Nail your next picnic with these 10 essentials

August 12, 2019

Having a picnic at the park or the beach is practically the default summer activity. You can play it simple, but why not bring your outdoor noshing and lounging game to the next level? Imagine chilled wine, a nice chair to sit in and even some lawn games for the kids (or adults) to get excited over. Read on to find our top 10 picks to bring along to your next picnic.

Classic Picnic Basket

What better way to get into the mood than with this old-fashioned, wicker picnic basket? With service for four, along with a cheese knife, cutting board and salt and pepper shakers, you’ll be super-prepared for a very nice lunch. And for extra style, it even comes with an insulated wine bag, napkins and tablecloth.

Couture Willow 4-Person Picnic Basket from Houzz

Bring the Wine and Cheese

Become the most popular picnic friend by bringing along this wine and cheese tote bag. It’s insulated and has two compartments for wine, so you don’t have to worry about your provisions becoming too hot during the journey there. It even comes with a small cheese board, knife and corkscrew, so you’ll be totally set!

Duet Wine and Cheese Tote from Houzz

Bowl on the Lawn

Bring the competition with this wooden lawn bowling set. Made of hand-painted New Zealand pine and complete with two wooden bowling balls, it’s the perfect game to bring to any outdoor gathering. It even comes with a mesh bag for easy transport.

Wooden Lawn Bowling Set from Houzz

Play in the Dark

Keep your evening picnic going into the night with this LED, light-up flying disc. Simply press a button when you want the lights to turn on, and get the game started!

LED Light-Up Flying Disc from Houzz

Croquet Time

What’s more classic than playing a round of croquet during your summer picnic? This croquet set includes six solid wood mallets and everything you need to set up your game. And it even comes with a convenient carrying case so you won’t forget a thing.

Complete Croquet Set from Houzz

Don’t Forget the Blanket

Having a large, soft blanket for everyone to sit on is a must. This 100 percent combed cotton throw is perfect for outdoor lounging, and it even sports a stylish herringbone pattern.

Herringbone Throw, Navy Melange from Houzz

Opt for a Folding Chair

If you’re planning on staying outside for a while, having a chair to sit back and relax in can make a big difference. This folding butterfly chair is perfect for taking to and from your picnic spot. Made of cotton with a steel frame and available in 16 different colors, it’s a no-brainer to bring to your next picnic.

Butterfly Folding Chair from Houzz

Drink in Style

If you’re bringing wine to your picnic, forget those disposable plastic cups and opt for this set of four stemless wine glasses instead. You won’t have to worry about anything breaking, and at the end of the day, simply throw them in the dishwasher to use at your next picnic!

Stemless Wine Glasses from Houzz

Pass Out the Plates

For big group picnics, serving food on plates usually makes the most sense. But besides being wasteful, paper and plastic plates can just feel so flimsy. The solution: this set of 12 melamine plates in a sunny yellow color, which can be washed and reused over and over again.

Melamine Wide Rim Plate, Set of 12 from Houzz

Keep It Cool

Thermoses don’t have to be just for coffee — try pouring in a mixed cocktail, iced tea or simply some chilled wine. Your summer beverage of choice will stay crisp and cool for several hours in this stainless steel thermos. And with a capacity for up to 12 ounces, it’s perfect for sharing.

Stainless Mug from Houzz