Picnic sets for two: al fresco dining with the best baskets, hampers, plate and cutlery sets

Are you celebrating an anniversary? Catching up with your best friend? Or going on a day trip with your son or daughter? A picnic is a fantastic way to spend time with someone special, and the best picnic sets for two will only make the experience more enjoyable.

When you think of picnic sets, you're probably picturing either a gorgeous basket filled with treats or a spotted cool bag jam-packed with food. Either way, going for a picnic doesn't have to mean budget or boring.

Did you know that July is National Picnic Month? To honour this special occasion, Kate Conrad, an interior specialist from new luxury homeware and gifting brand Madison & Mayfair, has pulled together five items to add a bit of class to your al fresco picnic.

1. Wool picnic blanket

Kate said, "The perfect picnic begins with a blanket that beckons tree-shaded lounging. With so many options available, from tartan, cotton, fleece, plain and printed, say goodbye to the days of pulling a rug from the floor of the car and making do.

"My preferred choice is wool. Durable enough to sustain restless children and lake-soaked pets, a good wool picnic blanket will last for many a summer season.

"Selecting a quality picnic blanket can be viewed as an investment piece, providing a luxuriously soft centrepiece to your picnics, summer after summer."

2. Luxury deck chairs

Kate went on to add, "Outdoor diners are spoiled for choice, with a range of loungers, foldable chairs and oversize beanbags in which to recline after indulging one-too-many bites of the baguettes.

"For me, though, the deckchair retains that same exciting schools-out appeal as it did when I was a child. It is symbolic of every summer spent happily with a bucket and spade, or wading barefoot in a rockpool.

"That makes it my picnic seating of choice. Deckchairs have long evolved from cheap and cheerful seaside staples, into gorgeously designed and beautifully crafted items."

3. Hampers

Kate then said, "Whether hosting or attending a picnic, my ace-up-the-sleeve item is a hamper. A lovingly conceived and curated hamper makes the day memorable, providing a sense of discovery and excitement. As the hamper lid is lifted in anticipation and wrappers are eagerly torn into, you can sip contentedly at your beverage, and watch the merriment unfold.

"Hampers have the not-inconsiderable advantage of doubling up as exquisite picnic baskets. So, if you’ve packed a little too much, or you're planning a late dash to the supermarket, hampers provide ample storage for even the largest of gatherings."

4. Melamine dining sets

Kate said, "So, now we have our centrepiece blanket, hardwood deckchairs artfully placed along its borders and a wicker hamper containing homeware surprises. It’s time to eat.

"With such a delightful set-up awaiting guests, it would be forgivable to bring out the fine china. As an experienced organiser of all things al fresco, be assured that this is unwise!

"Instead, melamine picnicware pieces deliver virtually unbreakable, dishwasher-friendly alternatives. But most pleasingly of all, they are available in designs that reflect all the luscious emblems of summer. "

5. Picnic umbrella

Kate finally adds, "An unexpected rain shower during an idyllic afternoon is the essence of the British summer. But sometimes, perhaps all too rarely, the weather gifts us stretches of unbroken sunshine that brings the sun’s fullest heat.

"In both scenarios, our saviour is the humble picnic umbrella. And, aside from its essential practical use, it also brings additional decoration to your picnic set-up, allowing a chic touch to your rustic assembly. A good picnic umbrella should be both waterproof and offer high-levels of UV protection."

The best picnic sets for two 2021

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**Review: "**Beautiful little basket - great as a gift."

Read our full and detailed guide on the best picnic baskets now.

For easy carrying, this cool bag features an adjustable shoulder strap and double zip pull for an effortless opening. Other coordinating Madagascar picnic items are available.

Review: "Really good sized lunchbox - perfect for the office fridge. Has been complimented by everyone who has seen it and keeps all my food cold!"

Read our full and detailed guide on picnic perfect essentials: Where to buy the best picnicware?

Featuring two stainless steel knives, forks and spoons with plastic handles; two washable cotton napkins; two plastic wine glasses; two plastic dinner plates; two plastic salt and pepper shakers; a stainless steel corkscrew and bottle opener; a cheese/butter knife and a plastic chopping board.

We love that purchasing this set means that you can prepare food at home and eat a banquet on the go.

Review: "I love this product and can't wait to use it as lockdown eases, and I can walk further afield and explore from the train or bus. Mini Prosecco bottle is waiting in the fridge. The picnic blanket is plenty big enough, and the compartment for food is huge for two. The little side pocket is perfect for a phone and wallet. Plus, all the accessories are practical and well made. The salt and pepper pots are very cute too. When it is empty it is lightweight, so will need some thought to pack. Carrying a hamper as a backpack is easier than carrying one that is a tote bag style. Hope to add photos soon of the picnic in progress! Would recommend this product."

This set includes stainless steel cutlery and durable plastic plates. Our favourite thing about this set is how easy it is to carry from your car to the beach.

You'll love showing off the two stainless steel cutlery with plastic handles (knife, fork and spoon), two Porcelain plates, two wine glasses, two linen napkins and a mat to all the passers-by. We'd recommend using this for a romantic picnic on your anniversary.

Review: "Gorgeous, absolutely love it. I can’t wait to put it on the back of my bike and head off for a picnic on the beach! This set includes stainless steel cutlery and durable plastic plates."

For £200, you'll get an extraordinary picnic hamper filled with 26 items. As well as a delicious cheese platter, crab salad and 75cl bottle of Fortnum's Blanc de Blancs Champagne, you'll also find a bamboo cutlery set, GoVino wine glass, and a medium hamper. What's not to like?

Featuring two forks, two knives, two spoons, two plates and a carrier bag, this compact kit does the job for picnics.

Review: "My partner and I use this set for picnics and were perfect during lockdown. Durable, easy to pack and looks snazzy."

Need some camping inspiration? Read our guide on the best campsites to visit in the UK.

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