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12 Picnic Accessories To Level Up Your Park Plans

Featuring a cooler that’ll keep an entire bottle of wine at optimum drinking temperature.

by Rebecca Fearn

March 21, 2021

A composite image of a picnic blanket in rainbow stripes, a turquoise and pink handbag-shaped lunchb...

Heating & Plumbing, Alessi, EcoSlurps

With coronavirus rules rapidly changing, the UK is looking to the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown to return to some semblance of normality this spring. We are already allowed to meet with one person outside of our household to grab a coffee and catch up (maintaining social distancing) and on March 29, we will also be allowed to meet with up to six people or two households outdoors in public parks or private gardens. This means only one thing: picnics. And these picnic accessories for outside meet-ups are certainly worth getting excited over.

It may not feel like it yet, but blink and spring will be in full swing. That means the temperature will warm up and it’ll be much more pleasant to sit with people outdoors for extended periods of time. Whether you want to invite anybody over for a garden catch up, or visit your local park together, there’s always time for a picnic vibe.

I’ve looked around for the best picnic must-haves, from the absolutely essential to the not-so-crucial but still super cute. We’re talking cool bags, drinks containers and cups, cutlery, games, tote bags, and picnic blankets, amongst other things. Keep scrolling to browse the edit.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Pure New Wool Waterproof Picnic Blanket Rainbow

Starting with the basics; we all need a sturdy picnic blanket. It’s worth forking out for one that’s waterproof and reliable.

LEON Reusable Paper Lunch Cooler Bag

You’ll need something to pop all your foodie bits in and to keep them fresh, and this fits the bill while still looking cool.

Alessi Food à Porter Lunchbox

Alternatively, invest in one of these excellent metal containers by Alessi, which has stackable layers.

Insulated Wine Bottle

What’s a Spring picnic without some chilled wine in tow? This can house a full bottle of wine... you’re most welcome.

S'well Granite Vacuum Insulated 2-In-1 Nesting Food Bowls

If you’re going down the lunch bag route, these S’well containers are ideal for keeping your snacks in before throwing them within the bag itself. Plus, not only do they look cool, they’ll insulated so keep the contents cool or hot.

Lizzo | Tote bag

Kazvare Made It

You’re going to need a roomy tote bag to put all your picnic swag in, and I can’t personally think of a cooler design than this one. I mean it’s Lizzo. Playing her flute. On a tote bag. End of.

EcoSlurps Reusable Cutlery Sets

Ditch the wasteful plastic cutlery and invest in some of these pretty pastel sets for eating on the go.

Striped seat cushion

Let’s be honest: unless you’re a young child, sitting on the floor for hours on end can be a challenge. Make things a whole lot comfier with a couple of these affordable outdoor cushions.

Wooden Ring Toss Garden Game

Stay entertained with your friend or family member with this little game.

Plant Mom Kitchen Tea Towel

Let’s be honest: spillages or leaking is bound to happen, so you’ll want to have a good quality tea towel on hand to mop up any accidents (forget the wasteful single-use kitchen paper!).

Kate Spade New York Citrus Celebration Melamine Tumblers, Set of 6

Every outside hang needs some reusable cups, and these are both pretty AND practical.

Set Of 4 Safari Picnic Dinner Plates

Non-breakable plates are also an essential; we may not be able to go on safari right now, but these plates will sure make us feel like we are.