Enjoying a picnic spread with good food and drink is one of those simple luxuries you'd think humans have enjoyed since the beginning of time. However, the concept of picnicking has only been around since the 14th century, when medieval England's elite would throw large outdoor feasts to celebrate a successful hunt.
Through the years, outdoor entertaining spread through Europe and hit a height of popularity in the Victorian Era, spurred by the rise of the middle class. Toward the latter half of the Industrial Revolution, a community of white collar urbanites emerged that had long been split between either extreme wealth or inexorable poverty. This society found themselves with more leisure time, and they desired activities in green spaces such as picnicking. George Seurat's famous pointillist painting Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte perfectly captures this newly popular pastime in 1884.
The French, of course, have championed the art of picnicking. The word picnic comes from the french word pique-nique, which describes fashionable aesthetes who preferred to bring their own wine when dining out on the town. Today, picnicking has evolved closer to a version of the potluck, where casual food is savored outdoors and everyone pitches in with their own dishes.
Whether you're having an impromptu lunch break on a blanket in the backyard or hosting a casual family dinner outdoors, we believe you should always picnic in style. These picnic accessories will add a festive touch to your next backyard extravaganza.
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Picnic at Ascot Multi-Level Cheese/Charcuterie Board
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Picnic at Ascot Multi-Level Cheese/Charcuterie Board
A perfect packing companion, this six-piece bamboo serving platter comes with secret storage for three cheese knives and a dipping bowl. It also packs up into a compact wedge for easy storage.
Chic, reusable storage containers are a mainstay of our picnics, and these marbled enamel bowls are perfect for ensuring your spread looks as beautiful as it is delicious.
Dining on a blanket doesn't have to equal using paper napkins. Packing a set of your favorite linens instantly elevates the occasion, and these colorful embroidered napkins will do just the trick.
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Society Social x Sarah Bray Bermuda Wildflower Sun Hat with Scarf
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Society Social x Sarah Bray Bermuda Wildflower Sun Hat with Scarf
One of our favorite yet overlooked picnic essentials? A stylish sun hat! We are jonesing for this hat and scarf combo created by Society Social in collaboration with Sarah Bray Bermuda.
Picnic prep just became ten times easier, thanks to the luxury food and beverage institution, Fortnum & Mason. The brand carries a variety of "hampers" filled with delectable goodies, and we love this option that features both sweet and savory treats, a tin of tea, and two summer-ready wines.
Set the mood and keep bugs at bay with these eucalyptus citronella candles. Offered in several colors, they'll bring some vibrancy to your picnic spread too.
Create a more layered, sophisticated picnic scene while expanding the variety of seating at your next outdoor soiree. OKA's floor cushions offer beautiful prime seating that will look just as lovely inside the home.
Fresh flowers are always welcome on our tablescapes, even if they are on the ground. Load them into one of these sweet scalloped vases for a bit of fun and whimsy.
Upgrade your picnic with this sophisticated portable bar set from Frontgate. It comes with bar tools, an ice bucket, and cups—all you need is the booze.
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Blue Pheasant Rachel Natural Sinamay Food Covers, Set of 2
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Blue Pheasant Rachel Natural Sinamay Food Covers, Set of 2
This woven wicker picnic basket comes with an insulated cooler compartment and service for four—including plates, cutlery and glasses. A foil debossed monogram on the leather tag adds a special touch.
These artful melamine plates from Food52 are perfect for serving your favorite picnic dishes. They are lightweight, reusable, shatterproof, and dishwasher-safe.
We've never met a wicker basket we didn't like, but we are especially fans of Chefanie's offerings that are inspired by both Jane Birkin and Little Red Riding Hood.
A brightly patterned tablecloth is the perfect accessory for a festive afternoon. This blockprint option is handmade in India with sustainable cotton. Bonus: You can upgrade your picnic tablescape with coordinating napkins, placemats, coasters, and dish towels.