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From vintage-inspired wicker to collapsible canvas, these are our picnicking picks. Seagrass Basket With Lid
Food & Wine / Mary Claire Lagroue
We are living in the golden age of picnic baskets. There are classic, Instagram-worthy wicker types, lightweight and collapsible bags, and even clever backpack models ideal for a hike. But with so many options, what's a picnic enthusiast to do? We looked at over a dozen top-rated models, from high-end to affordable, old-school to design-forward. And while we have crowned one basket as the overall winner, read on to discover more of the best picnic baskets for your next outdoor meal.
This model includes all the plates and flatware you need but still has plenty of storage.
A single top handle means this isn't the easiest to carry over long distances, and it shouldn't get wet.
Made out of traditional wicker and leather buckle straps, this basket seems to be plucked straight out of the English countryside. But good looks aren't the only thing this model has going for it: it's also cleverly designed to hold the plates and flatware you need for your meal, as well as all of your food.
The top flap is constructed with chic buckle straps and snaps to hold your dining tools, while the roomy basket interior fits both the included wine glasses and a separate insulated compartment. You can easily store chilled items like cheeses on one side, while drier items like bread can be stashed separately (and stay sog-free). A jaunty blue-and-white-striped lining completes the look; this bag will likely be the star in any photo you snap.
Weight: 9.5 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 13 x 8 inches | Material: Woven wicker basket with fully-lined canvas interior and leatherette straps
It holds plates, flatware, and glasses for four, but it costs a lot less than similar wicker baskets.
It's a bit smaller than others on our list.
HappyPicnic makes some of Amazon's best-selling picnic baskets. Associate Commerce Editor Mary Claire Lagroue has another basket from the brand, and she attests to its quality: "I've had mine for a few years. It's very sturdy, and all of the materials feel nice, from the willow rattan to the stainless steel flatware. The melamine plates won't break, and the glasses have been knocked over enough times to prove their durability, too," she says. In addition to these items, this four-person picnic basket includes a waterproof blanket and napkins to match.
Weight: 5.7 pounds | Dimensions: 17.8 X 11.8 X 7 inches | Material: Woven wicker basket with fully-lined canvas interior and leatherette straps
A unique design meets quality materials in this splurge-worthy wicker basket.
You'll want to be careful of stains and spills with the white interior.
Handwoven from willow, this black basket stands out as a sophisticated alternative to natural rattan. A simple honeybee pattern on white canvas covers the inside, complete with a cooler compartment and pockets for flatware and glasses. The basket's hardware has a copper finish to match the flatware. And while the basket packs in ceramic plates, wine glasses, and flatware for four people, it all adds up to just 7 pounds.
Weight: 7 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13.5 x 8.25 inches | Material: Woven wicker basket with fully-lined canvas interior and leatherette straps
This insulated, water-resistant bag features a convenient, collapsible design and dinnerware for two.
It looks more like a lunchbox or cooler than a traditional picnic basket.
The hallmark of a great picnic basket revolves around insulation. After all, if you can’t comfortably store a chilled bottle of wine and a few snacks, be it cheese and crackers or foot-long subs, then how will you orchestrate a true picnic? That’s where the Picnic Time Malibu Cooler Picnic Basket comes in. It features two separate insulated, water-resistant compartments in a convenient, collapsible design — so you can quickly break down the bag if you finish all the best snack recipes you've made. There’s even a padded divider for up to two beer or wine bottles, plus peek-through closures for tall bottles.
A bonus is it includes service for two, from shatter-resistant wine glasses and melamine plates to stainless steel cutlery, a wooden cutting board, a cheese knife, and cotton napkins.
Weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 14.5 x 10.5 x 9 inches | Material: Polyester
This high-end basket has everything you need to create a romantic picnic.
The price is higher than most, and it's on the bulkier side.
