The Best Picnic Essentials for Elevating Your Outdoor Hangout Like An A-Lister

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How do you pack the perfect picnic? Whether you’re going for a casual, chill vibe or thinking luxe and chic, there are plenty of accessories that’ll turn your next basic park date or beach picnic into a photogenic spread.

Picnics have always been a classic pastime, but the pandemic inspired cabin-fevered folks to take their impromptu outdoor dining to the next level, including Hollywood stars Sofia Vergara (and her Modern Family co-stars), Olivia Culpo and Chrissy Teigen. In fact, some people (including the Los Angeles-based cheese board maker who created Vergara’s spread) even pivoted their careers and turned ‘grammable picnic spreads into a full-time gig.

As we move from summer to fall, the right accessories can turn your meal on the grass into a luxe experience — think the best picnic blankets that’ll keep your spot dry and comfy, stylish baskets with complete place settings, coolers that’ll keep your wine cold and speakers for setting the ambiance. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the most stylish picnic essentials for dining in the great outdoors — check out our top picks (including effortless menu items) below.

6. Boarderie Arte Cheese & Charcuterie Board

If you’re stumped on the menu, try this lavish Boarderie charcuterie board with 13 types of cheese, four types of meat, and all of the seasoned nuts, dried fruit, olives and crackers you need or a luxe picnic. It also comes with a reusable acacia serving board and poplar wood inserts and bamboo forks, tongs and a mini spreader.

7. Vandbao Portable Travel Utensils

This nine-piece travel utensil kit comes with the works — so you’re ready for any meal or snack. It includes chopsticks, knife, fork, spoon, dessert spoon, straight straw, bent straw, straw cleaning brush and a carrying case. The eco-friendly portable utensils are made from durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel. They’re also dishwasher safe.

8. Huski Wine Chiller

Skip the ice bucket with this portable wine chiller perfect for sipping a glass of your favorite vino outside. It’s double-walled and vacuum insulated, keeping your wine or champagne chill for up to six hours. The wine chiller fits most 750ml wine bottles. It also has an adjustable height and flexi-lock expandable design so it holds the bottle while pouring. The best part? You don’t even need to worry about the ice.

11. Harry & David Picnic Basket

For those end-of-summer picnics, this woven, portable basket from Harry & David is the perfect addition to your spread. Available to ship starting Sept. 6, this gift-ready kit fresh pears, baklava and other delicious items. 

12. HappyPicnic Picnic Backpack

Make transporting your al fresco dining essentials super easy with this insulated cooler and picnic backpack. The four-person kit comes in an insulated cooler bagwith stainless steel knives, forks and spoons with wood handles; plastic dinner plates; non-shatter plastic wine glasses; and cotton napkins. It also includes a cheese and butter knife, a bottle opener, salt and pepper shakers, a chopping board and a picnic blanket.

13. Mark & Graham Waterproof Picnic Blanket

If your picturesque picnic involves a red gingham blanket (a la Olivia Culpo’s pandemic setup), this fashionable one from Mark & Graham is perfect for setting the scene. The waterproof blend of wool and polyester keeps the blanket from absorbing moisture from the grass, and it’s finished with charming tassel fringe. We like how easy it us to roll up and pack away into the leather carry handle, and you can add an extra special finish with an embroidered monogram.

14. Society6 Leaf it Be Tropical Palms Floor Cushion

Artist-driven platform Society6 offers a range of stylish outdoor essentials, including picnic blankets, folding chairs and stools and more. The online retailer’s comfy 26-inch floor cushions (available in a range of colorful prints) are made of waterproof and fade-resistant UV fabric, and they have a cotton twill handle for easy carrying.

16. Picnic Time Catalina Picnic Basket

Picnic Time’s stylish Catalina picnic basket makes it effortless to set up a chic outdoor party for two. The handwoven English suitcase-style carryall comes with two each of seven-inch porcelain plates, five-ounce mugs and three-piece utensil sets, plus a salt and shaker set and a waiter’s style corkcrew.

17. Crate & Barrel Cane Fiber Tray

Bring some luxury and retro charm to your next outdoor picnic with this chic rattan tray. It’s perfect for serving tiki drinks, cocktails or special dishes and has curved handles for easy carrying. It’s perfect for your next bohemian-inspired event or serving up summer drinks.

20. Helen’s Wines x The Goods Mart: Female Founded Snack Box

You can’t forget the snacks. This picnic-ready collaboration from Hollywood-loved shop Helen’s Wines (Mandy Moore is among those often spotted there) and The Goods Mart includes Azzizah’s Herbal Green Popcorn, Magic Dates Snack Bits & Moonshot Crackers, paired with a bottle of wine from female winemakers. A portion of the proceeds supports Women’s Reproduction Rights Assistance Project Women’s (WRRAP), a non-partisan, non-profit organization, bridging the financial gap for individuals across the country seeking abortions or emergency contraception.