The best picnic accessories guide: blankets, picnicware and more (2024)

Want to know where to buy an outdoor picnic blanket? Looking for the best picnic plates? Read on for our guide to al fresco dining accessories to perfect your picnic style this summer. We've got you covered whether you're venturing far afield or just planning to eat in the garden, from lightweight plates and colourful cutlery sets to the perfect picnic basket to carry your lunch in. Plus, we've thought of little extras for a luxury picnic experience, such as ice stones to keep drinks cool or sustainable beeswax wrap to package up sarnies.

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Once you’ve got your essentials sorted, check out our best picnic recipes for all the outdoor eating ideas you need. Don’t forget drinks! Read our guide to the best canned co*cktails to try and add a few to your next hamper.

Best picnic accessories to buy 2023

Jonny's Sister personalised circular pink picnic blanket

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Add a pop of colour to your picnic with this unique round blanket. Combining wide pink and white stripes with a touch of boho chic in the fringed edging, this soft cotton blanket is large enough to accommodate a crowd. It can also be personalised to make a great summer gift – think wedding presents and housewarmings. Also available in blue.

Available from:
Not on the High Street (£38)

John Lewis & Partners ANYDAY plastic jug and four tumblers

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Whether you're picnicking in the garden or venturing further afield, this clever jug and tumblers set is ideal. The practical jug has a generous 2-litre capacity and handled lid, while the set of four matching tumblers fit neatly inside – just the thing for carrying home at the end of the day, and for easy storage the rest of the year.

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Available from:
John Lewis (£10)

Wayfair lidded picnic basket with check lining

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Add a more retro feel to your picnic with a classic wicker basket. Decorated with a pretty red gingham trim, this basket is perfect for a simple afternoon in the countryside when you have a slightly smaller load to carry or you’re not straying far from the car.

Partner in Wine insulated wine bottle and tumbler

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Planning a leisurely lunch in the sunshine? Don't worry about lukewarm wine – Partner in Wine, founded in 2020, is here to ensure it stays perfectly chilled all afternoon. The insulated bottle holds an entire 750ml bottle of wine and is more practical than frozen wine chillers or melting ice packs – it'll also keep contents cool for up to 24 hours. If you don't need a whole bottle, go for the roomy double-walled tumbler with clever leakproof opening.

Available from:
Selfridges (bottle £35, tumbler £20)

M&S floral picnic salad bowl

This colourful floral salad bowl is made from lightweight melamine, and perfect for serving picnic centrepieces (check out our best summer salad recipes for inspiration). Matching melamine plates, bowls and platters are available in the same pattern if you want to complete the whole set.

Available from:
M&S (£14)

Dunelm acrylic wine glasses (set of four)

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Bring a touch of class to your picnic and serve wine in style. This set of four wine glasses is a bargain at just £5, and we love the subtle ribbed design. Ideal for drinking in the garden or taking on picnics without any fear of smashing.

Available from:
Dunelm (£5)

Lakeland mosaic serving platter

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If you're cooking for a picnic crowd, bring your feast in Tupperware, then serve on this pretty platter. It's generous in size, so it's perfect for piling high with salads or sausage rolls, and is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up when you get home.

Available from:
Lakeland (£12.99)

Ellen Merchant melamine dinner plates

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Our pick of picnic plates is this pretty set from Anthropologie. The set of three combines different floral and mosaic patterns, and the plates are made from bamboo, but are still dishwasher-safe. Use as colourful serving or dinner plates for picnics for two.

Available from:
Anthropologie (£27)

Hi-gear 16-piece cutlery set

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You won’t lose your cutlery when camping with this neon green set. This comprehensive set of 16 pieces (four x knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons) will meet the whole family's needs and is perfect for picnics and campfires all summer long.

Sydney The Sloth lunch box

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From fruit salads to frittatas, this fun lunch box will keep your food fresh and easy to transport, as well as making sure any leftovers can be carried back with ease.

Available from:
Rex London (£4.95)

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The best picnic accessories guide: blankets, picnicware and more (2024)

FAQs

The best picnic accessories guide: blankets, picnicware and more? ›

Picnic blankets are most commonly made with fleece, nylon, polyester, or some combination of these materials. Fleece offers the most warmth and comfort out of the three, making it ideal for fall and winter camping, sporting events, etc.

What type of blanket is best for picnics? ›

Picnic blankets are most commonly made with fleece, nylon, polyester, or some combination of these materials. Fleece offers the most warmth and comfort out of the three, making it ideal for fall and winter camping, sporting events, etc.

