Pack a flat board, not clever containers

The trick is to bring your own flat surface, even if it’s just a cutting board.

You can’t balance a normal plate on a lap or a slatted bench without something solid underneath. So the first thing that goes in the bag is a lightweight wooden cutting board or a plastic lap tray. That becomes your table. It also doubles as a serving board, so you look like a pro.

For the food itself, think wide and low. Bento-style containers with compartments keep things from sliding into one pile, and they sit flat on the board. Skip anything in a tall bowl or a cup. Pack wraps, sandwiches, or skewers instead — stuff you can eat without chasing it around. One-handed foods are your friend.

Liquids are the enemy. Use a sealed water bottle, not an open thermos of soup. If you must have dips, use small screw-top jars.

The best picnic lunch is the one that stays on the board.