8 of the best picnic baskets and hampers for 2018
British summertime sees our parks and green spaces flooded with picnickers eager to make the most of the rare sunshine. If you're thinking of joining them, then you'll be in need of either a traditional hamper or a practical, modern picnic bag (complete with the requisite wine glasses or champagne flutes, in either case).
They're perfect for spontaneous outings and drives out to the coast - but some are so pretty that you'll need to show them off, so make sure you check out our guide to the 30 best alternative summer social dates for your diary, if you haven't already.
We also strongly advise you check out Flora Shedden's recipes for the ultimate picnic snacks, including asparagus and potato tartlets and sesame sausage rolls, or Tom Kerridge's recommended picnic lunch of ham hock terrine, mackerel Scotch eggs and Gloucester lardy cake. And make sure to pack your picnic blanket, too...
1. Marine picnic basket
This traditional 6-person picnic basket from Les Jardins De La Cometesse has a charmingly nautical feel, so we feel it's well suited to languorous days spent lolling on the beach. Inside, there's space for six ceramic plates, salt and pepper pots and a multi-functional corkscrew, while the inner insulated compartment has room for an 18 piece cutlery set and six glass goblets - all included in the set. It also comes with a white and blue striped tablecloth and six napkins. Delightful.
2. Fortnum's 4-person canvas picnic backpack
Rather a departure from tradition, but all the more practical for it, this stylish backpack from Fortnum & Mason is the easiest way to carry your picnic around - especially if you're hiking to a secluded spot. The backpack contains four plates, four knife, fork and spoon sets, four plastic tumblers, a cheeseboard and more in the Fortnum & Mason's signature eau de nil. FYI, Fortnum & Mason also have a cool bag (£75, Fortnum & Mason), which means you'll no longer have to suffer soggy sandwiches. We still love their irresistible classic hampers too, though.
3. Joules picnic basket
Good old Joules. This pretty wicker floral picnic hamper contains four of everything, so it's ideal for a double date or a family outing. Like Fortnum & Mason, Joules also do an excellent picnic rucksack bag (£59.95, Joules), which scores points for practicality.
4. Personalised boat hamper picnic basket
This glorious design by The Colourful Garden Company can be personalised with your initials (it works particularly well as a wedding or anniversary present). It also allows you to carry four bottles of wine or champagne - so it's a wise investment if you're planning to enjoy many a blissful booze-filled afternoon.
5. Croft Collection 2-person luxury wicker picnic hamper
This nifty little hamper contains everything you need for a picnic à deux - just add the food and drink, and be off with you.
6. Debenhams Home gingham trim 'Dorothy' basket
Channel the Wizard of Oz with this nostalgic picnic basket with a single handle and two openings. It's fantastically retro, and an essential accessory for halcyon, carefree summer days. We also like their classic four-person wicker hamper (£40, Debenhams), which has plenty of room for your favourite picnic foods.
7. VonShef Deluxe 4-person picnic basket
This folding hamper comes with cutlery, plates, glasses, tableware and fleece blanket - so you'll be all set for making the most of last-minute sunshine with barely a moment's notice.
8. Greenfield Collection 'Henley' willow picnic hamper for two
We're utterly smitten with this barrel-shaped picnic hamper for two. The willow is robust but lightweight, the red lining majestic and the real leather a delight. Meanwhile, the Greenfield Collection 'Forest Green' picnic backpack for two is one for woodland walks (£59.99, Amazon).
Summer social | The great British picnic
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