Picnic essentials

3 Bring dishes
When picking your picnic dishware, give a thought to what you'll be serving. If you're doing a potluck-type get-together, go for big dishes as picnickers will want to put a little of everything on a plate. Tapas-style meals mean you can bring small plates instead. And you certainly don't need all-new dishware: Bring your household dishes if adults will be at your picnic. However, if the kids are coming, bring unbreakables like cheap'n'chic plastic or melamine dishware. All-white dishes like this melamine set from Loblaws will look chic for years. From $1.99, loblaws.com for stores.

4 Don't forget the portable weather-resistant radio
Remember mom and dad's scratchy transistor radio? Get a light, stylish, weather-resistant version to bring with you to the park, no batteries needed. To get your groove on, any radio will do, but if you want to make an investment, this sturdy little Pal radio by Tivoli comes in conservative colours like black, and fun colours like red, pink, blue and other candy-like hues. It also boasts the best sound quality and reception going. Approximately $200, baybloorradio.com or cpused.com