A fall picnic has its benefits; cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and fewer bugs make it an ideal time of year to dine outside. Here are a few handy tips to help you plan the perfect picnic this fall.

Plan ahead.

Sandwiches are an ideal choice of food for picnics. They’re portable, compact, and easy to prepare in advance. A hearty submarine or muffaletta will even benefit from being wrapped tightly and left in the fridge overnight, it will give the ingredients time to adhere. Slice the sandwich into wedges and re-wrap before heading out. Bring a bag of North Fork Potato Chips and a few pieces of fresh local fruit, like an apple and you’re all set.

There’s no such thing as too big a blanket.

Make sure you choose a blanket large enough for everyone to sit and spread out on, this will also help keep sand and dirt away from your food. ChappyWrap is considered one of the best cotton blankets; they also have a variety blankets perfect for picnics. You can even place rocks around the corner of your blanket to keep it from blowing away.

Pack cold beverages.

It’s easy to become dehydrated in the sun, so it’s important to hydrate. Water is the best beverage for hydration, but if you decide to pack soda, juice or adult beverages, avoid glass bottles since they can break. Sail Away Coffee has Nitro Cold Brew Cans and Subtle Tea has craft brewed organic iced tea in plastic bottles, ideal for the beach. Pack a cooler with plenty of ice to keep your beverages cool.

Paper goods aren’t just environmentally unfriendly; they’re also flimsy to hold anything substantial. Bring dishes, cutlery and napkins that are durable and reusable, Mother Nature will thank you and you won’t have to worry about your plate flying away.

Keep it simple.

Bring along a few condiments to dress up the sandwiches, but try to avoid ones that will spoil in the sun. If you want to bring mayonnaise, select a vegan mayo that won’t go bad in the heat.

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