9 Picnic Essentials
Ants aside, there’s nothing more enjoyable in the spring and summer than a picnic. Make a few sandwiches, throw a few crudités into containers, chill some wine—and you’re basically ready to go. We have some suggestions for putting together an essentials kit, whether you want to pick and choose individual elements or grab an all-in-one.
Pick your own picnic essentials . . .
PortableAnd Picnic Blanket
Large (59” x 69”), waterproof, sand-proof, and supremely portable, with room for 4 adults. It folds down to 6” x 12” with a built-in leather handle. Cushy, too, with fleece on top, a spongy middle layer, and vinyl on the back.
Picnic at Ascot Original Insulated Wine and Cheese Cooler Bag
It says what it does and it does what it says. Insulated to keep two bottles of wine or champagne at the perfect temperature—plus it has room for glasses or cheese and snacks. An adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to tote.
Black+Blum Travel cutlery set
Disposable plastic cutlery is not only wasteful but it breaks and doesn’t feel great in your mouth or hands. This nesting set of dishwasher-safe, stainless steel knife, spoon, and fork has its only protective carrying case and is sleek and modern.
Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle / 1.5 Quart
This is one of those products that’s so good and so classic that it almost seems silly to look further. Rugged, efficient (with double-wall vacuum insulation), and easy to carry. Plus it now comes in an array of attractive colors.
Prada stainless steel insulated water bottle
Okay, forget what I said above. This 500ml sleekness comes in silver or gold with a screened logo and a snap-hook and removable ring. Prada also offers other models in black or matte silver.
Chateau Laguiole Classic Olive Wood Corkscrew
Made from French or Italian olive wood, this classic (the brand introduced its first waiter-style opener in 1993) has a great hand feel and works like a dream. It even comes with a sheath you can (but probably won’t) hang on your belt.
Gingerich Family Amish Wicker Classic Family Picnic Basket
Handcrafted by Amish families, these ur-classic wicker baskets are heirloom-quality and will serve you well for years to come. 19 1/2” x 13 1/2” x 17 1/2” tall so there’s plenty of room for everything including a blanket.
Or, get everything at once . . .
Scully & Scully Dorset Picnic Basket for Four with Blanket
This near-perfect set has everything including a willow basket, plates, glasses, and all the trimmings (cutlery, napkins, wine pouch, cutting board, etc.) There’s even a blanket so you literally don’t need anything else (except for the food!)
Rolls-Royce Picnic Hamper
For those with lots of disposable income, this luxury set probably needs a staff to operate, but it sure is swell. Made from saddle leather, teak, and polished aluminum—plus Hungarian crystal, British flatware, and Wedgwood porcelain.
Story by Steven Treffinger / Photo courtesy of Amish Baskets
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