The weather’s warm, the days are long, and your blood is officially more than half iced coffee. It can only mean one thing: summer’s finally arrived, and with it, the return of al fresco dining. Whether you’re gathering with your friends for a meal in your local park or gearing up for a romantic date, these picnic essentials will ensure your next outdoor meal is a magical one. And for more great summer purchases, check out these 25 Outdoor Party Essentials Under $25 for the Ultimate Summer Bash.
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1 | This Watermelon Cooler
Nordstrom$29; buy now at Nordstrom
Keeping your food cold doesn’t have to mean lugging around a huge cooler. With this soft-sided watermelon cooler, complete with a shoulder strap, you can carry your snacks without all the excess baggage. And for more foodie faves, snag these 25 Genius Gifts for Dads Who Love to Cook.
2 | This Trio of Patterned Knives
$25; buy now at Anthropologie
Whether you’re slicing through a wedge of brie or cutting into a watermelon, these patterned knives are a must-have—and at just $25, they’re as budget-friendly as they are adorable.
3 | This Palm-Print Picnic Blanket
Target$20; buy now at Target
Ditch the gingham this summer for something more stylish, like this palm-print picnic blanket, which comes in a perfectly-petite size to keep you and that special someone close after a romantic meal.
4 | This Glass Storage Set
Joseph Joseph$30; buy now at Joseph Joseph
Channel your inner eco-warrior this summer and, instead of opting for single-use plastics, serve up your favorite treats in these cute and convenient glass storage dishes instead.
5 | These Frayed-Edge Napkins
$15; buy now at Bloomingdale’s
Stay clean on your picnic—and look cute doing it—with these adorable frayed-edge napkins, which will look just as at home on your dining table when summer comes to an end.
6 | These Patterned Melamine Dipping Bowls
Pottery Barn$25$17; buy now at Pottery Barn
Whether you’re using them to serve dips or desserts, these melamine dipping bowls are the perfect combination of pretty and sturdy.
7 | This Double Set of Botanical Glass Tea Infuser Carafes
World Market$26$13; buy now at World Market
Staying hydrated is essential when the weather heats up, but water isn’t always the most fun exciting thing to sip. Luckily, with this two-pack of tea infuser carafes, you can bring your favorite brew with you on the go.
8 | This Brightly-Colored Cooler
Urban Outfitters$68; buy now at Urban Outfitters
Packing a bigger picnic? Make sure you scoop up this adorably retro cooler, ideal for bringing treats for the whole gang. And for more adorable additions to your summer arsenal, check out these 30 Perfect Summer Sandals Under $30.
9 | This Easy Ice Cream Maker
L.L. Bean$40; buy now at L.L. Bean
Keep that sweet tooth satisfied all summer long—even when there’s no kitchen in sight—with this simple ice cream maker. Just add your ingredients in one side, ice and rock salt in the other, roll for 20 minutes, and voila! A batch of homemade ice cream ready to eat.
10 | This Wine and Cheese Basket
Target$90; buy now at Target
If you’re prepping for a meal with someone special, this wine and cheese basket is the perfect carrier for those date night essentials.
11 | This Guacamole Preservation Container
The Grommet$20; buy now at The Grommet
The one thing that ruins a good guacamole (besides the addition of peas) is that delicious avocado dip taking on a brown hue. The good news? With this guacamole preservation container, your guac will stay as green as the people watching you enjoy it.
12 | These Rattan-Wrapped Serving Utensils
West Elm$39$23; buy now at West Elm
These rattan-wrapped serving tools may be perfect for a picnic, but they’re also a great addition to your salad set year-round.
13 | This Rose Gold Thermos
Target$20; buy now at Target
The rose gold trend didn’t end at jewelry and accessories. Add some of this blush hue to your picnic with this convenient Thermos, which comes with a foldable spoon tucked into the lid.
14 | This Folding Picnic Table
Bed Bath & Beyond$35; buy now at Bed Bath & Beyond
Love having meals outdoors, but can’t get behind dining in the dirt? With this folding picnic table set, you never have to battle grass stains to enjoy an al fresco meal again.
15 | These Tropical Leaf Placemats
Bed Bath & Beyond$6; buy now at Bed Bath & Beyond
If you’re eager to make your picnic a bit posher, consider investing in a set of these tropical leaf placemats, which are as friendly on the eyes as they are on your wallet at just $6.
16 | This Wicker Picnic Basket
Walmart$111$48; buy now at Walmart
Take the guesswork out of prepping for your picnic by snagging this cute wicker picnic basket, which comes equipped with four plates, four sets of flatware, and a waterproof tartan picnic blanket.
17 | These Acrylic Goblets
Home Depot$38 for 8; buy now at Home Depot
So long, red cups! This summer, serve your libations in style with a set of these vintage-inspired acrylic goblets. And for more home essentials, check out these 25 Gorgeous Pieces of Storage Furniture That Will Save You So Much Space.
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