If you developed a taste for socialising outdoors during the pandemic, you’ll be pleased to hear that picnic season is upon us once again. Along with a light lunch and a lawn game or two, every picnic needs a quality blanket. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, a good picnic blanket should be waterproof, easy to clean (either by hand or in the washing machine), and easy to roll, fold, or pack away.
We’ve done some sleuthing to compile a list of blankets that suit every taste whilst ticking all of those boxes. If you’re looking to make an afternoon of it, make sure to take a look at our stories on the best coolers, portable barbecues, and lawn games to round off your set up. But firstly, read on for our picks of the most handsome, durable, and waterproof picnic blankets. While most of these blankets are available on Amazon, we’ve found some options elsewhere, too, for those who like to shop around.
This blanket comes in three equally simple but stylish designs. We particularly like this striped option. It’s extra large (78 by 54 inches when unfolded), and its strap with a built-in handle makes it easily portable.
An acrylic backing makes the blanket tear-resistant, and at roughly the size of a laptop when folded, it’s a perfect stash-in-your-tote-bag size.
Machine washable, sold with a leather-like strap, and festooned with a knowingly kitsch pattern.
A colour-blocked option made of sand-resistant nylon. Just close your eyes, shake away, and leave the sand on the beach — not in your boot.
When folded away, this blanket (that can comfortably fit two picnickers) can fit in your palm.
If wool is too scratchy for you, we also like this recycled-cotton option.
Including a blanket, plates, cutlery, and cups in a handy little backpack, this set is a one-stop shop to craft the perfect portable picnic.
Consider a Turkish towel for your picnic — they can be used as a throw if a guest gets chilly too.
A blanket that looks as though it belongs to a Strawberry Shortcake doll.
Some other Strategist-approved picnic essentials:
Strategist writer Chris Mandle takes this Chilli’s dupe (which is large enough to fit a whole bottle of wine) on sunny days out at the park.
For a heavier load, this cooler can store up to 30 litres (or 36 cans) of liquid, keeping it icy cold in up to 30 degree weather.
If your picnic location allows for grilling (which you can double-check here), this party grill came highly recommended when we researched the best portable options available.
This highly addictive Finnish board game is wildly popular across Paris and the perfect addition to a picnic in the park.
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