Leisure

Basket Case

This Is How You Picnic

Just look at it out there. Yep, we’re entering prime eating-on-the-ground season. So you might as well do it better than you have to. Below, five ways to picnic like some kind of alfresco-dining savant.

BLANKET STATEMENT

A Houndstooth Blanket from Steven Alan

The Tool: This blue-and-white checkered ground cover that was handwoven in India.
The Trade: You’re going to need somewhere to sit. And this here blanket is just that. Because it’s soft, it’s dapper, and it’s guaranteed to protect against grass stains. Probably.

CARRY ON

Renting a Basket from Scardello

The Tool: A receptacle designed specifically for carrying your lunch. Right, it’s a picnic basket.
The Trade: Scardello is renting woven baskets stuffed with plates, glassware and napkins, so that’s incredibly handy. But just say the word, and they’ll throw in some wine and cheese. You’ll want to say the word.

ON THE GROWL

A Stainless-Steel Beer Growler

The Tool: Oh, just a metal half-gallon insulated beer holder.
The Trade: A successful picnic requires... several things. But one of those: beer. Lots of it. Say, 64 ounces of Texas draft beer contained in an unbreakable jug. Also, the type of companion who appreciates such things.

TEA PARTY

It’s an Outdoor Tea Trolley

The Tool: A wheeled trolley with built-in cup holders and a removable serving tray.
The Trade: You’re going to need something to display all the plunder, and your lap is simply an unreliable spot for balancing potato salad. Don’t learn the hard way.

GAME, SET, MATCH

A Portable Game Set from Nest

The Tool: A leather-bound game set sporting canasta cards, dice and dominoes.
The Trade: Between food, drinks and your date, you’re probably all set for entertainment. But just in case, there’s this. And now you’ve got a reason to Google “how to play canasta” on your phone.