Turn any picnic into an occasion with these 17 picnicware and accessory must-haves

A well-curated spread and fun outdoor entertainment is undoubtedly part of a good picnic. But having the right picnicware and accessories makes things both easier and a little more aesthetically pleasing.

Having a handful of reliable pieces for your picnic makes all the difference, whether you're heading for a quick picnic lunch in the park or a longer afternoon working your way through our 69 picnic food ideas with friends. If you’re catering for different diets, it’s also worth bookmarking our easy vegetarian picnic ideas for simple, crowdpleasing options.

We've picked some of our favourite picnic accessories to buy this summer that are easy to use, transport and store, and will help make a casual alfresco catch-up feel like a special occasion.

Jump to:

• What do you really need for the perfect picnic?
• What picnic homeware trends are worth buying in 2026?
• Which picnic accessories will make your day outdoors easier?

Best picnic accessories and picnicware to buy in 2026

Mountain Warehouse Wicker 6 Person Green Tweed Classic Picnic Basket

• Available from Mountain Warehouse (£128)

This basket from Mountain Warehouse is a well-made, all-in-one option that takes the hassle out of packing and will make even the most last-minute of picnics feel elevated. The classic wicker basket should last the test of time and is ready to be popped in the boot of the car the moment the sun comes out.

Inside, it is fully set up for six, with porcelain plates, acrylic glasses, cutlery, a bottle opener and a picnic blanket included. Everything has its place, so it is easy to organise and carry. A smart choice if you want a complete picnic setup that is easy to use and built to last.

Available from:

• Mountain Warehouse (£128)

Jardins de la Comtesse Insulated Picnic Backpack

• Available from Amazon (£109.90)

This is a practical alternative to a traditional picnic basket, especially if you are walking to your picnic spot. This is a full setup for four packed into a backpack, with plates, acrylic glasses, stainless steel cutlery, a corkscrew, bread board, knife and even salt and pepper included.

The 20.5L insulated compartment will keep your picnic feast fresh, with extra pockets for a bottle, tablecloth or any extras, so you can quickly lay out an impressive spread.

Available from:

• Amazon (£109.90)

Wolf & Badger Pure New Wool Waterproof Picnic Blanket

• Available from Wolf & Badger (£155)

Does your picnic blanket need an upgrade this year? This is a luxurious take on the standard picnic rug, with a soft pure new wool design and a practical waterproof backing to keep damp grass from soaking through, so you can settle in comfortably.

It rolls up neatly into a compact bundle, with a handmade leather strap for easy carrying or attaching to a bag or bike. It works well for park days, festivals or trips to the beach.

Available from:

• Wolf & Badger (£155)

Lakeland Blue Azure Melamine Platter

• Available from Lakeland (£8.99)

Bring a touch of the nautical vibes to your next picnic with this handy blue striped platter. It is made from lightweight melamine, which means it won't shatter if dropped – ideal for picnics, barbecues or garden dining.

We love the long shape for loading up sharing dishes and salads, or keep it simple with a generous serving of sandwiches for feeding a crowd (check out our sandwich recipes for inspiration – our loaded coronation chicken sandwich is a must-try). Plus, it's dishwasher-safe for easy post-picnic clean up.

Available from:

• Lakeland (£8.99)

Latitude Vive Mauricio Medallion Salad Bowl

• Available from Wayfair (£6.13)

Designed to give the look of ceramic without the fragility and weight, this melamine salad bowl is a clever choice for easy outdoor dining. We love the unique Moroccan-inspired print with a subtle crackle glaze effect that adds extra texture.

The generous size makes it ideal for serving salads and sides, plus if you're a fan of the print there are plenty of matching items in the collection to cover all your picnicware needs, including bowls, plates and rectangular platters.

