Spring Racing Picnic Essentials

Whether you're heading out for Cup Day or just want to make the most of the sunny weather, we all know the spring/summer months is the time to have your picnic plans sorted!

Anyone can bring out a rug and call it a day. But if you're looking for a ~*picnic*~, you want to have all the right essentials to make the most of your day outdoors. Especially if you're bringing out your tastiest al fresco meals and your own bottle of wine to enjoy with family and friends.

You might not be going to the Spring Racing Carnival at all – maybe you just want a relaxing day out in the sun, and we're right there with you. So if you've stashed your picnic mat and now it's collected dust over the winter, or if your picnic table is starting to look a little wobbly, then here are our favourite summer, spring, or Cup Day picnic essentials — just for you!

5 Spring Racing Picnic Essentials

1. A grazing platter that travels

First up, the food. Cheese, cured meats, fresh fruit, and a few nibbles are a race day must, but they need to survive the trip to the lawn. Enter the Alfresco Lane Acacia Wood 5 Compartment Round Grazing Platter With Lid.

Made from richly grained acacia wood, this 32.5cm round platter has five compartments to keep everything beautifully separated. The clear clip-lock lid with built-in carry handles keeps your spread fresh and secure on the way, then comes off so the platter can take pride of place on your picnic rug.

2. A wooden cheese board to complement your platter

Once the grazing platter is packed, why not give the cheese its own moment? Your platter takes care of the fruit, nibbles, and snacks, while a dedicated board is the perfect home for your favourite cheeses, crackers, cured meats, and dips. You can go big or small depending on how large your picnic gathering is, but nothing says “treat yourself” like a beautifully laid-out spread.

We love boards that come with their own cheese knives, like the Peer Sorensen Rectangle Cheese Board with Cheese Knives Acacia. Its compact acacia board is perfect for simple get-togethers, and it sits neatly alongside the platter without taking over your picnic rug.

Read also: The Do's and Don'ts of Wooden Cheese Boards

3. Fancy wine and drinkware sets

Speaking of Melbourne Cup Day, why not try these... cups (wink) that can handle everything from bubbles to cocktails? The Rowdy Crowd Rowdy Couples Pack Variety 8 Pieces is an eight-piece drinkware set with glasses designed for different styles of drinks, from cocktails and wine to spirits and soft drinks. That means everyone is sorted from the first race to the last. Reusable, durable, and dishwasher safe, it’s perfect for couples or small groups. Couples who sip together, stay together.

4. An insulated wine cooler

A warm spring day and a bottle left sitting in the sun don’t mix. Nobody wants to sip lukewarm bubbles trackside, and a bucket of ice is messy, melts fast, and is one more thing to lug around. Enter the insulated wine cooler.

The Avanti Insulated Wine Cooler – Black uses double-wall stainless steel insulation to keep your bottle chilled for up to 6 hours, with no ice needed. It fits most 750ml bottles of wine, champagne, and sparkling, so your crisp white, your bubbles, or even a big bottle of sparkling water for those pacing themselves will all stay refreshingly cold in the sun. The pour-through lid means you can serve without taking the bottle out, and the condensation-free exterior keeps your picnic rug and bag nice and dry.

Our top tip? Pop your bottle in the fridge before you head out. The cooler works best when you start with a cold bottle, so it stays cold from the first race right through to the Melbourne Cup.

5. A stylish insulated carry-all

Last but not least, you’ll need something to carry it all in. The Sprinkler Millie Insulated Canvas Lunch Bag, Medium – Agave is a compact, portable canvas bag with an insulated interior to help keep your snacks and sides cool and fresh through the day. Measuring 34cm high, 35cm wide, and 19cm deep, it’s roomy enough for sandwiches, salads, and treats, and its robust construction makes it ideal for picnics or a day at the beach. The fresh Agave colour is a lovely pick for spring.

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So what are you waiting for? Craft the most spectacular summer picnics this season with the help of our vast outdoor entertaining collections from Australia's #1 brands!

Matchbox also offers FREE Shipping when you spend over $99 with us online, or you can visit us at select stores to find our friendly team experts.

Enjoy the race day!

The Matchbox Team