October has arrived and so have thoughts of Halloween festivities, gorgeous sunshine filled days and cool star filled nights. It's one of the absolute, hands-down best times of the year for picnicking and tailgating. It's that in-between month that's neither to hot or cold but as Goldilocks says, "just right."

Since the temperatures do tend to be cooler it's a fun time of the year to get out warm blankets and plan a warm and romantic meal to share with your loved ones in your favorite picnicking spot. Here's a quick list of "must haves" to get you going:

Blankets…blankets…blankets…did we say, blankets?

It's cooler outside in general but if you are planning an evening picnic, you'll need something to place between you and the ground that has a water-proof underside like the Sunshine Blanket. You'll also need something like a fleece picnic blanket that can double as a wrap at games and tailgate events or that extra cushiness between you and the picnic bench if you happen to be in a park where picnic tables are available. Having two or three on hand never hurts and they are easy to pack and relatively inexpensive.

Keeping beverages warm is definitely a top priority.

It's a challenge in the summer to keep picnic fare cool but in the fall and winter, keeping items like coffee and tea warm to offset the chill is important. A coffee or tea tote gives you everything you need. They are usually equipped with mugs, thermal flasks, containers for cream and/or sugar and spoons for making the perfect cup of coffee or tea.

Anything with a collegiate symbol that has to do with tailgating is a MUST!

It's football season in the United States and tailgating is at its peak so any grill, cooler, stadium seat, BBQ tool set, or backpack with your team emblem will be the envy of all your tailgating cohorts. Plus these items make the art of tailgating super easy and fun.

Wine anyone?

Warm reds, sparkling burgundies, deep cabernets all evoke images of snuggling around a fire on a cool fall evening so why not make it a part of your tailgate or fall picnic fare? A wine case can be used to keep wine at the perfect temperature and include wine glasses, a wine opener, bottle corks and napkins – pretty much everything you need for a romantic evening with your loved one or some fun with your wine loving friends.

As with anything, the idea is to keep in mind the season when planning your next tailgate or picnic event and then be creative! It's fun to get together with friends on a chilly evening, light up the fire pit and enjoy some robust red wine or even better, get the collegiate gear at the ready and pack a tote with some cold stout beer and cook up brats on the grill. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it and enjoy time with friends and family and the gorgeousness of this time of the year.