Foldable, stackable, colourful picnic chic for the sunny great outdoors
Think foldable and stackable, pretty and light, and away we go
SUMMER’S almost here and festival season is in full swing. With every weekend now looking like it’s going to be a campervan road trip or an expedition to the back of beyond, it’s high time we checked out a few accessories that’ll make the great outdoors that bit more comfortable.
While the Bear Grylls in my life likes nothing more than going native and hitting the beach bare foot, I tend to like my wild camping with some stylish colours, a glass of bubbles and table service if at all possible.
Contrary to what himself thinks, practical picnic gear can still include the season’s brightest hues and trending prints. It might not be the utilitarian enamel tin cans he’d thought we’d be packing but he’s a bit long out of boy scouts for that kind of carry-on.
So we’ve reached a compromise. As long as it’s foldable and stackable, somewhat durable and light, then we can take it – leaving me with free reign to kit out the van with fashionable on-theroad-again essentials.
First up is a picnic blanket, think of it as a key statement piece. Why opt for classic tartans when you could be lazing about on wild jungle patterned prints like the Kissing Robin design from HomeCandy.com? It also rolls up into convenient carry handles.
The latest thing in al fresco wares is outdoor rugs and cushions; we’re talking next level accessories that you’d happily sneak back indoors. Try Cuckooland. com for their colourful collection or Littlewoods Ireland for extralarge lounging style cushions.
Summer’s hot trend is tropi- cal and the look has made its way from catwalk to campsite with Marks and Spencer’s Rio range, offering instant holiday on a plastic plate. It’s bright and bold and comes with matching cooler bags and serving trays.
There’s also a festival vibe in Heatons picnics collection, with kitsch dishes and wine goblets in loud colours that are crying out for some sparking rosé.
A folding table and chairs are ideal for carrying in car boots. Carraig Donn has a floral vintage-style Paris bistro table while the summer range at Homebase include nautical deck chairs. Habitat has a lightweight foldable metal garden range in sea blue and leaf green. These would all work well on urban balconies, too.