Affordable ideas for your next picnic
There’s nothing quite like a good picnic, is there? Relaxing in the sunshine with your favourite people, eating tasty food and drinking something refreshing while you laugh and chat. You get to enjoy the great outdoors, and it’s far cheaper than going to a restaurant so it can be thrifty too. Very helpful if payday is a long way away, or you’re looking for ways to have fun on a budget.
There are some great new picnicware finds this year, and they’re all reasonably priced as well as looking great. Practical and beautiful works for me.
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, I think John Lewis and Dunelm have some of the best ranges, but there are plenty of other designs elsewhere too.
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Here are my individual top picks for your next packed lunch or moveable feast. They’re items that should last for years as long as you take care of them, plus they’re easy to pack and carry. In particular I’ve avoided single use plastics, and most of the materials are environment-friendly and recyclable.
Emma Bridgewater rice husk serveware set
I like all of the designs in the Emma Bridgewater rice husk cups and picnicware range, but I’m especially fond of this trio of storage and serving tubs with their bright vegetable garden design. They’re just right for a bigger get together and they look great. They’re also plastic-free and in the sale for £20 quid.
FIND AT >> Emma Bridgewater
VonShef 4-person picnic backpack with cutlery, plates, cooler and blanket
If you want to get everything together in one go, have a look at this picnic backpack set in geo green from VonShef. It has an insulated food compartment, a wine cooler, plates, stainless steel cutlery, shatterproof glasses, cloth napkins, and a blanket. The RRP is £44.99 but it’s currently on offer at Amazon for £34.99 if you’re quick.
FIND AT >> VonHaus, Tesco and Amazon UK
PG’s Tip: There are several different sizes and designs at VonShef if you need something smaller, larger, or in a different colour.
Talking Tables stainless steel plates with enamel rims
Talking Tables have started making more reusable items, and I really like these stainless steel picnic plates with different coloured rims, £6.00 each. They also have some fun, colourful enamel bowls and plates in their Bon Appetit range to mix and match with them.
FIND AT >> Amazon UK
Navigate Coconut Grove Palm Tree Family Cool Bag
Navigate have all kinds of beautiful new cool bags and matching picnic accessories this season. I especially like this one, a 20L size bag that can be converted into a large or small size depending on your needs. It’s made from recycled plastic, costs £24, has a cute matching rug with waterproof backing, and keeps everything cool all day.
PG’s Tip: Find the full Navigate range at Dunelm, and check out all the new picnic goodies at Matalan.
Yvonne Allen slogan plastic wine glasses set of 4
If you want to serve drinks in the great outdoors (or, let’s face it, the back garden), you’ll be wanting something unbreakable to drink out of. Enter these fun slogan plastic glasses, £20.00 for four, by Yvonne Ellen. They also make a set of matching tumblers and lots of brightly coloured melamine bowls and picnic bags if you like this style.
FIND AT >> Yvonne Ellen and Ocado
