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 and practical 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.
Start With A Basket
Far less practical than a backpack – not to mention 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 rattan design complete with wine bottle holder (essential) to Not Another Bill’s gingham lined option – very Dorothy – to the Rolls Royce of picnic baskets, Anya Hindmarch‘s signature eyes hamper, filled with everything you need to set up.
Invest In Good Blankets & Cushions
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more robust and chicer-looking picnic blanket than this. Dock & Bay’s Strawberries & Cream number is extra large, lightweight and waterproof – it even comes with a hole for a parasol or umbrella. Genius.
Curate A Collection Of Cute Dinnerware
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 which can be used for garden parties, children’s birthdays or picnics in the park year after year. We love the splattered marble designs and 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.
Don’t Forget Your Cool Bags
Who knew we could be low-key obsessed with a cool 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?
Pick Up Tasty Picnic Food
Finally, get your drinks and nibbles situation sorted with some high-end shop-bought treats. Go big with Fortnum’s Piccadilly Hamper for 2, perfect if you’re planning a romantic summer date; or keep it casual with pre-made Aperol spritz bottles and Torres iconic Black Truffle Crisps – name us a better crips, we’ll wait.
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.