Available from:

• Wayfair (£6.13)

Dexam Sintra Mango Wood Spotted Chip and Dip Bowl

• Available from Dunelm (£31)

If your ideal picnic location is in your garden then light, melamine picnicware doesn't have to be the priority. In which case, we love the look of this mango wood chip and dip bowl for serving up snacks. Choose your favourite dip recipe to load up the central well and arrange crisps, chunks of crusty baguette or colourful crudités around the side. Then it's time to sit back, relax and get dipping in the sunshine!

Available from:

• Dunelm (£31)

Cox & Cox Geometric Acrylic Jug & Tumbler Set

• Available from Cox & Cox (£20)

A stylish step up from basic plastic serveware, this acrylic jug and tumbler set is made for easy outdoor hosting. The lightweight design makes it simple to carry out to the garden or park, while still feeling sturdy enough for regular use.

Available from:

• Cox & Cox (£20)

The Range Retreat Twin Glass Dispenser

• Available from The Range (£14.99)

A great option for serving drinks to a group, this twin glass dispenser is designed with big summer gatherings in mind. The two separate compartments make it easy to offer different drinks at once, whether that's infused water, juice or even cocktails. Litre of aperol, anyone?

Each side has its own tap for easy pouring so your friends and family can help themselves and you can keep drinks flowing without constant refilling. Keen hosts will be getting this out year after year for summer parties, barbecues and picnics.

Available from:

• The Range (£14.99)

Fieldbar x Fortnum’s Drinks Box, Eau De Nil

• Available from Fortnum & Mason (£179)

More than just a cool box, this drinks case is a classy design-led take on your outdoor essentials. The hard shell build is made for strong thermal performance, keeping drinks chilled while you are out for the day.

It has a compact 10L capacity, which is enough for a small group, along with a secure lock lid to keep everything in place while travelling. The leather strap makes it easier to carry, and the structured shape gives it a more polished feel than softer cool bags.

Available from:

• Fortnum & Mason (£179)

Dunelm Sophie Robinson Set of 2 Serving Utensils

• Available from Dunelm (£12)

A simple way to brighten up your picnic setup, this serving spoon and fork set adds a bit of colour without overcomplicating things. The bold striped detailing at the handles gives them a playful edge, while the mango wood keeps the overall look warm and natural. Just what you need for dishing up salads, pasta or sharing plates in style. They're easy to pair with other serveware, whether you are going for something coordinated or more mix-and-match.

Available from:

• Dunelm (£12)

Colori+ Funky Fruit Paring Knife

• Available from Kuhn Rikon (£11.95)

Small but genuinely useful, this paring knife is the kind of understated essential you end up reaching for again and again on a picnic and everybody will be glad you packed. The sharp stainless steel blade makes light work of fruit, veg and cheese for picnic grazing and al fresco chopping. It also comes with a matching sheath, which makes it much easier to pack safely in a bag or basket.

Available from:

• Kuhn Rikon (£11.95)

Catherine J Designs Tomato Tea Towel 100% Linen

• Available from Etsy (£25)

A simple but useful addition to your picnic kit. Made from 100% linen, it is naturally quick-drying and antibacterial, so it works just as well for drying sticky hands after eating as it does for wrapping bread or laying out snacks. The generous size also makes it easy to double up as an impromptu placemat or cover to keep food fresh.

Available from:

• Etsy (£25)

Klean Kanteen Lunch Box Set Steel Food Boxes

• Available from Amazon (£88.13)

Klean Kanteen's set of three stainless steel food boxes is geared towards easy packing on the go. The different sizes make it simple to separate snacks, sides, dressings and full meals, whether you are heading out for a picnic or a longer day trip. Being plastic-free is a plus, and the boxes don't hold onto flavours, which makes them useful for a mix of foods.

Available from:

• Amazon (£88.13)

Next Home Set of 4 Natural Vacation Picnic Pasta Bowls

• Available from Next (£20)

Built for outdoor dining, these melamine pasta bowls are light and easy to take on the go. Use them for portioning up different picnic snacks (surely a picnic isn't complete without someone handing round a bowl of sausage rolls) or individual bowls for people to fill up from your picnic feast. Each bowl features a different pattern, adding a bit of variety to your setup without feeling mismatched.

