41 Picnic Essentials To Up Your Park Game This Summer
Whether you love whiling the day away amongst the wildflowers of Hackney‘s London Fields or you’re a devout Regent’s Park frequenter, up your park game this summer with The Handbook’s edit of top picnic essentials. From pretty baskets that double up as fashion accessories to stylish, practical (and waterproof) blankets, scroll to shop the checklist.
There are some fundamental “musts” when it comes to planning the perfect picnic – good company, great food, *fingers crossed* no rain, and a gorgeous spot to surrender the whole day to. Anything else is a bonus. But if you fancy going extra this year, we have found some cute pieces that will make your picnic situation Instagram-worthy.
And if you need some inspiration on where to lay your gingham blanket, check out our round-up of top London picnic spots.
The best picnic baskets
Far less practical than a backpack – but 100% cuter – take your picnic look seriously and invest in a whimsical wicker basket.
There’s something for all budgets here, from M&S’s round rattan design that hits a sweet spot somewhere between grannycore and French girl chic, to Daylesford’s mammoth XL hamper that will need two (at least) to take it to the park.
Finally, Sunnylife’s modern take on a picnic basket is roomy, insulated to keep things cool all day and can be wiped clean. Genius.
The best picnic blankets
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more robust and colourful picnic blanket than Dock & Bay’s designs. Their blue and white striped design is extra large, lightweight and waterproof – it even comes with a hole for a parasol or umbrella.
If your style errs on the boho side, Wanderlust’s pink quilted and tasselled design is basically the Isabel Marant of picnic blankets, while Harriet Says Hi’s food and drink-inspired illustrated design is pretty enough to be hung on the wall.
Wanderlust’s pink quilted and tasselled design is basically the Isabel Marant of picnic blankets
The best picnic chairs & outdoor cushions
If you plan on plenty of summer picnics or want to make the most of your outdoor space this summer without buying bulky garden furniture, invest in layers of plump outdoor cushions and portable chairs.
La Redoute’s rattan folding chair will ensure you’re the most stylish at the local park
La Redoute’s rattan folding chair will ensure you’re the most stylish at the local park, Business & Pleasure Co.’s clever reclining pillow is pricey but super comfy, and Debenham’s folding camping chair (in the sale with 70% off) has chic Glastonbury vibes written all over it.
The best picnicware
Picnic dinnerware has never been this good. There are so many brands doing crockery right now that’s practical and won’t smash, but that you’d happily display in a tablescape at home.
Meri Meri has some awesome reusable and biodegradable bamboo cups and plates that can be used for garden parties, children’s birthdays or picnics in the park year after year. We love their floral collab with artist Molly Mahon in nostalgic, pretty pastel shades.
For something a little more grown-up, we love Heim Söhne’s tortoiseshell spoons – perfect for serving homemade salads or digging into chewy Eton Mess.
The best cool bags and boxes
Who knew we could be low-key obsessed with a cooler bag, but here we are. Sunnylife is the brand to check out for the quirkiest summer entertaining must-haves. They have everything from rainbow-striped cool bags to a box cooler that will keep your tinned cocktails chilled – did we mention it doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker?
Sunnylife is the brand to check out for the quirkiest summer entertaining must-haves.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
