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13 summer picnic essentials every family needs for the ultimate feast at the park

Pick up these picnic essentials...

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Nichola Murphy
Deputy Lifestyle Editor
Updated: June 22, 2020
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Want to enjoy the UK heatwave? We can't think of a better reason to get the family outside than a picnic. Whether you choose to venture to the beach or to the local park, the list of things to pack can be overwhelming. 

MORE: 14 of the best kitchen gadgets under £15 that will transform your kitchen

Aside from the essentials like a picnic rug to sit on and a basket to store your food, have you thought about the portable cutlery you'll need or how to keep the flies away? We've scoured Amazon and other adorable stores to find the cutest picnicware you'll want to buy before the hot weather hits…

Picnic baskets

wicker basket picnic

Four-person picnic basket, £53.99, Amazon

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A great place to start is a container to carry your food! If you're looking for a practical all-in-one option then you can get almost everything you need for £53.99. It sounds like a steep price to pay for picnic accessories, but it includes four sets of porcelain plates, acrylic wine glasses, cutlery and a bottle opener as well as the basket - so you're sure to kit out the whole family! 

picnic backpack

Backpack hamper, £46.99, Amazon

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One of the downsides of traditional picnic baskets is that they're not always easy to carry for long distances - not a problem when you're planning a quick trip from the car to the picnic spot, but slightly more inconvenient if you're trying to take a romantic stroll along the beach! Enter the picnic backpack, complete with storage compartments, coolers and even a chopping board. Need we say more?

picnic mesh tent

Mesh tent basket, £15.34, Amazon

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Are you forever trying to swat the pesky bugs and flies away from your food? If so, then it's worth investing in a clever mesh tent basket which will ensure your tasty snacks stay fresh and fly-free. 

thirsk hamper

The Thirsk Picnic Hamper, £50, Cartwright and Butler

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Why not picnic in style with Cartwright and Butler's wicker hamper! You can fill this charming wicker basket with home-baked goods and teatime luxuries. This one comes with three fruit marmalades, salted caramel biscuits, English breakfast tea, chocolate wafer rounds, tomato and basil wheat flatbreads and spicy tomato chilli chutney – delicious!

Blankets

red blanket

Padded picnic blanket, £18.99, Amazon

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Picnic blankets are an investment worth making - after all, will you ever tire of the traditional British past-time? We love this padded version which is sure to provide extra comfort, so you won't notice the hours passing by. 

flamingo blanket

Flamingo waterproof blanket, £29.99, Amazon

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Doubling up as a beach rug, this adorable flamingo design has a waterproof layer so you don't need to worry about getting it wet if you're caught in the rain. Plus, £29.99 is a small price to pay for parents to get peace of mind knowing any juice spillages from their kids will go unnoticed.

Food and drink containers

wine backpack

Wine picnic set, £39.99, Amazon

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No picnic is complete without food and drink, and you can't go anywhere without something to hold them. Did you know there are specific wine picnic sets? For just £39.99, you can get an insulated backpack that holds two wine glasses, cotton napkins, a bottle opener, corkscrew and even a folding table. Perfect for parents!

bamboo cups

Four tumblers, £15.99, John Lewis

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How cute are these bamboo tumblers? Covered with colourful designs, they're the perfect way to brighten up your al fresco dining. 

picnic cooler

Cooler, £11.99, Wayfair

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Keep your drinks chilled with this stunning insulated cooler. Because who wants a lukewarm beverage on a hot summer day?

picnic food storage

21-piece plastic set, £9.99, Amazon

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Parents will be pleased to know there are plenty of child-friendly items, such as this 21-piece plastic set containing plates, mugs, cutlery and storage boxes - none of which are smashing hazards!

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Picnic accessories

animal plates

Four melamine dinner plates, £28, John Lewis

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Made of shatter-resistant melamine, these cute picnic dinner plates are covered with different animals so you can easily differentiate which one is yours. There are also matching bowls and side plates if you want the complete set - the only trouble is who gets to pick first!

sandwich wrap

Reusable food wrap, £12.99, John Lewis

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Looking to save space in your picnic basket? Ditch the food containers in favour of reusable food wrap. The sustainable option keeps sandwiches and leftovers fresh and can be washed after use.

napkins

20-pack paper napkins, £1.99, H&M

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We all know picnic food can be messy, so you'll want to make sure you pack some napkins to clean off your hands (and face!) 

SEE: 20 best meal delivery services to order from home during lockdown

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