What to look for when buying a picnic blanket? ›

It must be large enough to fit a few people and several food items yet pack down small enough for transportation and storage. It must be soft enough for a baby to lie on but durable enough to withstand dog paws and errant twigs. It should be thick and comfortable to sit on but also water resistant and easy to clean.

What's the difference between a picnic blanket and a regular blanket? ›

It's created for the outdoors.

You want your picnic rug to be created for outdoor use. There is a vast difference between a blanket intended for indoor use and a rug suited for the outdoors. Picnic rugs have to withstand exposure to sun, dampness from the ground, sand, rocks and all the elements.

What is the coziest type of blanket? ›

Sherpa Blankets

A sherpa blanket is soft, warm, and perfect for those cold winter months. It is made from soft, luxurious fibers that provide softness and warmth. The advantages of sherpa blankets are that they are soft, warm and provide a great level of insulation.

Is the Yeti blanket worth it? ›

YETI Lowlands Review: An Ultra Durable and Comfortable Blanket for the Outdoors. The waterproof blanket is the perfect size — and it comes with a convenient carrying case, too.

How to make a picnic look nice? ›

For an aesthetic picnic, you want to make sure the foods you serve aren't too messy — after all, this isn't a backyard BBQ! Instead, look for easy-to-eat finger foods like sliced veggies and fresh fruit. Soft cheese like brie work well on seasoned crackers and hard cheeses are easy to eat without a lot of mess.

What makes a perfect picnic? ›

Sandwiches, pies, scotch eggs, sausage rolls and chicken drumsticks are considered classic picnic treats for a reason – they're all finger foods that travel well. Layer up a picnic baguette with salami, spinach, basil, pesto and mozzarella for a mouthwatering bite with or create a colourful veggie rainbow sandwich.

How do you set up an amazing picnic? ›

11 Tips to Host the Perfect Picnic
  1. Find a Picturesque Picnic Spot. ...
  2. Style and Decor. ...
  3. Use Fresh Flowers. ...
  4. Blankets and Pillows. ...
  5. Choose Your Picnic Basket. ...
  6. Plan Your Picnic Food. ...
  7. Games and Activities. ...
  8. Make a List When Packing.
May 26, 2022

What is the pattern on picnic blankets? ›

Picture a picnic, and you are probably picturing checkered tablecloth or blanket in the park. The red and white checked tablecloth is as predictable as a backyard game of badminton. The story goes back centuries to a simple fabric you know as gingham. Gingham is easy to make, durable, and inexpensive.

What is the picnic blanket pattern called? ›

Gingham, also called Vichy check, is a medium-weight balanced plain-woven fabric typically with tartan (plaid), striped, or check duotone patterns, in bright colour and in white made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarns.

Why are picnic blankets red and white? ›

The origin of this iconic pattern can be traced back to early European influences, particularly in regions like Italy and France. The red and white checkered pattern was often associated with traditional rural aesthetics, portraying a sense of warmth and simplicity.

How big should a picnic blanket be for 4 people? ›

How Big Should a Picnic Blanket Be – Size Chart
SizeNumber of people it seats
50 inch x 60 inch or 1.3 m x 1.5 m and upCouple or two people
50 inch x 80 inch or 1.3 m x 2 m and upThree to four people
60 inch x 80 inch or 1.5 m x 2 m and upFour to five people or family
1 more row

What is the best material for outdoor blankets? ›

Some of the most popular material options for outdoor blankets include wool, fleece, sherpa, and polyester. These materials are all extremely comfortable, but each one will come with its own benefits and disadvantages.

What material for a picnic blanket? ›

Fabric. Whether it's made from polyester, nylon, or cotton, a good picnic blanket “should be durable and able to be put down on any outdoor surface,” says Annie Seddington, president and coordinator of PikNYC Luxury Events.

Can I use any blanket as a picnic blanket? ›

Can you use a normal blanket for a picnic? Yes, but it will not offer the same insulation or any waterproofness as a specifically designed outdoor blanket.

Can you use a normal blanket for a picnic? ›

Yes, you can use a regular blanket as a picnic blanket. However, regular blankets likely won't have the same insulation or water-resistant (or waterproof) materials as a picnic blanket so they won't be as durable.

What is a picnic blanket? ›

picnic blanket (plural picnic blankets) A blanket to be spread on the grass etc. for the serving of food at a picnic.

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