Up Your Picnic Game With These Easy Essentials

An excellent picnic basket is at the top of our list, not only a practical addition to any picnic as we return to the simple experience of lounging on the lawn and chatting for hours on end.

The right basket or bag can have the power to bring up feelings of nostalgia.

Undoubtedly many of us remember picnics of the past.

While they probably look a bit different to today – less alcohol, more teddies, there’s no denying picnics are about as wholesome as it gets.

For keeping all your goodies fresh, an insulated bag is the way to go.

We love Gorman’s ‘Go Native’ wine cooler, featuring the exclusive Tom Abbiss Smith x Gorman print in green and tote style strap; you can simply sling it over your shoulder and head out the door.

But if you love the idea of a classic wicker style basket, Salt & Pepper’s gingham clad basket is our choice.

With an insulated pocket, cutlery, plates and wine glasses, you’ll be taking outdoor dining to the next level.

Gorman Go Native Wine Cooler, was $49 now $39.20, Gorman

For many of us, our first real catch up with friends after months of lockdowns will be a picnic; this long-awaited catch up will likely stretch into hours, after which our phones will probably be running low on charge.

We’ll get to the end of the night go to order an Uber or perhaps some cheeky takeaway to be met with a black screen.

Save yourself the dread of a dead phone and keep a fully charged battery pack in your back pocket, just in case.

Design Letters ‘smile’ power bank has good vibes written all over it. Not only is this charger super cute, but it holds a whopping six hours of charge time.

While at home gatherings remain off the cards, there’s no stopping you from setting the mood at the park.

Broadcast your finest picnic playlist through a portable speaker.

Like the picnic rug, waterproof is the way to go – weather this time of year is notoriously unpredictable.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 dominates the speaker game, and it’s easy to see why.

It’s super compact, waterproof and has excellent sound quality and long-lasting charge, making it easy to take on all your adventures.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Just Peach Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $129, Myer

Sun protection is vital all year round – SPF every day, but as we spend more time outdoors, a little extra won’t hurt. It’s usually this time of year that you reach for the fake tan.

After months in hibernation hidden from the UV rays, our skin can look worryingly fluorescent.

And while it can be tempting to get a natural glow going, avoiding sun damage remains the number one priority; remember your skincare routine!

These days, bucket hats and wide brim hats are usually the styles on offer, and we’ll happily accept – no sunburn here thankyou.

If mixing two trends interests you, the Rubi Kimberley crochet hat is the way to go.

The broad brim hat is made one hundred per cent out of paper, making it super easy to crumple down into your bag and whip out as soon as you need.

Made from recycled polyester to help divert plastics from ending up in landfill, Ganni‘s bucket hat in plaid not only looks good but does good too.

Ganni Recycled Polyester Bucket Hat, $145, Ganni