From baskets to rugs, we've found the very best kit for picnic lovers. Read our top 10 list of accessories, including cool bags, plates and storage solutions. We also have picnic food ideas and recipe inspiration.
We’ve picked products we think you’ll love and may earn commission from links on this page. Read about why you can trust BBC Good Food reviews. This page was updated in May 2021.
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Picnics take some organising, from making easy food choices to finding equipment that’s going to make your gathering a walk in the park (pun intended). A sturdy picnic basket or hamper is the bedrock of a stress-free picnic experience.
From there, you can accessorise with eco-friendly reusable plates and cutlery, clever contraptions for keeping food cool, and the all-important picnic blanket.
While summer may see us take a whole new approach to al fresco dining, lots of people are opting for socially distanced picnics. Others are adapting and taking to their gardens to host a picnic with no less ceremony than usual.
We’ve rounded up essential buys for picnic success, wherever you lay your blanket. For more inspiration, see our picnic recipes.
Klevering Anouk bamboo plates
These pretty reusable plates are made from bamboo, so they’re a robust but lightweight option for easy carrying. You’ll make the money back in savings on disposable plates, and gain eco-friendly points.
Lakeland 22L family insulated cool bag with carry handles
Foil-lined, Lakeland’s insulated cool bag is big enough to carry picnic food, plates and cutlery for all the family. Its main compartment has a zip closure. There are also three exterior pockets for keeping smaller items like cutlery and napkins closer to hand. Throw the carry strap on your shoulder and go.
Keep a bottle of wine chilled all afternoon with this sleek insulated bottle from Partner in Wine. With capacity to hold a whole 750ml bottle of wine (or fill with any of your favourite picnic drinks) and keeping drinks cool for 24 hours, you’ll still be sipping chilled white or rosé even at the end of the lengthiest picnics this summer. Take your pick from the simple stainless steel, white or pretty pink finishes. The matching tumbler (£20) is perfect for shorter catch ups on sunny evenings.
Forever making cakes for occasions, only to be flummoxed by how to transport them? This super-practical tray allows you to bake, store and carry savoury tarts, bread, brownies and traybakes in one smooth process – perfect for picnics.
We love these Japanese style snack boxes by Paperchase. BPA-free, they’re perfect for crudités, fruit, nuts or snacks for kids. They also neatly nest for storage.
This reasonably priced picnic hamper includes a blanket and lots of extras, including plates and cutlery, saving you the bother of buying individual accessories.
The Azuma has three layers for waterproofing and insulation so that its fleece top will stay dry, whatever surface it’s placed on. Measuring 130 x 150cm, it’s a great picnic accessory for 2-4 people, whether you’re eating in the garden or getting out and about as a family. Buy from Amazon (£10.99)
Zuperzozial Take-3 cutlery set
Useful for camping and packed lunches as well as picnics, this reusable cutlery set is made from sustainable bamboo and corn.
Le Creuset is a brand renowned for producing high-quality products that last. Available in black and orange, its fabric-finish cooler sleeve is adjustable to accommodate a range of bottles and will prevent any condensation from seeping into your picnic basket. For the best results, store it in the freezer.
BBQ toolbox
If you’re heading to your picnic by car, this portable barbecue is an ideal alternative to disposable versions that you can only use once. Read our full review of portable barbecues.
This review was last updated in May 2021. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk
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