The Art of Al Fresco: Curating the Luxury Picnic
A marvelous picnic transcends a simple meal outdoors. Done well, it becomes a symphony of flavors, surrounded by chic tabletop pieces and the perfect blanket, all set against a backdrop of natural beauty. A luxury picnic properly executed is an experience designed to elevate the everyday.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering under the stars or a sophisticated daytime soiree, the right accoutrements will transform a casual outing into an unforgettable event. To help you achieve peak picnic, we’ve curated a selection of the finest luxury picnic baskets, artisanal foods, and outdoor entertaining essentials. These are all available online for delivery across the United States, from brands known for their quality and craftsmanship.
The Foundation: The Picnic Basket
No luxury picnic is complete without a basket that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. These selections combine timeless design with superior craftsmanship, ensuring your provisions are transported in style.
1. Scully & Scully Dorset Picnic Basket for Four with Blanket.
A quintessential, high-end wicker picnic basket crafted for four, complete with a plush blanket.
BUY NOW: $475.
2. Scully & Scully – Vineyard Picnic Basket for Two.
A more intimate, compact wicker basket, thoughtfully designed for two.
BUY NOW: $265.
3. Giobagnara x Poltrona Frau Picnic Basket.
This basket is a testament to high design, featuring premium materials such as exquisite leather. It’s a great statement piece for the design-conscious.
BUY NOW: Price upon request.
4. Serena & Lily Picnic Basket.
Reflecting the brand’s coastal-inspired, relaxed luxury aesthetic, this stylish picnic basket is both practical and beautiful.
BUY NOW: $148.
5. Williams Sonoma Famille Rose Picnic Basket.
This charming and romantic picnic basket evokes balmy afternoons in the garden, or twilight in a meadow of wildflowers.
BUY NOW: $229.95.
The Flavor: Artisanal Foods
Elevate your picnic fare with a selection of gourmet provisions from renowned purveyors. These artisanal foods promise a symphony of flavors, transforming your outdoor meal into a culinary journey.
1. Eataly Italian Picnic Essentials.
Immerse yourself in the flavors of Italy with Eataly’s vast selection of authentic artisanal foods. From imported Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano to Prosciutto di Parma and gourmet olive oils, their offerings emphasize high-quality, regionally sourced Italian products perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired picnic. Like this “Picnic for Two” package.
BUY NOW: $156.49.
2. Murray’s Cheese Curated Collection.
A legendary New York City institution, Murray’s Cheese offers an unparalleled selection of artisanal cheeses from around the globe. Their expertly curated collections, like this “Certified Cheese Lovers Collection,” are often paired with complementary charcuterie and crackers, and designed for the ultimate gourmet experience.
BUY NOW: $85.
3. Zingerman’s Delicatessen Gourmet Food Box.
Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zingerman’s is celebrated for its commitment to artisanal foods. Their gourmet food boxes feature specialty cheeses, cured meats, freshly baked goods, and rare pantry items, all sourced with an emphasis on quality and tradition. We love their “Classic French Picnic Gift Box,” which includes a loaf of Zingerman’s Farm Bread, French-style Sacre Bleu Salami, a half-pound of Comté Cheese, a jar of Cornichon Pickles, and buttery Palmier cookies for dessert.
BUY NOW: $125.
4. Zabar’s Tapas Time Basket.
Inspired by the food halls in London and Paris, Eli Zabar established his eponymous food store and delicatessen on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. For the perfect Spanish-inspired picnic, we love this “Tapas Time” gift basket. It includes cured ham, aged cheeses and marcona almonds. Along with your choice of one bottle of limited edition sherry or two bottles of traditional Spanish Rioja wine.
BUY NOW: $250.
5. La Maison du Chocolat Gourmet Chocolates.
For a truly decadent finish to your picnic, indulge in the exquisite artisanal chocolates and truffles from this renowned French chocolatier. Each piece is a miniature work of art, offering a luxurious sweet touch to your outdoor feast.
BUY NOW: $90.
Elevating the Experience: Luxury Outdoor Entertaining Essentials
Beyond the basket and the bites, the true art of a luxury picnic lies in the details—the elements that transform a simple outdoor meal into a lavish affair. These essentials combine functionality with unparalleled design, ensuring every aspect of your al fresco dining is imbued with sophistication.
1. Juliska Outdoor Dinnerware.
Juliska’s sophisticated collections of outdoor dinnerware, crafted from durable, lightweight, and shatter-resistant melamine and acrylic, bring indoor elegance to outdoor settings. Take a trip to Provence with this “French Country Meadow” collection of complementary plates, linens and utensils.
2. Kneen & Co. Luxury Outdoor Dinnerware, Glassware & Bar Accessories.
Kneen & Co. is a purveyor of exquisite table accessories, offering a curated selection of outdoor-specific dinnerware, glassware, and bar tools. These pieces, sourced from designer brands, are designed to elevate every aspect of your outdoor dining experience. Like these vibrant blue tumblers, perfect for a twilight picnic.
BUY NOW: $48 for a set of 2.
3. TBCo (The Tartan Blanket Co.) Recycled Wool Picnic Blankets.
Designed in Scotland, these picnic blankets are a blend of luxury and practicality. Crafted from durable, water-resistant, and machine-washable recycled wool, they feature classic tartan and herringbone patterns, providing both comfort and style.
BUY NOW: $162.
4. YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler.
While known for rugged durability, YETI coolers are a luxury when it comes to performance. The Tundra Haul, a premium wheeled cooler, is indispensable for keeping your gourmet provisions perfectly chilled.
BUY NOW: $475.
5. Sonos Portable Outdoor Speakers.
Enhance the ambiance of your picnic with a high-fidelity portable speaker from audio leader Sonos. Like their new Roam 2. Designed for outdoor use, these waterproof speakers deliver exceptional sound quality.
BUY NOW: $179.
