Guest Picks: Pretty Picnic Essentials
This Ideabook offers suggestions for 20 products that can instantly make your picnic a special event, and inspire you to take your lunch, dinner or dessert outdoors more often. — Denise from The Swelle Life
To complete the setting — and equally important, protect yourself from the harsh midday sun — take a parasol on your picnic. I am smitten with this embroidery anglaise-edged style, which has a straight wooden handle and is treated with UV protection. And unlike most parasols, it's also waterproof, so if you get caught in a flash shower you can get home dry!
I love the idea of serious picnicking with this fully-equipped wicker basket, including proper china, wine service and glasses. This four-person set doesn't miss a detail with its bright turquoise interior, insulated wine bottle holder and food bag, cutlery, monogrammed tablecloth and napkins, Thermos flask and corkscrew — even china plates and mugs that feature the company's gorgeous chinoiserie design!
I like knowing a pretty blanket won't be ruined on the grass, so a waterproof underside is a must-have, especially for beach picnics or breakfasts in the park when it's still dewy. This cotton-topped floral design is padded for comfort, and is wipeable on the underside, which is wax coated to keep off any cold or wetness from the ground. It rolls up easily and ties with the attached ribbon tape. It's available in a single or double size.
I love a simple wicker basket for packing a light lunch and taking it on the road. This one is gorgeous. It is woven from water hyacinth and lined in fabric. Its central hinge style allows you to open it at either end, while the leather straps and brass locks finish it beautifully.
You might as well go all-out and cook your picnic food, too. This portable barbecue is lightweight and comes in a handy bag for carrying. It only uses a few briquettes, and, because it stays cool to the touch, you can use it in close proximity.
No one does picnicking like the British, so whether you're near the glorious gardens of the English countryside or not, you can benefit from their methods. There's also a guide to the 20 best picnic sites with maps, should you find yourself in the U.K., and what to look for to find the best spot near you.
I love these pretty little paper plates. They are almost too lovely to throw away, but the practicality of them is worth the loss — you won't even notice the weight and there's nothing to clean up at home. Each pack features three dainty vintage designs in pink, blue and yellow.
The proper cloth napkin adds a certain formality to your picnic lunch without any real fuss. I love the faded stripe of these cotton ones. They are pretty and classic, lending a laid-back, casual style to your setting.
This roll-up is such a fantastic solution to the loose dirty cutlery problem after your picnic, or forgetting to bring cutlery at all! This set of bamboo utensils tucked in contrasting print fabrics is compact when rolled up, and can be kept in your basket after washing so you'll always have it.
These reusable sandwich sacks could easily become a staple in my house — no bulky containers and no waste to throw away after your picnic, or anywhere else you take your food. The inside is lined with water and stain-proof nylon that can be wiped clean, or you can throw the whole sack into the wash. It closes with a strip of Velcro. The printed fabric turns a utilitarian item into a cute accessory. It's also available in a snack size.
I love the idea of an afternoon tea picnic with an assortment of cakes and sandwiches served on a proper stand. This cardboard version with three tiers is a brilliant solution. It comes flat and will easily slide into your basket. Then, you can just pop it together and set it on your blanket. And its birdcage style in soft pastels looks as lovely as the prettiest cake stands.
I love the big pop of color these plastic cups give your picnic. They come in a range of bright hues and are small enough to fit inside your basket or hamper.
Perfect for a lunch in a forest clearing, this adorable printed cotton blanket is also practical. It has a waterproof nylon underside and rolls up for easy carrying using the attached handle. I'd set it with plates and cups in a contrasting solid blue. It is also available in horse, robin, stag and seagull prints.
I may just use picnicking as an excuse to buy this digital/FM radio, because it's the best looking one I've ever seen. Orla Kiely's signature prints adorn the casing — you have a choice of the blue flower or multicolored stem designs. The look is finished with a mirror-chromed folding handle, walnut veneered cabinet and cream fascia. It's loaded with technical features as well, including an input for your iPod/MP3 player, Intellitext and textSCAN, an auto-dimming OLED display, an alarm, a kitchen timer and a USB connector for future product upgrades. Wear an Orla Kiely signature print sundress and you'll have the most stylish picnic!
I love the idea of enjoying my picnic with legs outstretched or crossed on the blanket, but my knees and back do not. A chair is a true picnic essential for some of us. This horse print fold-up style is padded for comfort and features drinks holders in the arms, thus ensuring we are actually able to enjoy our outing!
Hot food is lovely at a picnic. This backpack offers not only properly warm soup when you arrive at your site, but no effort is required in getting it there. It's a compact "hotpack" that comes equipped with two each of stainless steel insulated mugs, spoons, screw-top milk containers and one vacuum flask. And with its slim safari styling, it looks great too!
Sometimes it's nice to get out with your family or a group of friends, and for that you need a picnic table. I love that you can instantly transform an old, weather-beaten table into a lovely setting by simply throwing a tablecloth on top. This pastel pattern is so pretty and can be played up with floral place settings, or let it stand out with solid white china (or Chinette!). And its gloss vinyl coating means it wipes clean. It's available in a variety of sizes, including custom cut.
Packing and traveling with wine glasses can be a little daunting, but I wouldn't think twice about throwing these pretty yet hard-wearing acrylic wine goblets in the basket. They can also double as dessert bowls for puddings and creamy cakes.
If I've got an extra set of hands, then I'd love to take along an extra basket for napkins, cutlery and condiments. This open washed willow basket has rustic charm that's perfect for lunching in the rough.Next: DIY: Turn Your Carport Into an Outdoor Dining Room
I love this equally charming and more practical alternative to the traditional picnic basket. The retro sea motif pattern on fresh blue would make it a joy to carry to the park, and the insulated layer keeps food chilled until you arrive.
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