Picnic Supplies

other than a corkscrew you feel comfortable using, i would think you'd find "picnic supplies" anywhere...can't quite imagine using precious baggage space for plates and silverware and glasses...though we"ve always packed a couple of knives and forks just in case. Sure don't want you to use valuable vacation time looking for a shop to buy a plastic plate and napkins however...........guess that's part of the fun

It doesn't hurt to take a small quantity of packets like sugar, sweetner, salt and pepper etc. A minature flexible cutting mat is handy. Hand wipes/sanitizer is good to have on hand. I saw a tip (here maybe?) to carry plastic lids off a 3# coffee can. A few ziplok bags can be handy. A Swiss Army knife can be handy (bought there or checked).
I got a can opener/bottle opener at an Outdoor Shop that folds flat and is less than the size of my thumb.

For the bulkier/heavier items, plan to buy those there. That's just common sense.

There are loads of such supplies in almost every store in Europe. If you wish to take up space n weight by carrying these to France, be our guest.

Dianna,

Be sure to get one of those Europe Only delights... a tube of Thomy mustard [that's right, a tube]... and get an extra to bring home with you.
bon voyage! P.

The things I've mentioned really don't take up all that much room. It all fits into the small ziploc bag that I call my picnic kit. It weighs next to nothing. When you're abroad often you really appreciate having a few things on hand. Something like Splenda isn't always readily available(in certain parts of the world).

I bring a knife w/ corkscrew, plastic cutlery, a "cutting board" made from the plastic lid to a coffee can, a cloth napkin (makes a good "tablecloth"), and a baggie with a (damp) washcloth in it. All fits very snug in a tiny stuff sack.

while the zip locks are probably the best take with you from US... (and coffee lids if you need it)... id buy the rest there. Keep a fork.spoon etc from the airplane ride over. Buy a real waiters corkscrew/puller there - not some gimicky thing. A regular real one is cheap (if you check your bags - then bring one - but yo should be carry-on over at least if you follow RS advice!! :) Go to a grocery store when you get there - youre gonna want a bottle of water or so anyways for the "day hikes" around town.

Dianna, I always bring my swiss army knife (in checked luggage, I always have 1 checked bag that is empty except for packing foam which I use to bring back bottles of wine, it holds 10 bottles)a spoon, fork and bandanna. The bandanna is easy to wash in the sink and dries quickly. The army knife has 2 blades and a cork screw. We always buy wine glasses in the grocery store once we are there, never costs more than 3 Eu for 4. We also buy linen, especially in the south of France and use the dish towels as place mats to picnic, they are gorgeous and add to the experience. I agree with the others, zip locks in various sizes are great to have. Other than that you can buy whatever you need and it's fun to shop for supplies.

Zip lock baggies are WONDERFUL, you will use them alot.I always throw some in my suitcase no matter where I travel.
I must say the " plastic coffee can lid" is a great idea too, never thought of that, they are light, washable, free( start saving some of them up now, the bigger the better, ask friends who buy the big tins if you don't)and can be used as plates or cutting boards.

You all are not reading your Rick books...he suggested the plastic coffee can lid YEARS ago!!!

....and although this has nothing to do with picnics...France has only huge tablets to dissolve in water...Bring a small container of easy to swallow from home

Of the handful of post I have done-the has been the most fun to read...
Merci to all for your suggestions-
I leave tommorrow with a "few" picnic supplies and asprin!