The Best Picnic Blankets and Baskets (Plus 5 More Ways to Have a Better Meal Outside)

A classic picnic basket with modern upgrades, this insulated basket will keep your chicken salad chilled (throw in some ice packs to be sure), and, though it looks small from the outside, its capacity is a bit of a clown car — easily deep enough to hold a bottle of wine and an impressive amount of food. But the real charm is the fact that its circular wooden lid makes a handy tabletop for your meal. 

A tote offers a practical approach to ferrying picnic provisions, especially if you’re on foot. For trekking to your destination, this insulated Nor’easter tote from L.L. Bean is a solid choice. Perfect for packing up a couple of subs, chips, and drinks, the bag echoes the classic, effortless style of the iconic Boat & Tote with a slightly modified silhouette, including a cross-body strap for easy carrying. Not only can you get this one monogrammed — it feels kind of imperative for the vibe.

You’re not Little Red Riding Hood, and if you’re planning a picnic off the beaten path, you can’t be expected to schlep an old school picnic basket in the woods. For an apres-hike picnic, you’re going to need a backpack. What I love about this one is that it includes all the bells and whistles you could possibly need — a cheese knife and wine opener, bamboo cutting board, salt and pepper shakers, and melamine plates, plus hard plastic stemmed wine glasses and stainless steel utensils for four. As an added bonus, the sides of the bag offer space for a wine bottle and blanket. I also appreciate the waterproof pouch for drink cans and extra ice. 

At a reasonably affordable price point of $29.99, this Target picnic basket has a lot going for it — It’s giving quintessential picnic, with a timeless look that includes a buckled closure and fabric straps; it can hold a decent amount of provisions in its 11” x 16” x 12” interior, and most importantly, the inner lining can be removed easily for machine washing should it happen to suffer any spills. 

Not only does Etsy have a variety of deliciously retro vinyl Tupperware totes, but this particular set also includes a full assortment of plates, tumblers, condiment bottles, salt and pepper shakers, and food and drink containers in a very 1970s orange hue, for four picnic-goers. (Yes, vintage Tupperware likely contains BPA. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, pass along the plates and cups and keep the cute vintage tote.)

Made from recycled materials, this puffy picnic blanket has that slick Baggu feel, which is handy for a picnic’s inevitable spills. Just wipe them off and toss the blanket in the washing machine, and it’ll be back to its cheery strawberry glory in no time (it comes in four other colors, too). 

Gearing up for a beach picnic always makes me feel like a bit of a packmule tethered to a wagon full of snacks, so I appreciate this blanket’s easy portability, but what makes it a must for beach picnics is the fact that this (machine-washable!) polyester blanket is both waterproof and sandproof. Whatever comes in contact with the blanket just slides right off. Think of this sturdy blanket as a practical base layer onto which you can add your own cute beach towels for extra padding.

This is the image my brain pulls up when I search ‘picnic blanket’ in my mind. Maybe that’s because Mexican blankets are durable, washable, available in a slew of vibrant colors, and, at under $15, very affordable. Plus, when you’re not picnic-ing, you can use the blanket for yoga or any other activity where you want a cozy surface. 

With its cheery print and quilted style, this blanket is equally well suited for a picnic in the park or lawn seats at a Goose show. This extra-large 8’x8’ throw checks all my picnic blanket boxes — durable, packable, machine-washable, water-resistant, and big enough to accommodate a few friends.

Landing squarely in the “what to get the person who has everything’” bucket, you’ll find this personalized picnic blanket. We’re not talking about a little monogram here. When you order this 60” by 80” woven cotton blanket, you can add your family name or even a little message to the tableau, which includes illustrations of picnic platters, cutlery, and a cute basket. 

Easily the classiest flask I’ve ever owned, the Parkside flask holds a full 750-milliliter bottle within its somm-approved stainless steel interior and includes two built-in tumblers for serving. Plus, I never have to worry about sipping room temp Sauternes, because the insulated flask can hold a bottle at the desired temp for up to 24 hours. 

Charcuterie is an easy “yes” for picnics because it’s the ideal environment for languid grazing, and this board, which is kind of like a TV tray with a lid, lets you create a beautiful spread and then lock it in place until you and your friends are ready to feast.

These bamboo plates are chic enough for indoor use and everyday use, but they’re also a smart way to upgrade the look of your picnic, whether you opt for the trippy grid, bright yellow waves, or terrazzo-esque party confetti. Plus, they’re lightweight, reusable, virtually shatterproof, and easy to clean. 

Few things can ruin a picnic faster than bugs, especially mosquitos (Ants are kind of charming by comparison), but greasy sprays and smelly candles can really mess with enjoying the perfect pan bagnat. Enter this rechargeable mosquito repeller, which is easily portable and creates a scent-free 20-foot protection zone around you and your precious snacks.