No matter how and when social distancing regulations are eventually relaxed, without Wimbledon, music festivals and crowded pub gardens, this summer looks set to be the summer of the picnic. If you’re determined to make outdoor dining a stylish affair, read on for our curation of the chicest picnic baskets, blankets and crockery to choose from.
Zara Home Picnic Baskets
Picnic baskets seem like a perfect place to start, and Zara Home has two stylishly traditional options in rattan with sweet string and button closures. There are two sizes and colours to choose from, and both will look suitably summer-y positioned in one corner of your picnic blanket.
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Arket Packable Tote
If you’re looking for something a bit more practical when it comes to transporting the goods, Arket’s packable recycled polyester totes could be the answer. Available in a variety of colours, they’re generously sized, easy to clean and, most importantly, lightweight.
John Lewis Large Picnic Rug
Next up is the all-important picnic rug or blanket. This one from John Lewis has poppers so it’s easy to secure in a neat roll and is family-sized, making social distancing that bit easier. It’s also checked, which all respectable picnic blankets should be.
Lisa Corti at Liberty Tablecloth
If a traditional checked blanket isn’t your style and you’re looking to seriously impress, how about this beautiful printed tablecloth by decorative homeware designer Lisa Corti? This one is square and made from cotton, with geometric and floral motifs. It’s machine washable and sized for gatherings of 6 to 8 people.
John Lewis x LEON Picnic Plates
Now for the all important crockery! John Lewis has teamed up with LEON on a range of colourful and reasonably priced plates, bowls and tumblers made from lightweight and hardy bamboo.
MADE.COM Marco Picnic Plates
Equally colourful crockery can be found at MADE.COM, with the brand’s ‘Marvo’ collection of glossy melamine plates, bowls and tumblers. There’s even a tiffin box if you want to run with the colour scheme.
John Lewis Acrylic Cutlery Set
When it comes to knives and forks, this acrylic set from John Lewis is a smart option. It comes in a screw-top jar making it easy to transport and is easy to wash.
HAY Set of Six Straws
If you’re all about the details when it comes to picnicking and outdoor dining, you might consider this set of six straws from HAY the ultimate finishing touch. Just be sure your guests know that they are glass, not plastic.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
