beach or campsite.
Foldability
Consider how easily a picnic blanket folds and packs away, as this can make transport and storage much simpler. Look for blankets with compact designs, built-in straps or carry handles that make them easy to take on the go. A foldable picnic blanket is especially useful for walking trips, camping adventures or anyone who wants a hassle-free setup and pack-down experience.
Blanket Size
When choosing the best picnic blanket, consider the size to ensure it comfortably suits your needs. A larger blanket provides plenty of space for family, friends, food and outdoor dinnerware, while a smaller option is ideal for couples or solo outings. Choosing the right size helps create a more comfortable setup, ensuring everyone has enough room to relax, dine and enjoy the outdoors.
Easy Cleaning
Think about how easy the picnic blanket is to clean, as outdoor adventures can often bring spills, dirt and unexpected messes. Look for materials that are stain-resistant, machine washable or simple to wipe down. An easy-clean picnic blanket helps maintain its appearance, saves time on care and ensures your blanket stays fresh, hygienic and ready for your next outdoor gathering.
Sand Resistance
Consider the picnic blanket's sand resistance, especially if you'll be heading to the beach or sandy areas. Look for tightly woven, smooth materials that help prevent sand from sticking and make shaking off debris easier. A sand-resistant picnic blanket keeps your setup cleaner, more comfortable and makes packing up after your outdoor adventure much simpler.
Keeping Food Fresh Outdoors
Cooler Bags
Cooler bags are an outdoor dining essential for keeping your food fresh, drinks chilled and ingredients safely stored throughout the day. Consider insulated cooler bags with quality lining, leak-resistant designs and comfortable carry straps for easy transport. Soft-sided cooler bags are lightweight and convenient for casual outings, while larger insulated options are ideal for outdoor family and friend gatherings where you need extra storage space.
Hard Coolers
Hard coolers are a great choice for keeping food and drinks fresh longer when entertaining for large outdoor gatherings. Their durable construction and strong insulation help maintain cool temperatures for extended periods. Look for hard coolers with secure lids, sturdy handles and easy-clean interiors. Larger capacity options are ideal for family outings, barbecues or occasions where you need to store plenty of food and beverages.
Ice Bricks
Ice bricks are a simple yet essential addition to your outdoor dining setup, helping keep food and drinks chilled for longer. Unlike loose ice, they're reusable, mess-free and easy to pack around your containers. Consider ice bricks that are durable, leak-resistant and sized to suit your cooler bag or cooler box. They're perfect for backyard BBQs and larger outdoor events where keeping food fresh and beverages cold matters.
Insulated Food Containers & Bags
Insulated food containers and bags are a great choice for keeping meals fresh and at the ideal temperature. Designed to help retain heat or cold, they're perfect for soups, salads, pasta and other prepared dishes. Look for durable designs with secure lids, easy-clean interiors and quality insulation. They're especially useful for longer outings, large outdoor gatherings or anyone who wants to enjoy freshly prepared food outdoors.
Should You Choose Reusable Outdoor Dinnerware?
Cost Efficiency
Consider cost efficiency and how often you'll use your pieces over time. While quality options may have a higher upfront cost, durable materials can save you money by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Investing in reusable plates, cups, cutlery and accessories is a practical choice, helping you enjoy stylish outdoor dining while getting more value from your purchase.
Cleaning
Think about how easy each piece is to clean, as this can make packing up much simpler. Look for dishwasher-safe materials, smooth surfaces and designs that don't trap food or mess. Easy-clean outdoor dinnerware saves time, keeps your essentials hygienic and ensures your plates, cups and accessories are ready to enjoy at your next outdoor gathering.
Durability
When choosing reusable outdoor dinnerware, consider durability to ensure your pieces can handle outdoor entertaining and regular use. Look for strong, reliable materials that resist cracks, chips and everyday wear, especially if you're taking them to an outdoor event or entertaining in your own backyard. Durable outdoor dinnerware offers better long-term value, reduces the need for replacements and helps you create a dependable outdoor dining setup for years to come.
