12 Best Accessories to Pack for Your Next Picnic

Roll out all the stops at your next picnic with our favorite baskets, coolers and tables.

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May 18, 2022

Break out the baguettes and splurge on some burrata because picnic season is in full swing. And one thing we know to be true: Lounging under the sun with a spread of seasonal snacks and spirited sips is a winning way to spend any free afternoon.

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So, whether you are zipping off to the coast for a romantic getaway with your spouse, watching your kiddo hit home runs at their little league game or catching up with a friend at the neighborhood park — we’ve got you covered with all your picnic needs.

From iconic woven baskets and colorful cooler bags to waterproof blankets, tables and pickleball sets, we’re sharing all the portable picnic gear you need to get in on the fun. Read on to get the 411 on our favorite picnicking essentials and shop the lot with the links below.

$37

Head to the park for an old-fashioned picnic with this classic red gingham blanket in tow. The water-wicking blanket folds up, transforming into an easy-to-tote shoulder bag (complete with a built-in pocket!) for a comfortable commute. Better still: the charming picnic blanket is machine washable, making grass stains and wine spills worries of the past. Snag the zip-up picnic blanket in the iconic gingham pattern for a timeless appeal or stay true to your contemporary aesthetic with the gray wave option instead.

And here we have the quintessential wicker picnic basket. This timeless willow-woven picnic basket boasts buckled leatherette shoulder straps and a sporty navy-striped canvas lining. Each basket comes equipped with a generous built-in cooler compartment to keep fruits, cheese and wine chilled on the go. Even better? The basket top features a fabric organizer that holds a comprehensive serveware set for four people: forks, knives, spoons, plates, stemless wine glasses and a corkscrew.

$79.99 $70

Keep your cabernet in your glass and off the grass with this top-rated portable picnic table. This handsome acacia wood table helps you do just that with a built-in bottle holder and four integrated wine glass slots. Use the middle of the table to spread out all your charcuterie board favorites or play cards with friends. When it's time to head home, collapse the table legs and use the wine bottle holder as a top handle for easy-breezy transport to the car.

$34.99

Roll out all the stops at your next beach day or park date with this blue-and-white picnic blanket. The top-rated blanket boasts three cushioned layers for maximum comfort and a waterproof bottom that blocks moisture to keep you dry all day. Roll up the picnic blanket between use and secure it with the classic leather handle for effortless transport and storage. Grab the baby blue blanket option for a fresh, summery look or treat yourself to the black, green, red or pink gingham option for a four-season appeal.

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$180

Why buy a picnic basket and a picnic table when you can buy both with this genius little two-for-one from Food52. The aptly-named design is handmade from cherry wood and works overtime as a generous carrier and sturdy outdoor dining or game table. Transform the charming basket into a table for two by unlatching the two longest sides and laying them flush to the ground. Spread the table legs, flip it over and enjoy a fun, food-filled afternoon.

$41.95 (Set of 4)

No table, no problem. The acacia-crafted appetizer plates allow you to hold one stemmed or stemless wine glass and all the snacks your heart desires with a single hand. Also noteworthy? The ridged perimeter keeps your crackers and capicola from sliding off as you move around. Grab the four-piece set for yourself and scoop up a second as a last-minute hostess, holiday or birthday gift.

$30

Nothing curbs your appetite quite like realizing that you’re sharing your meal with a hoard of flying insects. Skip that stomach-turning situation altogether at your next picnic with this easy-to-pack collapsible woven food tent. This pyramid tent is made from sinamay (or abaca fiber) and comes in a creamy white or natural fiber finish. You can shop the chic food shield solo or snag a set of two and double your pest protection at all future picnics.

$89 $72.99

Invest in your self-appointed role as the meat-and-cheese maven with this elevated picnic essentials kit. Each bundle includes a waxed canvas carrier case, acacia wood board, bottle opener, wine stopper and stainless-steel cheese knives in a glamorous brass finish. Customize your travel cheese board with an optional engraving of your choice of 15 unique monogram styles.

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$100

Swap your traditional picnic basket for this double compartment cooler bag and wine tote to enjoy crisp snacks and chilled vino on the go. The bottom of the bag unzips to reveal a structured compartment that holds up to four standard wine bottles at once. Above, the second compartment features a secure zip closure and plenty of room to store salads, sandwiches and more. Each cooler bag features exterior pockets to store cutlery and napkins, one adjustable shoulder strap and two chic leather top handles. Snag the bag in your pick of three finishes: olive, beach or orange blossom.

$139.99

Pack some fun into your park picnics with some friendly competition. The Nettie Set pickleball bundle has everything you need to get your game on with your partner, parent or friend. Each set includes two pickleball paddles in the patterns of your choice, two pickleballs and two retro-chic sweatbands.

Pack a picnic for two with this lovely little basket from West Elm. The woven willow basket comes fully loaded with all the makings of a laidback alfresco lunch, including two porcelain plates, two ceramic mugs, two knives, two spoons, two forks, salt-and-pepper shakers and one trusty corkscrew. The basket is ultra-charming with a blonde wicker exterior, espresso leather handles and a navy-dot lining.

$59.95 $47

Bring chic dining to your backyard, beach vacation and beyond with this top-rated portable table from Crate & Barrel. The outdoor table-in-a-bag is crafted from sleek, gray-finished mahogany and features four removable legs capped with protective feet. Disassemble the legs and roll the pieces into the included canvas carrying case between uses to enjoy a stress-free setup and storage.

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