Summer Picnic Essentials
Complete your outdoor dining adventures with these cute and clever products
It’s not officially summer until you’ve brought the party outdoors, but a really memorable picnic is more than paper plates and snacks. From games to speakers, bowls to coolers, we’ve selected some of the best new products to make your al fresco adventure easy, entertaining and a little bit fancy.
Nomad Carafe
Designed by Hlynur Vagn Atlason, the Nomad Carafe ($40) from MoMA Design Store might just be the sexiest way to transport your favorite beverages to the picnic—and it keeps the content discreet. Made of stainless steel and sealed with a cork stopper, the sleek (and dishwasher-safe) set also comes with four cups that nest within themselves and stack on top of the carafe, for easy sharing.
Flat Pack Bowl
Purveyors of locally made, high-quality camp goods, Bush Smarts is very proud of their portable, space-efficient Flat Pack Bowl ($12), which is made right here in New York. In just three folds—like origami—the flat piece of rugged polyethylene becomes a watertight bowl (opening up the potential for more viscous vittles like fresh gazpacho) that’s easy to clean when you’re done. It also doubles as a cutting board and serving tray. With the option for (free) customization, this reusable bowl trumps disposable plates any day.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
The new UE Roll from Ultimate Ears ($100) is one tough cookie—and is even shaped like it, too. The unobtrusive, compact speaker is waterproof (designated IPX7, same as the Apple Watch, and can survive being fully submerged in water)—so even if a surprise sprinkler ruins your picnic, it won’t stop the music. With a wireless range of up to 65 feet, the UE Roll can also be hung where you see fit thanks to its bungee cord. It even comes with its own floatie.
Petanque Set
Made in Denmark by family-run design company Skagerak, the Akiko Petanque Set ($225) is a playful (but ultimately sophisticated) addition to any outdoor hangout. The six steel balls (and two teak target balls) come in a wooden box complete with handles, so it’s extra easy to bring along a little healthy competition on your way out the door.
Log Tote
Crafted in Colorado, the heavy-duty Log Tote ($85) is a collaboration between San Diego’s CampWell and Denver’s Winter Session. The carrier was designed to lug much more than firewood—it makes the perfect case for beach towels, picnic blankets and more, with an interior pocket to hold smaller items like keys or a lighter. Vegetable-tanned leather handles are the cherry on top.
Soft-Sided Cooler
With a spacious interior and four stow pockets, Filson’s latest Soft-Sided Cooler ($275) delivers maximum functionality. The made-in-USA product features a heavy-duty lining and waterproof insulation, for keeping treats cool and dodging leaks. Extra durability comes from the structured based—and a rustproof zipper and quick dry shoulder strap allow for substantial weather endurance.
Bubbly and Blankets
Can it truly be a picnic without any refreshing sparkling wine? Pop artist Jon Burgerman has designed two limited-edition woven picnic blankets (£135), in shades of white, pink and black, to pair perfectly with Luc Belaire’s elegant packaging. The fun art blankets set the mood for an afternoon filled with joy and bubbles, and is gifted when you purchase six bottles of the French producer’s sparkling rosé or brut.
Images courtesy of respective brands
