For most of us, the number one objective for summer involves being outside as much as possible, preferably with a crisp glass of rosé and a cheese plate in hand. Cue the picnic: the perfect casual mash up of food, drinks, and lazy lounging in the park (or on the beach) with friends. Given that the picnic season can last through late spring to early fall, why not add some outdoor entertaining essentials to your registry? That way you’ll be geared up and ready to jump into your #summergoals as soon as the weather heats up.
See more: 8 Honeymoon Must-Haves You Can Totally Add to Your Registry
The number one accessory for the picnic lover is a good bag to carry everything in. Refrigerated rolling coolers are sometimes necessary but tend to be bulky and utilitarian; instead, we love a chic market basket, which, of course, doubles as a shopping tote when not in picnic mode. This one has a double strap, which gives the option to hand carry or throw over your shoulder. (French Market Basket with Double Handles, $55, Food52)
This roomy blanket has a sturdy, water-resistant backing to help keep picnickers dry on damp ground. Velcro tabs compress the blanket and a convenient handle makes it a cinch to transport. (Joules Printed Picnic Rug, $42, Amara)
Every picnic needs a few utilitarian items for temperature-sensitive foods (especially if you’re planning to bring something with mayo as an ingredient, such as potato or pasta salad). Leak-proof and insulated with a vacuum seal, this heavy-duty container keeps food cold up to 16 hours. It also keeps chili and soups hot for up to 12 hours, which makes it perfect to bring out at your next fall tailgating party. (Stanley Adventure Vacuum Crock, $42, available at Amazon)
These durable, eco-friendly cups are made of a mix of bamboo and melamine, making them super lightweight and easy to toss in your picnic basket. Perfect for lemonade, wine, or that batch specialty cocktail you mixed up for the group. (Ideaco Reusable Picnic Cups, $4 each, available at ABC Carpet & Home)
Swap out boring paper plates for something a little more elevated. Fine china manufacturer Mottahedeh is best known for its delicate porcelain plates and accessories. Their tin picnic plates are perfect reproductions of some of their most popular patterns—it’s hard to tell the difference! (Turkish Garden Picnic Set, $55 for a set of 4, available at Mottahedeh)
Surprise your friends (and boost your popularity) with this cute backgammon and checkers-in-a-bag set. In a petite size with lightweight wood pieces and a natural cotton sleeve (which doubles as the playing board), this set both looks good and is easily portable. (Travel Backgammon and Checkers Set, $55, available at Kaufmann Mercantile)
If your picnic dreams center on private, romantic dates with your bae versus a hanging with a crowd of your besties, consider splurging for a basket that has it all. This hamper includes two sets of silverware, plates, wine glasses and opener, and a cutting board, in addition to an insulated pocket for keeping food fresh. (Al Fresco Picnic Basket, $179, Mark and Graham)
