I like to keep my picnic basket "on the ready" for the first opportunity to arrange a picnic "date". Here's what I like to have already packed in the basket:

Salt & Pepper Shaker (turn lid open/close)
Wine Bottle Corkscrew (with bottle opener)
Crab Cracker
Picking Fork
Small cutting board
Small sharp knife (preferrably with blade cover)
Plastic tableware (in a gallon size zip-loc)
Paper Napkins (in a gallon size zip-loc)
Box of Matches
Few small candles in votive cups
2 wine glasses (wrapped for travel in cloth napkins)
Small paper plates
Paper Cups
Zip-loc bags (quart and gallon.. a few)

Deck of Cards
Note Pad / Pencil
Small flashlight
Picnic Tablecloth
Tablecloth clip on weights (4-6)

and the following checklist for items to gather.. and go!
(a check off.. take what you need.. add what you like..)

__ Food List (your list of picnic foods, beverages,     condiments and snacks)
__ Camera (with extra storage disc and batteries)
__ Bottle of Wine
__ Water Jug
__ Additional Plates, Cups, Silverware
__ Paper towels
__ Can Opener
__ Thermos
__ Pump Pot
__ Ice chest
__ Ice
__ Plastic Trash Bags
__ Zip-loc bags
__ Plastic shoebox style container/lid
__ Quilt
__ pillow cushions
__ Boom Box (radio and CD player)
__ CD's
__ Batteries
__ Folding Chairs
__ Folding Table
__ Sun Lotion
__ Sun Glasses
__ Wet-Ones (disposable wipes)
__ BackPack or Totes
__ Beach Towel
__ Swimwear
__ Change of clothes
__ Mesh tote (for wet dirty clothes)
__ Sweatshirt or Cover Up
__ Beach Umbrella
__ Folding Shade Awning
__ Sand Toys (in mesh bag)
__ Play Toys (in plastic milk crate)
__ Kites (and kite gear)
__ Folding Chess/Checkers Game
__ Folding Scrabble Game
__ Reading Material
__ First Aid Kit
__ Map
__ Compass

depending on the length of the time you will be at your "event".. the location.. and who will be attending.. you will want to customize your list.

I also like to have some favorite picnic menu's selected.. so that it makes my planning and preparing easy. Make your own list of favorites.. and a shopping checklist!

The main idea for me is to be ready in a flash and as prepared as can be.. once I get there. I like to enjoy, yet relax, and enjoy my friends, family, and the outdoors once I get there. So.. plan a PICNIC.. create a memory!!