The Best Picnic Blankets for All Your Summer Adventures
The Best Picnic Blankets for All Your Summer Adventures
Whether you're headed to the park, the beach, or even just your own backyard this summer, it's officially picnic season—and for that, you'll need the perfect blanket to provide a colorful backdrop to your outdoor dining setup (as well as some much-needed protection from grass stains). That said, not all options are created equal. To get the most bang for your buck, look for lightweight textiles that are easy to pack up and carry, rugs with some degree of water resistance to block out moisture, and low-maintenance picks that you won't have to dry clean. As for the design? That's where we come in.
Between cozy quilt-like pieces in a rainbow of colors and more utilitarian, weather-proof pads that can handle a little mud, there's a lot to sift through. We did the heavy lifting for you: Any of these 10 picnic blankets would be a great addition to your al fresco tablescape. Time to start planning your menu.
1) Insulated Picnic Blanket
Arlmont & Co.
wayfair.com
$29.99
Complete with a waterproof liner and water-resistant bottom layer, this primary-colored option is great if you're looking for a statement piece. It's fully insulated, so whether you're perched on cool grass or hot sand, you'll remain comfortable.
2) Roll-Up Wool Blanket
Pendleton
amazon.com
$149.00
Pendleton's wool blankets are iconic for a reason. The quality design is built to last and the thicker material makes it especially ideal for campside picnics: It has a sturdy nylon back to protect the fabric, and doubles as a blanket for cooler temps.
3) Pocket Blanket
Matador
amazon.com
$35.99
Keep this handy nylon option in your bag for impromptu post-work gatherings—when folded up, it's smaller than an envelope. The blanket is made from a fully waterproof material and can seat up to four people. It also comes with built-in ground stakes, which you can stick into the dirt to prevent the lightweight material from moving around.
4) Rainbow Plaid Picnic Mat
Kate Spade New York
amazon.com
$42.95
Looking for something a little brighter? Kate Spade's outdoor twill blanket is a technicolor treat, featuring a kaleidoscope of pink and teal that'll instantly liven up any picnic spread. The nylon backing keeps grass stains at bay, and an elastic band makes it easy to fold up when it's time to head home.
5) Biggie Blanket
Kelty
backcountry.com
$29.96
OK, technically, Kelty's blue and white blanket is meant as a throw for camping...but thanks to the easy-to-pack design and an insulated polyester liner that wipes clean, we think it makes a pretty great picnic blanket, too. It's just the right size for two people, so if you're on the hunt for a smaller style, call off the search.
6) Striped Picnic Blanket
California Picnic
amazon.com
$39.97
If you're planning to spend time by the beach, it doesn't get more classically nautical than blue and white stripes. This waterproof design is super soft and made from non-toxic acrylic. It also gets points for the sleek faux-leather straps that make it a cinch to wrap up and transport.
7) Foldable Waterproof Picnic Blanket Mat
Cheerwell
amazon.com
$24.99
Cheery yellow gingham is a quintessential warm-weather print, but this mat is more than just a chic accessory. It can fit up to five people, and is made from a tightly-woven, sand-proof material that features a waterproof backing and a lightly padded sponge layer for extra comfort.
8) Authentic Mexican Blanket
Benevolence LA
amazon.com
$19.99
Not everyone has enough storage to house single-use blankets, which is why this versatile pick is such a smart buy. Handmade in Tlaxcala, Mexico using 100% recycled materials, it can moonlight as a cozy sofa throw, a beach blanket, or even a yoga blanket when you don't need it for picnics—plus, the company that sells it invests 10% of profits in partner nonprofits. Oh, and it's machine-washable.
9) Outdoor Blanket
REI Co-op
rei.com
$49.95
From the earthy green plaid to the ultra-soft fleece, there's nothing about this water-repellent (and machine-washable) blanket we don't love. Plus, because it's made using Bluesign?-approved materials that conserve resources, it's sustainably produced.
10) Striped Picnic Blanket
Sunnylife
nordstrom.com
$70.00
Featuring a bright orange nylon backing that'll keep the elements off your picnic spread, Sunnylife's sage green striped blanket is just as functional as it is stylish. It neatly rolls into the provided sling for easy transportation—no need to sacrifice valuable space in your food bag.
From waterproof options to cozy knits.