The sun and flowering blossoms beg my family to head out-of-doors this time of season, and so a lot of our gatherings become impromptu picnics. Each year I’d like to inventory a picnic basket with essentials so we can just toss in the food and proceed. I have gathered these ideas to help streamline my Xmas trainings. — Sasha from Lemonade Makin’ Mama
Elegant Picnic
Folding Wooden Picnic Table for Four – $142
Ever shown up at a park on a gorgeous day, laden with picnic and barbecue items, just to find all the tables are nabbed? Packing your table is brilliant!
Pottery Barn
Jacquelyne Picnic Basket – $59
I really like this basket simply because of its classic picnic-baskety shape. When picnic season ends, you can store anything inside it, or keep it on your car hauled with roadside essentials.
Anthropologie
Nifty Napkins – $32
The pretty patterns on these enjoyable cloth napkins deliver a relaxed, slightly boho vibe into the scene.
Elegant Picnic
Coco, Coffee Tote for Two – $47.99
I never would have thought about this one myself: a coffee and bagel picnic. Fantastic for those late spring and early summer mornings when a chill is still in the air, but the sun calls.
Pottery Barn
Corded Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Fresca Blue – $49
I think a blanket is the only way to go if dining alfresco, but a cheery, striped rug could do the job well — especially if it was a soft cotton fiber rug similar to this indoor/outdoor beauty. I really could shake it off and roll it up for the drive home!
Williams-Sonoma
Raffia Outdoor Pillow
Toss a few easy-care outdoor cushions around if you break out the picnic things. These neutral cushions with monograms will mix and match with just about anything and add a hint of chic style to an outside meal at an instant.
Pottery Barn
Picnic Beverage Stake – $19
This is the perfect accessory for those sunset picnics, while watching the tide come in.
West Elm
Picnic Flatware Set, Blue Stripe
Stripey and adorable is what you get when you sip these trendy blue-dipped flatware sets in your picnic basket. And after the picnic finished, bring them inside for some fun mixing and matching with your regular dishes.
Crate&Barrel
Galvanized Party Tub – $39.95
Galvanized bathtubs are so flexible. The size makes it ideal for items like hauling food and beverages, kid toys, party presents, and it might be a terrific picnic basket if you were serving a bigger group.
Crate&Barrel
Solarlink Radio – $59.95
OK, let me tell you this is a must in my own world. During the summer, it looks like each time I want to plan an evening picnic, there is a baseball game . Tuck this to your picnic basket, then bring together his favorite meatball sandwich and you’ve got an easy date-night pleaser!
Crate&Barrel
Acrylic Margarita Glass – $5.50
I’m not sure this requires an explanation. It’s bound to be an enjoyable picnic in case you bring these along.
Sundance Catalog
Double Take Wine Bags – $88
The leather of the wine bag begs to be touched. Bring this along to ensure nothing has broken or shattered amidst the packaging of a picnic basket.
Sundance Catalog
Jelly Jar Lanterns – $75
Fluted glass jelly jars and aluminum completed cable hangers — what’s not to love? I can visualize a sprawling tree with a half-dozen of these jars hanging, for a small picnic gathering . Insert some gourmet cheese, fruit and ice cold beverages, and it’s an instant celebration.
Etsy
Waterproof Picnic Blanket by PoBa – $140
Tuck this pretty waterproof blanket in your picnic basket. The yellow chevron fabric is really cheerful.
Etsy
Lunch/Picnic Tote in Mustard Waxed Canvas by Red Staggerwing – $58
With it’s waxed canvas exterior, leather handles, and laminated cotton lining, this stylish tote would be ideal for a walk through the park, finishing in a picnic.
The Container Store
Cloverware Utensil Set And Lunchskins – $7.99
This set of eco-friendly components and utensils is not just great for the environment, but it also keeps things clean on your picnic basket.
Crate&Barrel
Running Glass with Lid – $2.50
I’m not sure who came up with the idea of lidded drinking glasses, but they are ideal for some iced tea at my next outdoor gathering. Lids keep the bees away and clogs at bay.
John Lewis
John Lewis Acrylic Storage Canisters, Clear – GBP 8
Here is an eco friendly, reuseable storage idea for your next picnic. These apparent canisters are in reality made from nonbreakable acrylic and ideal for this particular watermelon salad, pickles, or alternative succulent side dishes.
Potted
Outdoor Wine Glasses – $14.95
These shatterproof wine glasses have convenient small thumb indents.
Branch
Veneerware Party Kit – $68
These kits of organically-grown bamboo dinnerware will serve picnicking groups of 16 or 50 and come stocked with virtually everything you’ll need. The very best part is that which is compostable, making for quick and easy cleanup!
Next: Great Grill Setups Take the Party Outside