The official start of summer is just around the corner. It would be wrong to close out the sunny season without having had at least one picnic – and I would go so far to say that even if you live in the Antarctic is no excuse not to have one. If you’re the kind of person who takes pleasure in picnic and loves style, well then, here’s a list of some products to take your picnicking game to the next level.
Nomad Carafe
It’s got the word nomad in it so it’s automatically cool right? Just kidding, but seriously, this piece is designed by Hlynur Vagn Atlason and sells from the MoMA Design Store. The carafe is made from stainless steel with a natural cork stopper. It’s a sexy design that’s dishwasher-safe and the best part is that it comes with four cups that nest and stack on the top part of the carafe. So whether it’s a warm tea or wine you’ll be able to share it with up to four people. You’ll definitely have the most modern gear for your liquids at the picnic. Nomad Carafe $40
Flat Pack Bowl
Bush Smarts is an outdoor company from New York that produces very high-quality products for camping and survival. Bush smarts has created an extremely light weight, portable, and space saving bowl that packs flat. All you have to do is unfold it three times for a bowl from which you can enjoy anything from a beef stew to a world class gazpacho in the wild. The polyethylene is durable and cleans easily. Oh, and don’t worry about packing a cutting board or serving tray because in the one dimensional position, the bowl doubles as both. You can buy the bowl customized if you should so choose. Flat Pack Bowl $12
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
If having music is paramount in your life – even in the great outdoors – well then the UE Roll from Ultimate Ears Bluetooth speaker is meant for you. It’s rugged, small and compact with an IPX7 waterproof rating which means it can be submerged in water for up to thirty minutes and come out of the ordeal working properly. Perfect for if you get caught in a rain shower or better yet, a scary thunderstorm. It has a wireless range of 65 feet and comes with a bungee cord for hanging. And if you’re planning a lazy river float in innertubes after your picnic, the speaker comes with a floatie. UE Roll Ultimate Ears $100
Petanque Set
Picnics should be playful and it’s fun to take a game or two with you. So why not an Akiko Petanque Set made by the Danish family-run design company Skagerak. The set consists of two steel balls and two target balls made of teak. They come in a nicely designed wooden box with handles that make it extra easy to carry. Being active after after eating that chocolate cake you packed for the picnic is healthy! Akiko Petanque Set $225
Log Tote
There’s nothing like toting a log tote to a picnic party. It is a collaboration between San Diego’s CampWell and Denver’s Winter Session, but made in Colorado and is definitely heavy-duty. Of course you can use it to carry firewood, but it can also be used to carry swimming towels, blankets and any other accoutrement for your lunch on the lawn. The Log Tote has smaller pockets on the inside in which you can place your keys, matches, etc. The tote sports leather handles that have been vegetable-tanned. Log Tote $95
Soft-Sided Cooler
You need to carry all of your food goods in something. Filson has made a Soft-Sided Cooler with full functionality in mind. It’s voluminous on the interior with four pockets for additional things. The product is insulated, waterproof and has a heavy-duty lining so it will keep your food cool and you can be sure to avoid any leaks. Extra special care has been given to other details too, like the rustproof zipper and the should strap made from a quick drying material for weather resistance. Soft-Sided Cooler $275
Blanket tote
An extra-large blanket so that you have space to spread out, the Scuddles Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket has a nice design, is practical and easy to transport. This blanket is good whether you’re outdoor dining on grass, beach, dirt, what have you. And when it comes time to pack up and leave, just pick it up, shake, fold it and go. Scuddles Extra Large Blanket $25