The edit | Summer picnics

Today I’m launching my monthly ‘edit’ – a new series of posts sharing a curated selection of items to help you make the most of simple, relaxed moments at home and beyond. I’m planning to cover everything from lazy Sunday mornings to seasonal entertaining, and I’m starting with summer picnics.

There’s something magical about dining in the open air, surrounded by nature – whether it be at your local park, in the countryside or (my favourite) on the beach. And it needn’t be complicated, especially if you have a collection of functional, beautiful items that you can grab and go whenever the weather allows. So, here’s my pick of considered buys to make your picnics look and feel that little bit more special. There are cool bags and baskets, portable lamps, blankets and cushions, reusable food containers, hard-to-break tableware and much more, all with the kind of understated, timeless style that means you’ll use them year after year. Just add some crusty bread, cheeses, a zingy salad and a bottle of wine and voilà – the perfect summer picnic awaits…

1. Cotton floor mattresses (various colours and patterns available), from £98, Rowen & Wren
2. Menu ‘Carrie’ portable and rechargeable LED lamp in black (also available in several other colours), £132, Nordic Nest [AD – affiliate link]
3. Insulated cooler picnic basket (the lid also functions as a cheeseboard or table), £120, Trouva [AD – affiliate link]
4. ‘Croft’ wine bottle cooler bag, £20, John Lewis
5. Handwoven raffia tray, £30, Our Lovely Goods
6. By Mölle linen throw in pale ‘Misty’ grey (also available in darker ‘Pebble’ grey), £110, Tea + Kate
7. Ferm Living ‘Desert’ folding stool in beige and taupe (made from recycled plastic bottles and also available in numerous other colour combinations), £115, Made in Design [AD – affiliate link]
8. Skagerak ‘Soft’ oak serving board, £59, Trouva [AD – affiliate link]
9. Skagerak ‘Bell’ lantern in black (also available in grey), £115, Trouva [AD – affiliate link]
10. Oak plate, £24, Object Story
11. Stelton ‘Foster’ plastic thermos jug in light grey (also available in anthracite), £60, Nordic Nest [AD – affiliate link]
12. Set of two linen bento food bags in natural beige (also available in navy blue), £38.50, Object Story
13. Bang & Olufsen Beosund ‘A1’ portable Bluetooth speaker in ‘Grey Mist’ (also available in several other colours), £199, John Lewis
14. ‘KALLSINNIG’ plastic wine glass, £1.50, IKEA
15. Set of four wine glass / drink holder sticks, £15, John Lewis
16. Falconware black enamel tumbler, £6, Tea + Kate
17. Indoor-outdoor floor cushion with carrying handle in pale grey (also available in blush pink), £85, Cox & Cox
18. Uashmama washable paper bag (various sizes and colours available), from £13.50, The Future Kept
19. Ferm Living quilted roll mat, £85, Trouva [AD – affiliate link]
20. HAY tiered stainless-steel food containers / tiffin boxes (three different sizes available), from £16, Tea + Kate
21. Linen and cotton utensil roll, £29, Ingredients LDN

Please note this post contains affiliate links (all clearly marked), which means I will receive a small commission on any resulting sales. You won’t pay any more by clicking on these links than you would by visiting the websites directly, and it helps to support the content I create here. 

Top and bottom photos by Abi Dare; collage images via the brands named above