17 Essential Picnic Supplies for Any Summer Gathering

By Zee Krstic
May 08, 2018
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Courtesy photos.

It's officially the season when fresh-cut grass, a warm afternoon, and a refreshing cocktail make you want to pack up a picnic basket and head outside. But before you plan your next al fresco meal, there are a few items you should definitely consider purchasing. From well-made blankets to portable wine glasses, these items will help you enjoy delicious eats—wherever the weather takes you.

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Yeti Insulated Wine Tumbler

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Who says you can't enjoy a nice glass of Pinot on the beach?! Yeti, the brand known for its indestructible tumblers, has a line of beach-ready wine glasses that are far from fragile. Bonus? They come in all the classic Yeti colors.

Buy It: $24.99, Yeti.com ($49.99 for a pair).

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This PackIt Backpack Doubles as a Cooler

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Coolers are often hefty, bulky, and loaded with cumbersome straps that never truly help you get your eats to the beach. One Cooking Light editor uses this instead—roll up to the beach or park, strap this on your back, and use your other free hands to carry chairs, blankets, and other essentials. 

Buy It: $42, Amazon.com

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These Party Tumblers Won't Take up the Whole Bag

Photo courtesy of Crate&Barrel.

Serving drinks on the go isn't easy—but this compact pitcher and its four stemless tumblers can help you take 5 'o clock happy hour with you, wherever you are.

Buy It: $39, crateandbarrel.com.

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Table for Two, Anyone?

Photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods.

This is seriously one of the best inventions we've ever seen. Stick this portable serving tray in the sand or grass, and enjoy as many courses as you'd like. 

Buy It: $22, uncommongoods.com.

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Room for Snacks, Lunch, and Dessert

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters.

We love this playful version of a retro picnic basket that will help you bring brunch to the beach. And for this price, you can get a few different shapes and sizes, too. 

Buy It: $19.99, urbanoutfitters.com.

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Enjoy a 'Wich Without the Sand

Photo courtesy of Crate&Barrel.

Crate & Barrel's nifty gadget is a lifesaver for those who want to protect their food. You can leave your food safely tucked inside this netted tent which protects it from sand, dirt, birds, and bugs.

Buy It: $5.95, crateandbarrel.com.

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Don't Be Jelly! You Can Sit on This Picnic Blanket, Too

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters.

So maybe you shouldn't always eat a jelly-filled donut with sprinkles, but no one said anything about sitting on one. Turn heads with this beach-friendly picnic blanket that measures five feet wide in every direction. 

Buy It: $25, urbanoutfitters.com.

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A Well-Made Picnic Must-Have

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

Gingham is the emblematic pattern of any classic picnic spread, so having a few of these knitted throws to bring to the beach, park, or backyard is a must. 

Buy It: $39, potterybarn.com.

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Looking for Shade? This Portable Tent Does the Trick

Photo courtesy of Target.

Installation is as easy as 1,2,3: Simply unpack the portable Hunter carrier; stick the poles in the sand or grass, and pitch your sun-blocking tent. It's a great way to enjoy lunch or snacks without getting blasted by the sun's harmful rays. 

Buy It: $60, Target.com.

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A Chic Carryall for Summer Adventures

Photo courtesy of Opening Ceremony.

This large, durable polypropylene tote can hold all of your essentials: a towel, water bottle, your lunch, cell phone, and the latest issue of Cooking Light. There's a zipper to protect your belongings from debris—a big step up from the traditional picnic basket. 

Buy It: $35, openingceremony.com. 

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The Easiest Way to Take Vino With You

Photo courtesy of Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Rolling up to the park with brown paper bags isn't the best look—and you definitely don't want to shove bottles haphazardly into a picnic basket (hello, broken wine bottles!). This simple, affordable tote has a divider to ensure your bottles won't clang or break en route. 

Buy It: $13.99, bedbathandbeyond.com.

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A Hammock You Can Take With You

Photo courtesy of Target.

This nylon Hunter for Target hammock is super easy to clip onto any tree, and it folds right back into itself for easy storage. Two people (up to 400 lbs.) can enjoy a siesta in the shade. 

Buy It: $35, Target.com.

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Healthier Sweet Treats for Everyone

Photo courtesy of Bed, Bath and Beyond.

The ice cream man is bound to show up at the park or beach, but that doesn't mean you have to fall victim to a sugary calorie-bomb. These ice pop molds can be filled with the popsicle filling of your choice. Best part? They retain their shape and coolness, even when you step outside.

Buy It: Set of 4, $15.99, bedbathandbeyond.com. 

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The Picnic Basket to End Them All

Photo courtesy of Picnic Time

Measuring 18.9 x 13.8 x 11 inches, this basket is big enough to hold all your picnic needs. The stained-wood lid actually detaches, serving as a sturdy, flat surface for drinks or food. Flexible canvas straps make carrying the basket easier and more comfortable, and the leatherette details update a classic wicker look.

Buy It: $67, picnictime.com

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And Who Knew Plastic Could Be So Classy?

Photo courtesy of GOVINO®

You might have a set of stemless, shatterproof wine glasses, but we think you need glasses for bubbly, too because a little Champagne, Cava, or prosecco instantly transforms a picnic into a memorable occasion. These BPA-free plastic flutes are reusable and easy to grip, thanks to the ergonomic notch on the side.

Buy It: Set of 4, $17.95, govinowine.com.

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A Blanket That Is So Effortlessly Cool

Photo courtesy of Crate&Barrel

Made from waterproof PVC-coated cotton canvas, this 5-foot-square blanket will keep you dry and comfy for your picnic. The blue stripe pattern is classically stylish, so you’ll enjoy it for many years to come. When you’re ready to pack up, just fold and roll it up, then secure with the included Velcro closure strap and tuck into your picnic basket.

But it: $50, crateandbarrel.com

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A Travel Mug So Chic, Joanna Gaines Designed It Herself

Photo courtesy of Target

Tote your lemonade, coffee, or cocktails in style with this chic beverage carrier. Housed inside the matte cream finish is insulated stainless steel that keeps cold drinks refreshing and hot ones soothing. The black cap and leather carrying strap elevate the look, so you’ll carry it with pride. It holds up to 40 ounces (5 cups).

Buy it: $25, target.com

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