9 stylish picnic essentials to celebrate the change in season
Spring is here, and it’s time to plan your outdoor picnics with my tried-and-true favorite picnic essentials
I love spring. There’s just something about the weather getting warmer that makes me want to overhaul my home and go shopping. I’ve already stocked up my cart with my favorite spring tablecloths, but it’s time to focus more on my favorite part of spring, which is the hosting.
Having a picnic is an easy way to bring all your friends together when the weather gets warmer, especially when you don’t want things to be too formal. Upon perusing my favorite home retailers, I was thrilled to find a slew of stylish picnic essentials that’ll help make the process easy to organize.
There are hand-woven picnic baskets created to withstand the elements, some pretty blankets to rest on, tons of napkins and serveware for all your favorite foods, and even picnic tables that are relatively affordable, especially for furniture pieces. With so many different options available right now, however, it can be hard to figure out what to shop, which is where I come in. I looked at pretty much every one of my favorite stores to find the picnic accessories to transform your spring gatherings.
My criteria for helping you choose the best picnic essentials were simple: I looked for items that were on-trend, could double as spring decor, were easy to clean, and able to withstand all weathers (just in case). From disposable napkins to colorful linens, here’s everything you need to host the picnic of the season this spring.
The best picnic essentials for spring
Inspired by the ‘famille rose’ Chinese porcelain designs introduced in the 18th century, the floral lining of this deluxe picnic basket features vibrantly colored leaves and blooms. This set has everything you need to throw a picnic for four, including four plates, four wine glasses, four knives, four forks, four spoons, four napkins, a waiter's corkscrew, an insulated cooler, and a large picnic basket.
These gold floral paper napkins have a luxe vibe to them, and their disposable nature means you never have to worry about washing up.
A good picnic is nothing without some charcuterie and cheese, and these marble and wood boards make sure they’re displayed in style.
Linen napkins add a sense of elegance to any event, and these come in a selection of bright colors to welcome in the sunny season.
Was $42, now $29.99 at West Elm
Made from stainless steel in brushed brass with chic marble handles, these knives go wonderfully with the charcuterie board included on this list.
Pick from four joyful patterns for your picnic with these affordable blankets from H&M Home. I’m partial to the palm tree-inspired leaves, but the bright lemons add a touch of whimsy, too.
Was $139, now $68.99 at Pottery Barn
This gorgeous handwoven number is a picnic basket and wine caddy in one, complete with separate compartments for each. The wicker construction brings a sense of warmth.
This large, colorful blanket is made from soft cotton with different striped prints on either side, and is machine-washable for easy maintenance.
These picnic essentials are giving me all the spring vibes, and I can’t wait to start having some picnics in the park soon. When you want to host something simple without having to go all out or clean up your patio, hosting a picnic is the most low-key way to bring your favorite people together, especially when your plans are impromptu. From the best picnic baskets available to handcrafted blankets for lounging, this list has everything you need for the perfect spring picnic day.
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Nikhita is the Style Editor for Homes & Gardens, making sure our home-savvy readers are always aware of the latest trends and deepening their knowledge of classic design. Nikhita graduated with her Master of Arts in Magazine Journalism from New York University, and has spent a decade in interior design and shopping roles at shelter publications ELLE DECOR and Domino Magazine.
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