If you're looking to curate a romance-fueled picnic meal and just haven't been able to find the perfect basket, you're in luck: This model from Massachusetts's Weston Table boutique is fully stocked. Nearly every feature of this classic model has been upgraded to a luxury level, from an interior and exterior trimmed with leather to porcelain plates, stainless steel knives, and a waiter-style corkscrew. All you need to add is your favorite bottle of wine and some snacks.
Weight: 5 pounds | Size: 16 x 8 x 12 inches | Material: Wicker and leather
The backpack has special pockets for wine, a blanket, and flatware, freeing up the center compartment for food.
While there’s a designated spot for food, it doesn’t compare to the space of a standard picnic basket or bag.
If your prime picnic location requires a decent walk to reach it, you'll know that carrying a standard picnic basket on a trail is a giant hassle. Instead, opt for the Sunflora Picnic Backpack.
Unlike other picnic backpacks, this one doesn’t skimp out on space. The entire center compartment is free for food and drink, so you won’t have to compromise on that extra sandwich over carrying a few wine glasses. From the cheese knife to the wine opener to even a bamboo cutting board, every item included has its compartment, making it a breeze to pack and unpack. Plus, you won’t have to worry about flatware pieces or glasses jangling around inside because the included items are made to withstand a tumble: the wine glasses and plates are high-quality, hard-to-break plastic.
Weight: 6.5 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 5 inches | Material: Cationic fabric
Picnic baskets come in many different materials, from classic wicker to canvas and even leather. What you choose comes down to what you plan to use your picnic basket for. If you’re looking for something to take to the beach or on rugged outdoor adventures, you may want to invest in a waterproof, easy-to-clean material like canvas. However, if you’re interested in a traditional-looking picnic basket and aren’t as concerned with practicality, you can’t go wrong with wicker.
Think about what method you'll use to transport your basket: a car trunk can accommodate a large, suitcase-like vessel, but the back of your bike? Not so much. And if you're going on foot, we recommend opting for a backpack-style or a bag that fits under your arm.
A picnic basket with all the bells and whistles (plates, glasses, cutting board) certainly helps take the guesswork out of packing, but all of those accouterments will add a lot of bulk. If you'd rather not lug that many pounds, choose a basket that doesn't come with all the extras and stock up on lightweight paper plates and cups.
The traditional notion of a picnic basket — wicker, two handles, maybe a cheery, red-checker lining —may look great on Instagram, but it's not going to keep your cheese cool for hours on end. If you're the sort of person who's packing melty Époisses, delicate raspberries, and ice-cold white wine for your picnic lunch, then it's a good idea to invest in an insulated picnic bag or basket. The insulation will keep your food cool but the construction also has the added benefit of generally being sturdier than your average wicker type. Look for models that are also waterproof, as you don't want your basket to end up sopping wet after your ice melts.
All picnic baskets are portable by nature, but knowing where you might choose to have a picnic will determine the best kind of carrying strap. A standard top handle should do the trick if you're mostly just going from the car to your blanket. But if you're planning a beach lunch or even a celebratory meal after a long hike, then something sturdier like a backpack or shoulder handles will be easier to use.
You can pack just about anything in a picnic basket — from wine and cheese to sandwiches, salads, fruit, and more, especially if your picnic basket is insulated. If it doesn’t include insulation, be careful about transporting foods that need to be kept at a certain temperature.
The easiest way to keep food cold in a picnic basket is to pick one with built-in insulation. You may also want to pack a few ice packs inside the basket for an added chill.
It depends on the occasion. Picnic baskets can hold all sorts of items, from food and drink to clothing, flowers, books, and even stuffed animals. Keep the basket’s capacity in mind, though. If you overpack a picnic basket, you risk breaking it.
Large Wicker Storage Baskets Clarissa Buch Zilberman is a writer and editor based in Miami. Specializing in lifestyle, business, and travel, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Realtor.com, Travel + Leisure, and Bon Appétit, among other print and digital titles.