Available from:

• Next (£20)

Jardins de la Comtesse Insulated Picnic Basket

• Available from Amazon (£229)

For something more traditional, this wicker picnic basket comes fully equipped for two, for a romantic picnic that feels a little extra luxe. Inside, there is a full dining set with porcelain plates, glassware, cutlery, a tablecloth and even a cutting board, so very little extra packing is needed.

An insulated compartment is built in for keeping drinks or food cool, while leather straps and a sturdy handle make it easy to transport despite its size.

Available from:

• Amazon (£229)

Lakeland RPET Blue Glacier Bowls Pack of 4

Available from Lakeland (£19.96)

Lightweight and easy to pack, these melamine bowls are geared towards fuss-free outdoor dining. The shatter-resistant material means they can handle being knocked about in a picnic bag without much worry.

Each bowl is a handy size for salads, snacks or desserts, and the blue striped design adds a bright, summery touch. They are also dishwasher-safe, which keeps things simple once everything is packed away.

Available from:

• Lakeland (£19.96)

Sourhouse Bread Blanket 86cm

Available from Harrods (£38)

A simple but thoughtful addition, this cotton bread blanket is designed to keep loaves protected while you are on the move. The muslin fabric is soft yet breathable, helping to keep bread in good condition while also catching crumbs as you slice or serve.

The generous size makes it easy to wrap everything from a baguette to a sourdough loaf, and the blanket can double up as a casual serving cloth once you are set up.

Available from:

• Harrods (£38)

What do you really need for the perfect picnic?

A perfect picnic doesn’t have to be over the top, it just needs a few thoughtful essentials. Start with a comfortable base like the Wolf & Badger Pure New Wool Waterproof Picnic Blanket, which works just as well on damp grass as it does on dry ground.

For packing, something like the Mountain Warehouse Wicker 6 Person Picnic Basket keeps everything in one place, especially if you don’t want to think too hard about what to bring. Pair it with practical tableware – the Lakeland Blue Azure Melamine Platter and Next Home Picnic Pasta Bowls are lightweight, durable and easy to clean.

Add reusable storage like the Klean Kanteen Lunch Box Set and you’ve got a simple, organised setup that covers all the basics without overcomplicating things.

What picnicware trends are worth buying in 2026?

Picnic style in 2026 is all about that balance between practicality and a slightly more elevated feel. Insulated pieces are having a moment, with options like the Jardins de la Comtesse Insulated Picnic Basket and the Fieldbar x Fortnum’s Drinks Box helping keep food and drinks cool for longer.

There’s also a noticeable shift towards more sustainable choices. Reusable materials like steel and recycled plastics – seen in pieces like Lakeland’s RPET bowls – are replacing throwaway options.

At the same time, people are leaning into picnics as a bit more of an occasion. Acrylic drinkware like the Cox and Cox Geometric Jug and Tumbler Set gives you the look of glass without the worry.

Which picnic accessories will make your day outdoors easier?

The best picnic accessories are the ones you don’t have to think about once you’re there. Simple serving pieces like the Dunelm Sophie Robinson Serving Utensils or the Dexam Mango Wood Chip and Dip Bowl make sharing food feel effortless.

For drinks, a Retreat Twin Glass Dispenser is surprisingly useful when you’re catering for a group, while insulated options help keep everything at the right temperature.

Smaller extras can make a big difference too. A Colori+ Funky Fruit Paring Knife is handy for quick prep, and a linen tea towel can double up as a napkin, cover or clean-up cloth. Even niche additions like a bread blanket can come in handy if you’re bringing a proper spread.

It’s these little touches that make the whole day feel more relaxed, organised and easy to enjoy.