All the Picnic Supplies You Need for an Afternoon Outdoors
When warm weather and clear skies are in the forecast, we see no reason why you shouldn’t be eating every meal outside. And while there are many types of al fresco dining, nothing screams summer more than a traditional picnic. This season, even if you’re not tearing off chunks of baguette next to the banks of the Seine, you can still curate a dreamy spread and enjoy a leisurely afternoons outdoors closer to home (or at a scenic lookout during your next road trip).
We’ve compiled 13 of our favorite products to make outdoor meals easy, portable, and, we’ll admit it, incredibly photogenic. Read on for the absolute best picnic supplies to buy right now, and head here for tips from chefs around the world on what to put inside that iconic basket.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Løv Home Linens hand-dyed indigo shibori linen napkins
The Somewhere Co. picnic rug
While you can’t go wrong with a classic, red-checked version, why not have fun with patterns? The Somewhere Co.’s Picnic Rug comes in a half-dozen bright prints and is a serious step up from a standard blanket. Its 59” by 78” size accommodates plenty of friends; plus, it’s waterproof underneath and it rolls into an easy-to-tote shape complete with a carrying handle and shoulder strap.
Sony SRS-XB13 Extra Bass compact portable bluetooth wireless speaker
Picnics aren’t complete without a curated playlist. This summer, upgrade from your phone’s speakers to something with a little more oomph. We love Sony’s portable speaker not only for its surprising sound quality given its size, but also because it’s waterproof and dust-proof, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
Goverre portable wine glass
Prevent yourself (and your guests) from knocking over a full glass of wine onto your cheeseboard by grabbing a set of Goverre’s adorable and sturdy wine glasses. The silicone sleeve ensures a no-slip grip and the included lid means no spillage even if it does take a tumble.
Pebbl The Starter chair
A bad back shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a meal on the ground. Unlike portable chairs of yore, the Pebbl is seriously comfortable. It comes with two cushions, plus a patented hinge that provides enough give to help you find your ideal sitting angle. Its carry strap and easy-to-clean vegan leather material make it easy to tote along, and to brush off sand or dirt.
Thermacell rechargeable mosquito repeller
Nothing can kill the mood of a picnic faster than food that smells (or worse, tastes) like citronella. Upgrade from sticky sprays or clunky candles with Thermacell’s scent-free and smoke-free repellent. Charge the portable device before heading out and it’ll last for about five and a half hours while protecting a 20-foot radius around it from mosquitos.
Society6 sun shade
A sunny picnic can turn from a much-needed dose of vitamin D to melted chocolate and lukewarm rosé in an instant. Protect your food and your skin by bringing along one of Society6’s sun shades. The fabric is water-resistant in case of sudden showers, and with a seemingly endless array of prints, you can certainly find one that fits your al fresco dining aesthetic.
Corkcicle Eola bucket cooler bag
Whether you’re packing canned cocktails or seltzers, it can be tricky to keep everything chilled without lugging a full-on cooler along. Enter: Corkcicle’s adorable cooler backpack, which can fit a whopping 12 cans (or eight cans and two bottles of wine). Its padded and adjustable straps mean even if it’s weighted down with booze, it’s still comfortable to wear.
Scout Cools Gold soft cooler
And, of course, it’s not just beverages you’ll want to keep chilled. We love this sturdy cooler tote from Scout to carry everything from cheese plate components to sushi. Its hard, burst-proof bottom means it stays upright on the ground, plus it has a long strap for slinging over your shoulder if you’re carrying it long distances.
Mark & Graham travel cheese board and knife set
Shopping for a cheese lover? Buy them this travel cheese board so they’ll never be without their beloved dairy. This ingenious set from Mark & Graham has two interlocking boards—one for prepping and one for serving—plus a super-sharp Wusthof paring knife that has its own well for storage.
Mark & Graham Newbury picnic basket
There is no item more essential to a picnic than the basket, but not all are created equal. We love this one from Mark & Graham for its classic wicker design and because it’s fully loaded with everything you need for four people to nosh and drink: plates, wine glasses, stainless steel flatware, and a corkscrew. You can even monogram the leather tag for a personalized touch.
OXO Good Grips Prep & Go container set
Pre-picnic prep is essential for creating a meal that’s easy to eat on the ground. We love OXO’s container set because it has the right-size vessel for every type of food, from salad storage that can separate wet from dry ingredients and a berry container with a removable colander (which keeps them juice-free if they’re cut) to leakproof condiment tubs.
S’well Teakwood Roamer
To keep your pre-batched cocktails or cold brew extra chilly, you need a carafe that’s not only super-insulated, but big enough for sharing. S’well’s Roamer, which comes in 48- and 64-ounce sizes, can keep liquids cold for a whopping 72 hours or hot for an impressive 24.
