I know this is a little off topic - we already have our backpacking kitchen, but my girlfriend and I are often doing picnics, alone or together with two kids and possibly an adult or two, and our backpacking gear doesn't do the trick.

I'd like to put together a classy picnic backpack.

Melamine plates are heavy, but cheap and reasonably classy. Is there a better alternative? I see the blue divided plates from REI at $3.50 / each, and even nicer divided plates at about $5.00 each from other sources. Divided might be nice for picnic foods, which often run into each other.

Got a bunch of Lexan eating utensils from Wally World.

Nice clear acrylic glasses, in various colors so everyone can find their own.

Nothing better than a Platypus to move fluid around in.

Parachute cloth to sit on. A small plastic cutting board.

Any thoughts how to improve this, or add romantic touches? She doesn't drink wine ....

Try the Dollar Tree store for the stuff you need. They have divided plates with covers, and a lot of the other stuff you mentioned. Spend the money you save on the kids! :)

Orikaso plates are 1.6 oz each.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,54794_Orikaso-Fold-Flat-Plate.html

I carry a GSI X2 modular set when we venture out w/ the kiddos, not exactly light though. http://www.spadout.com/p/gsi-x2-modular-table-set/

we sit on a peice of Tyvek, and one plate (mine) is the cutting board.

Oops you're looking for classy/romantic, sorry no help there. :-/

Melamine plates are heavy, but cheap and reasonably classy. Is there a better alternative? I see the blue divided plates from REI at $3.50 / each, and even nicer divided plates at about $5.00 each from other sources. Divided might be nice for picnic foods, which often run into each other.

....

Keep an eye open on ebay for aluminum plates (http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Vintage-Aluminum-9-Inch-Camp-Plates-or-Trays_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el111 6QQhashZitem3351cf3933QQitemZ220415867187QQptZMeta lwareQQsalenotsupported)

Carry your "sparkling grape juice" in a "plastic rolling pin" (used for rolling pastry dough) fill it with crushed ice and then add the bubbly grape juice.:cool: (domestic/romantic touch)(holds 4 cups liquid)

We have a picnic backpack. Besides plates, acrylic wine glasses, and very light weight metal eating utensils it also came with cloth napkins, salt and pepper shakers, corkscrew, small cutting board and small cheese knife. It has a holster on the outside for a wine bottle and will easily hold a good bit of food, an ice pack, and table cloth. We've used it for picnics along the C&O Canal Trail, at the National Zoo, and often when we lived in Montreal.

Here is the rolling pin water bottle:

Vintage Water Bottle (http://cgi.ebay.com/TUPPERWARE-VINTAGE-ROLLING-PIN-FROM-THE-70S-USED-G-CO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q 7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a 2Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem5 189a39eceQQitemZ350201552590QQptZAUQ5fTupperwareQQ salenotsupported)

Peak 62 has this GSI Lexan stuff on sale (50% off)

http://www.peak62.com/search/category/50%25%20OFF%20SALE/?skip=32

For private romantic dinners with the GF, look for a couple of China plates and crystal glasses at a thrift store. A nice blanket with a piece of plastic underneath is the best ground cloth.

Cheers!

Keep an eye open on ebay for aluminum plates (http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Vintage-Aluminum-9-Inch-Camp-Plates-or-Trays_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el111 6QQhashZitem3351cf3933QQitemZ220415867187QQptZMeta lwareQQsalenotsupported)

Carry your "sparkling grape juice" in a "plastic rolling pin" (used for rolling pastry dough) fill it with crushed ice and then add the bubbly grape juice.:cool: (domestic/romantic touch)(holds 4 cups liquid)

Your wife might hit You with the rolling pin. LOL

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Carry your "sparkling grape juice" in a "plastic rolling pin" (used for rolling pastry dough) fill it with crushed ice and then add the bubbly grape juice.:cool: (domestic/romantic touch)(holds 4 cups liquid)

and then you can use that rolling pin to roll out some ACTUAL dough and impress her with your wicked-cool alcohol stove baking skills :)!
my favorite is the "pancake loaf"

but i really like that idea a couple posts above about the thrift store china. There's one real close to me that ALWAYS has these for like $.42/plate. super cheap-- just make sure you wash it :D

and for weight, I mean, If it's just a picnic (with small day-hike i assume involved) that extra weight really wouldn't matter THAT much. and it would be a LOT lighter coming back :)

hmm... the more I think about this the better idea it sounds to be ;) thanks!