We tried eating on our beach towels once, but it became clear that picnic blankets are an absolute necessity. For one thing, it’s nice to have the picnic basket and picnic cooler in a central location. And if you have kids, you know how messy they can be when they eat – we wanted to keep our beach towels clean! We have an extra large picnic blanket, so there’s room for the whole family to spread out under the Picnic Time Umbrella and relax. After lunch, I love to lay on my Beachcomber beach mat and read a good page-turner while the girls build sandcastles or swim.

I like to bring a wide variety of food in our picnic basket. We have a few picnic baskets for 2 (for those romantic picnics), but I’ve found that picnic baskets for 4 work best for large family outings. For the beach, I like to use a traditional picnic basket or a Beach Bag Deluxe Insulated Backpack instead of a wicker picnic basket. It’s amazing how sand manages to find it’s way into a wicker picnic basket, and no one wants sand in their sandwich!

Especially on a hot day, it’s essential to pack your picnic coolers with refreshing beverages and plenty of ice. I have picnic coolers on wheels, but I’ve found that they’re pretty useless in the sand. Rolling coolers are better suited for the park, so I bring a regular picnic cooler for 4 packed with water, juice, and maybe some margaritas for me and Dad!

1. Bring extra drinks, whether it’s just water, soda, or beer. This usually works best if you’re not planning a romantic, secluded beach picnic, of course. If you’re at a beach in the middle of the day for a picnic, it’s always nice to be able to offer someone else a drink. What a great conversation starter and way to meet new people, especially if you’re new to the area.
2. Bring extra food in the totes for the same reason. Chips – small bags – are a great choice, as are small, bite-sized candy bars.
3. Bring a dog. Even if you don’t have one, borrow someone else’s. A ton of beaches allow dogs, and the dog will have a field day running and playing in the water. If the dog is cute (and friendly), everybody will want to pet him. It’s another fabulous conversation starter.
4. Fly a kite. Kite People are just cool, and everyone will notice you. It’s a great opportunity to have a little fun and maybe strike up some conversation.
5. Bring your mom. No, this probably won’t help you meet new people, but sometimes it can. Sometimes she’ll notice little things about other people that you didn’t. For instance, if you’re a guy looking for a special someone, she often notices the looks that last a little longer than most. You know, things like that.

Have fun!