Choosing Outdoor Dinnerware for Different Occasions
Best Outdoor Dinnerware for the Beach
For beach picnics, the best outdoor dinnerware is lightweight, durable and easy to clean, with features that can handle sand, sun and outdoor conditions. Look for shatter-resistant materials, secure containers and easy-to-carry designs. When choosing outdoor dinnerware for different occasions, consider where you're going, how many people you're serving and what features matter most, whether that's portability, durability or stylish presentation.
Best Outdoor Dinnerware for Family Meals Outdoors
When choosing outdoor dinnerware for family meals, consider durable BPA-free plastic that's lightweight and resistant to everyday knocks. Think about the pieces you'll need, including dinner plates, bowls, cups and servingware. For easy clean-up, look for dishwasher-safe options that are stackable, simple to clean and convenient to store.
Best Outdoor Dinnerware for Backyard BBQs
For backyard BBQs, melamine dinnerware is a practical choice thanks to its lightweight, durable and break-resistant design. When choosing outdoor dinnerware, consider how often you entertain, how many guests you serve and how easy it is to clean and store. Look for sturdy materials, stackable designs and dishwasher-safe options to make outdoor entertaining simple.
Common Mistakes When Buying Outdoor Dinnerware
Buying More Than You Need
A common mistake when buying outdoor dinnerware is purchasing more pieces than you actually need, which can lead to unnecessary costs, clutter and storage issues. It's easy to get carried away with matching sets and extra accessories, but the best outdoor dinnerware should suit your lifestyle. Avoid this by considering how often you dine outside, how many people you usually entertain and which essentials you'll use most. Focus on practical pieces that add value to your outdoor dining setup.
Choosing Heavy Outdoor Dinnerware for Walk-In Locations
Another common mistake is choosing heavy pieces that become difficult to carry if outdoor dining away from home. While durable materials can be appealing, bulky plates, bowls and accessories can quickly add extra weight to your load. Avoid this by considering how you'll transport your outdoor dinnerware and choosing lightweight, compact designs that are easy to pack.
Forgetting Insulated Storage
Forgetting about insulated storage can leave food and drinks warm, spoiled or less enjoyable during your picnic. Having the right plates and accessories is important, but keeping everything fresh is just as essential. Avoid this by planning for cooler bags, insulated containers or ice bricks that suit your outing. Consider how long you'll be outdoors and choose storage solutions that keep your meals fresh and ready to enjoy.
Ignoring Durability
Don't ignore durability and choose pieces that aren't designed to handle outdoor use. Avoid this by considering strong, reliable materials and checking that your outdoor dinnerware can withstand transport, weather and regular use. Investing in durable pieces ensures your collection lasts longer and provides better value over time.
Not Packing Enough Serving Utensils
Not packing enough utensils can make sharing meals more difficult and create unnecessary mess. While plates and cups are essential, items like tongs, serving spoons and salad servers help guests serve food easily. Avoid this by thinking about the types of meals you'll enjoy and including the right accessories for your menu. A well-planned serving setup makes outdoor dining smoother, more organised and enjoyable.
Forgetting Food Covers
One last common mistake is forgetting food covers, which can leave your meals exposed to insects, dirt and outdoor elements. While they may not seem essential, food covers help keep salads, snacks, desserts and shared dishes protected and ready to enjoy. Avoid this by considering the outdoor environment you'll be entertaining in and adding lightweight, easy-to-store covers to your setup. They're a simple addition that helps keep your food fresh, hygienic and enjoyable.
Shop Quality Outdoor Dinnerware At Harris Scarfe Today
Explore our huge range of outdoor dinnerware at Harris Scarfe to best suit the needs of you and your family for your outdoor dining area! Whether you're looking for picnic baskets, outdoor dinnerware, BBQ supplies or more, you will find the best outdoor dinnerware for your needs at your nearest Harris Scarfe store. Discover our amazing outdoor kitchen and dining range and learn more about what you'll need to throw the ultimate backyard BBQ with our blog on Your Summer BBQ Checklist.
