Guest Picks: It's Not Too Late for a Picnic!
A basket is another essential. I like this one's classic, woven looks with a modern twist: The storage section is insulated, so you can be sure that your lunch will stay fresh. The basket also includes a 21-piece cutlery and serving set.
It's unlikely that you'll be able to fit everything in one basket, so a cooler is always handy, especially one that collapses for easy transport and storage.
Napkins: Don't leave home without them. This green paper runner is versatile in that you can cut up sections according to your needs: small for napkins or large for placemats.
For those who can't leave the barbecue at home, this portable grill will allow you to prepare and serve hot dishes wherever you are.
A picnic blanket is comfy and cute, but some people need a little more support. This compact and lightweight aluminum chair is practical in many ways: It's foldable, and it features a small table that allows you to safely put your glass down.
If it's a hot day, you might want to consider bringing a wine cooler to keep your wine at just the right temperature all through the meal. A nonslip rubber base keeps this cooler stable, and a reinforced handle makes it easy to transport.
Games are an integral part of picnics, and I love that this foldable badminton set is so easy to transport and install. Why not organize a tournament and bring a small prize for the winner?
Plastic containers are fine to carry food, but they can't beat this tiffin tin! It's available in three formats, but the large one is a whole picnic set in itself: one big compartment, three medium ones, four removable dishes, six dinner plates, six chutney saucers and six teaspoons.
Bamboo is a great material for outdoor meals because it's green and lightweight. This picnic set can be washed and reused again and again. At the end of the season, if it starts to show age, you won't feel guilty throwing it away because it's also biodegradable.
The spork is a nifty invention that allows minimalist packers to save lots of space.
Don't forget the corkscrew! Alessi's classic Parrot corkscrew is fun, whimsical and a great conversation starter.
If you're bringing a smaller lunch or there's just two of you, this smaller picnic carrier will fit the bill perfectly. Dividers allow you to safely and stylishly transport bottles, food, utensils and everything else you need.
One way to bring a picnic from great to fantastic is to make your own juices, lemonades and punches. Bottle your creations in these cute, classic jars that will display your drinks' bright colors and make your guests thirsty.
Straws, of course! Finish summer spritzers and picnic punches with these retro-inspired paper straws.
Your picnic basket isn't big enough to carry the wine bottle? By all means, don't leave it at home! Bring it along in one of these fun wine totes.
Picnicking shouldn't mean that you have to drink wine in boring Styrofoam or plastic glasses. These wine glasses are made of unbreakable polycarbonate, but they look just as elegant as the real thing.
Sitting and eating on a blanket means that stable surfaces for your glass may be rare. Bring these practical and sturdy wine glass holders, stick them into the grass or sand, and save yourself a spill.
I know that you're already carrying a lot of stuff, but in my book, ambiance is key, especially for a romantic dinner outside. These rustic and robust candle holders will provide a soft light while ensuring the wind won't snuff your fire.
Speaking of candle lighting, why not bring citronella candles along? They'll keep mosquitoes away while perfuming the air with a fresh and outdoorsy citrus scent.More: Outdoor Eating Essentials
A good blanket is the foundation of a successful picnic. It has to be soft, comfy and preferably waterproof (so that the humidity from the grass doesn't get through to you and the food). This stylish chevron blanket is all those things.
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