For every gorgeous summer walk, there should be a beautiful picnic basket (packed, obviously, with yummy treats). So, whether you’re driving to your favourite beach or walking to the perfect hilltop spot, we’ve got a great buy for you: we've put together a selection of the best picnic baskets so you can purchase your next sunny weather essential without further ado. Keep scrolling to find the best buys, all at today's best prices, thanks to our clever pricing widget.
When you've chosen the best picnic basket, take a look at the best picnic blankets.
This jolly little picnic basket for two from John Lewis is our favourite, not least because of the neat handle that clips together at the top, making it easy to carry this basket upright, which means less chance of opened foods spilling out. If you do get spillages, it's very easy to wipe clean the interior, and there are two full cutlery sets. The fact that both the wine glasses and plates are made from plastic isn't very glamorous, perhaps, but it certainly makes this set durable.
This wicker picnic basket has literally everything you could possibly want: porcelain plates. stainless steel cutlery, glasses, but also a corkscrew, salt and pepper shakers, and even a picnic blanket. This is fantastic value for money, and looks nice too, with a contrasting black and white look. All that goodness has a bit of a heavy weight to it, but it's totally worth it if you're not carrying it too far.
For something slightly different, this hamper style picnic basket with its compartments dedicated to wine bottles is the perfect gift idea. Plates, cutlery and wine glasses are neatly stored away in the middle section, which is easily fastened using the leather strap and there’s a pen knife, salt and pepper shakes, and a bottle opener to complete the set. It's a bit small, so best for a light lunch or afternoon snack.
Nothing ruins your favourite walk more than being lumbered with lugging a heavy picnic basket, which is precisely why Fortnum and Mason have created this backpack. While the inclusive dining set may lack the finesse of our first pick, with four plates, cutlery, plastic tumblers so you don’t need to worry about breaking anything, and a cheeseboard, you everything you need for a rewarding light lunch once you’ve reached your favourite spot.
Grab a bottle of wine, fruit, cheese and some of yummy savoury pastries and head to your favourite spot for some chilled out downtime together. The cool bag is perfect for chilling the wine while the fleece blanket provides somewhere comfy to park your bottoms while you enjoy your meal in the sun. With plates, sturdy wine glasses and a bottle opener included, it features everything you need for a great date.
If you’re looking for a good looking wicker picnic hamper with a decent price tag, this one could fit the bill. Designed for four people to dine and with plenty of space to store your special treats, this is perfect for an afternoon in the park. With tumblers instead of wine glasses and sturdy cutlery and crockery, this hamper has certainly been designed with families in mind.
With its traditional cotton lining and matching waterproof backed blanket, this picnic hamper set is stylish, functional and not particularly pricy. While it lacks the Fortnum and Mason name and quality (plastic glasses and non leather straps), for an impromptu march to the park to watch the kids while they play rounders, this hamper set is the perfect buy.
What is the best picnic basket?
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Our top pick is the John Lewis & Partners Meadow Filled Wicker Picnic Basket: easy to carry, easy to clean, and good value for money.
How to choose the best picnic basket
Best places to buy picnic baskets
Two or four people?
Most picnic baskets come with sets for two or four people. Unless you regularly have picnic with friends or family, two-people ones are lighter, more compact, and take up less room in the car/on public transport.
What's included?
At the very least, a good picnic basket should include cutlery, plates, and wine glasses. Extras may include a corkscrew, salt and pepper shakers, or even a blanket, although if you already have those things anyway, you might not need them.
Materials
Natural wicker or rattan is always best, as these materials are flexible, durable, and look good. Synthetic materials may be okay, but they tend not to have quite the same feel.
Lined or unlined?
Without a doubt, a lined picnic basket has a more luxurious look – but how will you clean the lining if the food spills? Synthetic lining is easier to clean than cotton, and no lining at all is best if you don't want to do any cleaning.
Handles
A picnic basket needs a good handle; it doesn't have to be real leather, but it needs to be sturdy, wide enough for you hand to slide through comfortably, and well attached.
Read more:
- Looking to dine outside in style? Take a look at the best outdoor dining sets
- Find more garden ideas at our dedicated page
- What's a picnic without some tunes? Take a look at our top-pick DAB radios for a mini music-maker you can take on the road.