Summer calls for treks into the great outdoors—everyone could use a little sunshine and sociability these days. And being outdoors not only adds to the joy of being in nature, but is the safest place to interact at the moment. Here’s a roundup of items that will turn your ho-hum picnic into a stylish picnic, and allow you to tote everything you need with ease.
DISHES
Juliska Splatter and Spin Melamine
This takes melamine to its ultimate artistic level. From Juliska’s Al Fresco Collection, this splatter and spin pattern (inspired by a painter’s drop cloth) will elevate any food on it. Think of the style it will add to your pool parties, backyard dinners, or picnics in the park. Dishwasher safe (top shelf recommended). Dinner plate, 11”diameter, $20; Salad plate, 9” diameter, $18. Also comes in yellow. juliska.com
Ollie Melamine
Go modern with graphic shapes that really pop, and add a colorful presence. Teal, persimmon, purple, aqua and orange squares mix and match in the Ollie melamine dinnerware collection, which also comes with serving dishes. Dishwasher-safe. Dinner Plate 10.5””diameter, $5.56; Salad Plate, 8.5” diameter, $19.96 set of 4; Platter 16.7”x 5’9”, $11.96; Bowl 7” diameter, $4.76. crateandbarrel.com
Pebble Matte Grey Melamine
For those with a minimalist, clean aesthetic comes soft, matte grey melamine dishware with an organic edge. CB2 exclusive. Dishwasher-safe, top rack. Priced nice. Dinner Plate, 10.5” diameter, $5; Salad Plate 8.5” diameter, $3.83; Salad Bowl 6.75” diameter, $3.36; Square Appetizer Plate, 5.75” square, $3.50; Serving Platter 15”Wx7.75”D, $6.76. cb2.com
Ekobo Recycled Bamboo Picnic Set
For a zen picnic experience that comes well packed, Ekobo offers a collection made from recycled bamboo. This picnic set comes with 4 cups, 4 plates/bowls, a salad bowl, and an anti-slip tray for perching things. It wraps up and stays closed with a silicone band. 9.5” L x 9.5” W x 5.5” H,$70. (Photography by Ty Mecham & Rocky Luten) food52.com
SunnyLife Lovers Picnic Set
This company’s product line is squarely focused on summer activities. The Lovers Picnic Set includes 2 plates and 2 cutlery sets (knife/spoon/fork), ideal for a cozy rendezvous for two. Plus it’s got a cool factor in its compact, stylish carrying case. BPA-free, hand wash only. About 10” diameter x 2” D. $30.This company truly channels summer, so check out their other products, like designer baskets and backpacks for toting the food—and lots of games. sunnylife.com
UTENSILS
Primus Travel Cutlery
For those who can only work with the real deal, i.e. stainless steel utensils, we found a compact set built for travel. A knife, fork and spoon come neatly wrapped in a leather sleeve. The cutouts make them lightweight while still being easy to grip. $32 for a set of two. food52.com (Photography by Ty Mecham) See the entire Primus collection, well-designed gear for outdoor enthusiasts. primus.us/
Reusable Travel Flatware
These pretty pastels come with serious recycling criterion. Made from 100% recyclable and sustainable thermoplastic that’s manufactured using renewable resources, it’s a longer-lasting alternative to disposable cutlery. Includes one fork, one spoon, and one knife that cleverly fit together for on-the-go packing, and perfectly lightweight. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Fork and Spoon: 8.5”L, Knife: 8.75”L. Set of three, $14. anthropologie.com
BLANKETS
Mambe Essential All Season Blanket
An investment in a Mambe blanket can take you through the seasons. The Mambe Essential Outdoor Blanket is designed to keep you warm and dry no matter what the conditions are. It’s made with Polartec fleece on one side and waterproof nylon on the other side, so great if there is dew on the ground. Comes with an ultralight sack for toting. Available in ten colors on the fleece side, nylon is black. Guaranteed for life. 58” x 84”. Best suited for: wrapping around 1-2 people, as a picnic blanket for 3-4 people. $ 79. mambeblankets.com
PIDSTYLAIecoMats Picnic Blanket
The stripes add a classic picnic vibe, especially in the blue and white colorway. (see Sunny Life utensils in navy for a perfect match!) This blanket from PIDSTYLAIecoMats (that’s a mouthful!) is waterproof and also comes with smaller mats. Natural cotton layer on top, polyester layer below. 79” x59” $90. etsy.com
Trek Light Gear Blackbird Blanket
Go natural and eco-friendly. These blankets are created using excess clothing materials which have been shredded into a pulp, and then re-purposed into yarn. Then they are handwoven in Mexico on a traditional loom by indigenous artisans, thus sustaining their traditions and creativity. For every item sold, a tree will be planted in your honor. Now you can go out into nature knowing you have honored it beautifully. 6.5’ x 4.5’, $88. treklightgear.com
BASKETS
Kathy Kuo Kattie Modern Classic Brown Willow Barrel Picnic Basket
This barrel-shaped basket resembles a high-end designer bag, but comes with a few extras—for those seeking a high-end wine and cheese experience in the great outdoors. It makes an ideal carrier for a bottle of wine plus includes 2 hand-blown wine glasses, a bottle stopper, a waiter-style corkscrew, a small hardwood cutting board (6”sq), a cheese knife,and 2 cotton napkins to keep it extra classy. Constructed from willow with leatherette accents and canvas carrying straps. 10.5“ high x 18” wide x 10.5” deep, Weight: 6.5 lbs. $102. kathykuohome.com
Lily Pulitzer Beach Cooler
Bring classic Lily Pulitzer sensibility to your picnic scene. These coolers make any picnic that much happier with their lively floral design. Outside is printed cotton canvas with gold accents, and is insulated inside. Comes with an adjustable strap and top handle for easy carrying. 4”W x 10”D x 12”H. $35. lillypulitzer.com
Artak Insulated Picnic Backpack
This handsome backpack is fully insulated and comes with straps on the bottom for toting the included blanket. The outside is washable, and straps are padded for comfortable toting. 12.5”L x 6”W x 24”H. $24.95 etsy.com
Picnic at Ascot Thermal Food Carrier
What’s great about this design is the fact that you can just unzip the top and food can be presented on a flat surface. It is lined with Thermal Shield foil which keeps food hot or cold. It fits up to a 11” x 15” casserole dish, so nice if you have made a mac ‘n’ cheese, lasagna, or veggie casserole. Features a sturdy centered handle to avoid tipping. Lifetime Warranty. 4”H x 18”W x 11”D. $32.95 amazon.com Check out the company’s entire collection on their website at this link: picnicatascot.com
California Picnic Backpack for 2
If you are looking for an all-in-one solution, this company creates backpacks to serve 2 or 4 people. Top of the line accessories include: 2 wooden-handle stainless steel cutlery sets, 2 wine glasses, salt and pepper shakers, 2 plates and napkins, a corkscrew, a cheese knife, cheese board, and waterproof picnic blanket. Lifetime warranty, no questions asked. $78.95. amazon.com See the whole line on their website: inpicnic.com
Of course, you will need some food too! Here are some of our recipes that would work well in a picnic scenario:
Bagel-Style Grain Free Crackers
