The best picnic accessories guide

Jonny's Sister personalised circular pink picnic blanket

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 accomodate 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)

Oliver Bonas two bottle natural wicker picnic basket

It’s not just the food that needs to be kept cool for an al fresco feast. This smart wicker basket with sturdy straps features two insulated compartments to keep bottles cool and has a colourful green lining. Tucked inside the lid are two handy plastic wine glasses ready for drinking.

Available from:
Oliver Bonas (£45)

John Lewis ANYDAY plastic jug and 4 tumblers

• Available from John Lewis (£10)

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.

Available from:
John Lewis (£10)

Marks & Spencer Nautical picnic dinner plates

Picnic by the seaside? This set of four blue and white abstract plates are the perfect addition. They're made from lightweight melamine so they won’t smash or weigh down your rucksack. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe for easy clean-ups when you get home.

Habitat Modern Glam backpack cooler

Rather than lugging a heavy bag or wheeling a cool box across bumpy fields, take this backpack cooler bag out with you. It's thermally insulated to keep your picnic feast fresh and you can use it as a tote bag the rest of the year, too.

Amara double-lidded four person picnic hamper

If you’re dedicated to your picnicking, invest in a hamper to save you packing a kit every time. Picnic hampers come with everything you need to dine al fresco in style – this unassuming wicker design contains china plates, cutlery, wine glasses, napkins, a wine bottle opener and even mini salt and pepper shakers.

Wayfair lidded picnic basket with check lining

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

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)

Homebase beach parasol

If you're heading to the beach for your picnic, pack a lightweight parasol to provide shade. This classic design comes in three colours and can be used alongside garden furniture or packed up for picnics further afield to keep you cool during a summer heatwave.

Available from:
Homebase (£20)

Hi-gear 16-piece cutlery set

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

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)

ADEPTNA whisky ice stones

Keep your G&T, Pimm's or white wine ice-cold with these nifty reusable rocks. Pop them in the freezer a couple of hours before a picnic and they'll keep your drink chilled without diluting it.

Bormioli Rocco Emilia swing-top bottles

Want to transport a salad vinaigrette or a pre-made negroni? These swing-top glass bottles are easy to open and leakproof, making them ideal for carrying liquids to a picnic. They come as a set of four, so you can bring drinks for everybody.

Beetomee reusable beeswax wrap

Whether you're tucking into supercharged egg mayo or mozzarella-filled focaccia, sarnies need to be well wrapped, so swap clingfilm for reusable beeswax wraps to make your picnic sustainable and stylish this summer. Featuring a pretty bird design, these 100% cotton pieces can be easily cleaned with cold water. Use them for cakes and quiches as well.

Available from:
Amazon (£4.19)

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