Summer has finally arrived, and with it, the long-awaited return of picnics in the park. Dress up your day out with these stylish and sustainable buys, from British wicker baskets to wine-resistant blankets
One of the great things about the British weather is that when the sun finally comes out, we know how to make the most of it. When the temperature rises above 15C, you’ll often find flocks of people, armed with prosecco and scotch eggs, heading to their nearest park. But while picnics are great fun, there’s no doubt they can be a messy affair, too, with many people leaving their waste, such as paper plates, plastic cups and napkins, behind. To make your picnic more eco-friendly, we’ve rounded up some fancy bits of kit that not only look good but are great for the local environment, too. And make sure to take your rubbish home with you to ensure our green spaces can be enjoyed by everyone.
The hamper
Say goodbye to paper plates and plastic cups with this ultra-luxe picnic hamper offering from Regency Hampers. This Luxury Fitted Picnic Hamper Basket contains enough goodies for up to four people — everything you need for upmarket al fresco lunch. Dine off fine porcelain plates, sip from stainless steel cups and season with salt and pepper shakers, all housed in a chic wicker basket with a carrying handle. It even contains wine glasses, and is the perfect accompaniment for your summer day out. regencyhampers.com
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The blanket
Meet the picnic blanket of your dreams — Insta-worthy, comfortable to the touch, and most importantly, wine proof. Lucy Hitchcock, founder of Partner In Wine, got fed up with having to squish onto an itchy blanket with her friends during lockdown, and saw the opportunity to create something she didn’t think existed. The Everything Picnic Blanket, in a candy-pink stripe design, is large enough to seat a big group of friends, has a secret pocket to store your valuables, and thanks to its gold peg pins, is completely unflappable. partnerinwine.co.uk
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The straws
Want to make the switch from plastic straws while avoiding the soggy mess that paper alternatives leave you with? These playful, bee-shaped metal straws from Joanna Buchanan are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic or paper products — simply pop into your beverage and enjoy your drink, while contributing to the preservation of the bee’s natural habitat. It’s a win-win situation. harrods.com
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The wine cooler
Nothing ruins a picnic faster than lukewarm wine. Keep your tipple of choice cool throughout the summer months with the Greenfield Collection Duo Wine Cooler Bag. Large enough to accommodate two bottles of wine of your choice, the bag is fully insulated, with four layers of premium materials to guard against heat penetration, ensuring the contents can be kept either cool or hot for between five to seven hours, or longer when used alongside ice packs. greenfieldcollection.co.uk
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The picnic table
This foldable picnic table from John Lewis makes dining outdoors a breeze. Gone are the days of balancing your food and drinks on wobbly terrain; instead, unfold this lightweight picnic table and set up your food and drinks on the sturdy table top. It also features a handy, built-in wine holder, and tucks away nicely into a picnic basket or backpack. johnlewis.com
