Packing the perfect autumn picnic
Pinch punch, first of the month. October is upon us and with it comes the undeniable fact that we are well and truly into autumn; despite the weather’s best efforts at an Indian Summer.
Summer picnics get all the glory. However, we feel that autumnal picnics are, frankly, under rated. The beautiful colours; the cooler temperatures; the absence of incessant wasp attacks… The benefits of dining outdoors in the autumn go on!
That being said, one must prepare suitably for an autumn picnic; which involves more than just checking the weather forecast. We’ve put together a quick shortlist of some wonderfully autumnal picnic paraphernalia to help you get set this autumn. We tried to keep our suggestions not only practical and functional, but also down right chic.
National Trust Grey and Cream V-Stripe Rug
A luxurious 130cm x 170cm rug featuring a dramatic v-shaped woven design in subtle shades of grey, cream and brown. This beautifully soft National Trust Grey and Cream V-Stripe Rug is perfect for draping overs chairs, sofas and beds, as well as keeping in the car ready for days out and about. Made in Britain for the National Trust using only the finest yarns, this 100% pure new wool picnic rug is guaranteed to keep you snug and warm.
£40.00
First up is this fabulous picnic blanket from the National Trust. In summer, you can probably chance it and plonk yourselves down on the turf anywhere you like to enjoy your picnic. In autumn, a blanket is an absolute essential for any picnic. The grey and cream pattern on this 100% pure wool picnic rug is also the definition of autumn.
Thermos Ultimate Stainless Steel Flask
Thermos has it covered. Their vacuum flasks are constructed with double-wall stainless steel and are designed for everyday use - these flasks will keep your drinks at the ideal temperature, ensuring a more enjoyable drinking experience on the go. A combination of style and functionality, this 500ml Graphite Thermos Ultimate Stainless Steel Flask is tough and durable, yet lightweight - a great companion whilst out and about, keeping liquids hot for up to 8 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. The stainless steel exterior is cool to the touch, even when full of hot liquid and features protective silicone rings, for added durability. Thermos are the go-to manufacturer of flasks and this product comes with a 5 year guarantee. you can trust a Thermos to do the job!
£24.99
In summer, picnic beverages are all about keeping cool. Lemonade, chilled wine, a nice cold beer… As the temperatures drop, you’re going to need something warm to drink to keep yourself from feeling the chill as you enjoy your picnic. We’ve got plenty of flasks on PicnicShop, but this stainless steel flask from Thermos makes our autumn shortlist because of its light weight and ability to keep liquids warm for up to 8 hours. Fill to the brim with hot chocolate and you’re all set.
Cantley Wicker Barrel Basket for Four
Cantley Wicker Barrel Basket is a beautiful luxury picnic basket with a twist. Impressively made in high quality wicker from sustainable sources and superbly styled with tastfully strpied fabrics and coordinating leather straps. This basket is equipped for four and comes with porcelain plates, plastic wine glasses, cutlery, a waiter's friend bottle opener and a cream chiller bag. The Cantley is the perfect basket for a picnic in the woods and would make a fantastic wedding gift.
£56.95
We picked this wicker picnic basket for our autumn list for its aesthetics. Autumn picnics benefit from a sense of rustic nostalgia, and this dark, barrel shaped picnic basket from Cantley fits the bill perfectly. The picnic basket also comes with plates and cutlery, so that’s all taken care of.
Sea To Summit Food Bowl
We love this contemporary Sea To Summit Food Bowl. Sea to Summit' are champions of contemporary picnicware and their heat insulating bowl is just the ticket for any avid camper. Manufactured out of food grade Nylon 66 and BPA free, this stylishly designed bowl is ideal for carrying hot food. The easy to hold thumb grip provides good purchase, whilst the grey lid doubles up as a plate or chopping board. Eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime and available for just £8. 99.
£13.70£26.13
Our flask suggestion took care of keeping our drinks warm, but we need something to keep our grub hot too. Which is why the Sea To Summit food bowl is our next suggestion. This stylish bowl is designed to keep food hot and it does exactly that. The lid doubles up as a chopping board, and the orange colour continues our autumnal style.
Orla Kiely Melamine Giant Pear Peppermint Storage Bowls
Another awesome Orla Kiely melamine kitchen accessory - the Orla Kiely Melamine Giant Pear Peppermint Storage Bowls are super-cool and super-handy. Made from melamine, the bowls are robust enough to deal with the demands of outdoor eating and measure 10.7cm x 19.3cm x 13cm. Recommended to handwash only.
£38.50
Food storage is an absolute must have. These stunning containers from Orla Kiela are perfect for containing your muffins, pumpkin pie and fruit for your autumn picnic. Once again, style and functionality are important here. The retro patterns and colours mean this storage solution fits perfectly into our autumnal picnic list.
La Hacienda Outdoor Fire Pit
This La Hacienda outdoor fire pit with BBQ grill comes with folding legs and a carry bag, meaning you can make the most of it in your garden or take it with you on your next camping trip. The firebowl is 56cm wide and 39cm high, and is made from steel finished in black heat resistant paint.
£49.99
Right, we admit that this next one might be slightly too bulky and heavy to take with you on an afternoon picnic; but this fire pit is wonderful for those brisk autumnal days. It serves to keep you warm, but you can also grill food on it or why not toast some marshmallows? The legs fold down and it comes with a carry bag; so not completely immobile.
That just about wraps up our quick picks for this autumn shortlist. Don’t let the season get you down or hold you back from dining in the great outdoors with your friends and family! Get out there and enjoy the autumn colours!