Of course, you’ll need good cutlery, glasses, and a blanket to spread out on the grass. But there’s no rule that says you have to sit on the ground at a picnic, so bring along a light and portable table if that’s more your style. To keep all your sandwiches, salads, and produce at a safe temperature, you’re going to need a proper cooler (and ice packs, too).
For a picture-perfect picnic, be sure to pick up the essentials before the weekend rolls around.
12 essentials for your next picnic
Tirrinia Outdoor Wine Picnic Table — $42.00
The downside to picnicking without a table is that your food and drinks are on the ground, making it very easy to knock things over. Use this little table to make charcuterie in the park a breeze. It’s complete with wine glass holders so you don’t have to worry about your drink tipping over.
Willow Picnic Basket — $51.00 to $63.00
To go all out, no plastic cups in sight, this is the picnic basket you’ve been looking for. Available in a two-set ($51) and a four-set ($63), this basket comes with stainless steel cutlery (fork, spook, and knife), porcelain plates, real wine glasses, linen napkins, a bottle opener, and a waterproof picnic blanket.
Society6 Golden Sun Pattern Throw Blanket — $60.00
Picnic blankets are a staple of the picnicking experience. While you can use any blanket or even an old sheet, a designated picnic blanket means you don’t have worry about your blanket getting dirty outside. This sun print blanket from Society6 is designed by the artist Colour Poems.
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Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Cooler — $300.00
This backpack cooler from Yeti is designed to make getting around with your food easier than ever by efficiently distributing the weight. It features ergonomic shoulder straps, and a removable chest strap, and waist belt for added stability and security. It also has a leakproof zipper and a water-resistant shell.
Lekoch 8-Piece Unbreakable Bamboo Tableware Set — $35.00
Rather than lugging ceramic dishware into the park, opt for a bamboo set that’s lighter in weight and less likely to break. This set from Lekoch is perfect for two, featuring a cup, bowl, salad plate, and dinner plate. It comes in green and white (pictured), blue and white, and gray and white.
Picnic Time 32-in Blue Resin Rectangle Folding Picnic Table — $124.00
Why chance it with a picnic table when you can bring your own? This lightweight table (20 pounds) folds into a briefcase to make it easy to bring on the go. Is it the sturdiest table in the world? No. Is it best suited for children? Possibly. But with a weight limit of 250 pounds per seat, it’s stable enough to provide an easy alternative to eating on the ground.
Picnic Time Zuma Backpack — $34.00
Perfect for heading to the beach on your bike, this backpack features an upper compartment with mesh sides and a lower compartment that’s insulated to keep your cool foods and drinks cool. The lower compartment can hold a 12-pack of beer cans with ease.
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