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Sep 04, 2023

8 Picnic Ideas & Beautiful Picnicware For Stylish Outdoor Dining

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We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

It's time to grab that picnic blanket, pick your finest picnicware and enjoy some sunshine.

Picnic season is upon us, and with it the season of lusting after beautiful picnicware (and mainlining antihistamines). As soon as the sun shines, it's hard to resist the lure of alfresco dining – whether on an outdoor table and chairs in your garden, or out and about in a local park or beauty spot.

We've all heard of tablescaping, but why confine stylish dining to tables alone? Picnicware can also be an opportunity to flex your creativity and showcase your style with your choice of picnic blankets, baskets, bags and crockery.

Simply bundling supermarket sandwiches into a carrier bag and hoping for the best is a wasted opportunity when you could be channeling boho texture in a whimsical meadow, crisp country gingham or a fun explosion of garden colour and print.

So take a minute to escape into picnic wonderland: we've gathered our favourite picnic ideas and picnicware accessories that you can shop now, so you can be all set to snack in style as soon as the sun shines.

If you've ever watched Love Island, you'll understand the appeal of a picnic date.

Fortunately, travelling to a villa in the Balearics is optional: a blanket, picnic hamper and some artfully positioned LED candles are all you need to create a romantic atmosphere in your garden or a nearby beauty spot.

Pictured: TruGlow outdoor candles, all Lights4fun

This pretty picnic basket contains all the picnicware and cutlery you could ever need, with a wipe-clean gingham lining.

Think outside the box for a truly special picnic experience. Setting up a trestle table on a shallow stream means you can keep your feet (and more importantly, wine) cool in the water on a hot day.

Believe it or not, these blankets and table linens from Weaver Green are all waterproof and washable as they are made from recycled plastic bottles, so you can use them almost anywhere.

Pictured: Indoor & outdoor tablecloth, napkins and throw, all Weaver Green

Sip in style without worrying about breakages. The ribbed finish on these acrylic picnic wine glasses from Dunelm makes them look extra luxe.

For a whimsical picnic vibe, stick to neutral tones and natural textures: think basket bags, linen or jute throws and elegant picnicware.

Pictured: Braided storage basket, Jord Home

Pretty and practical, these plastic picnic cups are durable so you can throw them into a bag or use them outside without worrying.

Bunting is one of the easiest ways to create a party mood. Drape it over a nearby tree, decant a cocktail into a colourful pitcher and pick patterned picnicware for a celebratory picnic vibe.

Pictured: Talking Tables pastel fabric bunting, John Lewis

One for the maximalists... artist Ellen Merchant's unique designs adorn these dishwasher-friendly bamboo and melamine picnic plates.

When it comes to beach picnics, keep things simple. Bundle a picnic blanket or two into a straw tote bag along with fresh fruit, plenty of drinks and a weathered wooden serving board or two, et voila!

Pictured: Recycled wool picnic blankets, The Tartan Blanket Co

This lightweight bottle keeps drinks cool for up to 24 hours and will hold a whole bottle of wine – we're sold!

Sometimes we all need a bit of nostalgia. Crisp gingham, enamelware and a wicker hamper will create a retro-style spread.

Pictured: Picnicware, Wayfair

Red gingham is a classic, plus this picnic rug has a PEVA backing and useful handles.

When it comes to florals, go all out – layer up different colours and patterns for a playful picnic look that's sure to impart joy.

Pictured: Cushions and picnicware, all Marks & Spencer

Pick from a selection of picnic plates and bowls in durable melamine. This large bowl is perfect for serving up pasta or salads.

There's nothing more satisfying than well-organised food prep, and picnic food is no exception. Once everything is washed and stashed into containers, pack into a cooler bag to keep as fresh as possible.

Pictured: Picnic blanket, bag and crockery, all Sophie Allport

Transport your food and picnicware in this picnic bag, complete with a cute design, thermal lining and comfortable shoulder strap.

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