Mini Series: Summer Picnic Essentials

At this time of year, as the weather gets warmer, the urge to get outside grows. Luckily for us, the new government guidelines allow us to venture into the great outdoors - even if it’s only as far as your garden. Summer may surely look a little different this year, but if you’re fortunate enough to have an outdoor space, you’ll want to get out there and use it for alfresco dining. 

One of the reasons that picnics are so much fun is that you are taking your party on the road. Beyond a pristine picnicking spot, and someone to share it with, there's not much needed to enjoy dining al fresco - just enough atmosphere to create a picnic mood. But if you’re looking to have a perfectly prepared picnic without any common disasters like soggy sandwiches and spoiled potato salad, a little more preparation won’t hurt. In addition to great food and a fabulous spot, you'll want a few other items to guarantee picnicking success. We’ve got you covered! In honour of International Picnic Day on June 18, here are 10 things to always pack for a picnic.

STYLISH PICNIC RUG

Image Credit (left to right) - Digs Digs, Honestly Yum

It’s easy to opt for picnic destinations that have chairs or tables provided, but on a beautiful day, seating might be limited. If sitting on the ground is more your style, do it right with a luxury picnic rug. A Kilim Rug is both comfortable and practical; from bold prints to stylish patterns, there are designs so covetable you'll be dying for an excuse to show them off.

Whether you opt for a convivial extra large picnic rug or a more compact, lightweight option, there's no reason why you can't head out into the garden and bask in the sunshine whenever the mood takes you. Here are some of our favourite choices for for the perfect Persian or Oriental picnic rug:

Featured Rugs (left to right) - RESHA, VERA, ELIE

A TRADITIONAL HAMPER

Image Credit (left to right) - Pinterest

Venturing into the great outdoors with a picnic hamper is one of the unmissable joys of summer. If your picnic food isn't perishable, a traditional picnic hamper decorated with summer blooms will be charming. All you need is a gorgeous hamper full of goodies, a bottle of fizz or perhaps a summer-appropriate blush rosé, and you'll be well away into your garden party. These basket sets from Regency Hampers, make transporting all of your picnic needs easier than ever before.

PLUSH SEATING

Image Credit (left to right) - Land and Sand Essentials, Pinterest

If you want to plan the perfect picnic, first thing’s first: Bring something comfortable to sit on! For those with bad backs, sensitive bottoms or high expectations, plush seating is a must for luxurious lounging. 

While a picnic blanket is definitely the most iconic, there are a lot of options out there that can work for you. Bringing your own chair or cushion can seem daunting, especially since additional furniture can be cumbersome to carry. You deserve a chance to kick back and relax - picnic chairs are lightweight, easy to assemble and disassemble, and most importantly comfortable. If you’re among those who have access to a beach, a camping chair was made for picnic days with your toes in the sand.

PARASOL

Image Credit (left to right) - Pinterest, Birdy Grey

What is the key ingredient to that serene outdoor picnic? On scorching summer days, shade is essential. It's vital to have an area where you can retreat to the shade, so keep yourselves sheltered with a garden parasol. 

As more people move outdoors to entertain or just unwind, taking along a charming umbrella is one stylish way to avoid sunburned shoulders. Whether you're looking for a large sun umbrella for big alfresco family feasts, space-saving options for compact outdoor areas, perfect parasols to pop next to your sun lounger, or totally tropical Hawaiian-inspired numbers. Sun umbrellas to keep you safe in style, and allow you to sit out all day if you so desire. 

MAKING IT SPECIAL

Image Credit (left to right) - Pinterest

A special picnic is all about setting the scene to create the perfect atmosphere. To make it extra special, you might want to bring along a bouquet of flowers, candles, and other decorations too. If you do light candles, be very careful to keep the flame contained and put it out completely before you pack up to go home. A vintage Persian or tribal rug makes for a grand picnic blanket that’s both durable and stylish. Your picnic will be a refreshing change of scenery from your dining room, restaurant, or your own backyard. With these additions, you will set the scene for an intimate picnic. Oh, and one last thing - you don’t have to be a scout to follow the rule of leaving your picnic site “cleaner than you found it”. 

Check out our blog archives for guides and tips on what you need to make the most of the social-distancing - and warm-weather season ahead.

You can check us out on Pinterest and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest trends and rug inspo.  COVID-19 UPDATE - ONLINE SALES FULLY ACTIVE. Warehouse visits are now open by appointment only. House visits remain on pause for the time being. You can view one of the largest collections of Persian Rugs in London on our website and if you have any questions, you can contact us here.