If the abundance of gorgeous, artisanal, al fresco dining accessories is anything to go by, picnicking is enjoying a renaissance – at least among the young, urbane and hip (and gainfully employed: Outfitting one’s basket with rarefied flair isn’t cheap!). Signe Langford rounds up six items guaranteed to make picnicking so very elegant, you’ll put down all your devices and listen to the real twitter … you know, of birds (and don't forget the perfect picnic sandwiches)
Compostable Dinnerware
Okay, compostable disposables is nothing new, but this gorgeous stuff is made from fallen leaves and water. The leaves – which would have been burned – are gathered, steamed, pressed and cooked; they’re non-toxic, biodegradable, compostable, durable, lightweight and seriously good-looking. They are manufactured in South Asia, and the company boasts that workers receive “fair wages in safe working conditions.” Bowls and plates in several sizes and packs of 25. $12-$20 from verterra.com, greenmunch.ca
Leather and Brass Blanket Carry Strap
No need to awkwardly schlep something to lie on: Roll it up and place it in this elegantly understated, adjustable, blanket-carrying strap. It’s hand-crafted in New York from waxed, vegetable-tanned leather, and fitted together with solid-brass hardware and roller buckles from England. $88.50 from kaufmann-mercantile.com
Beeswaxed Organic Cotton Food Wrap
In some circles, plastic wrap can make you a pariah. Use these instead. Made of organic cotton muslin, coated with natural beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin, this alternative to landfill-clogging plastic wrap is malleable, and because beeswax is naturally anti-bacterial, it helps keep food fresh. Created and handmade by Vermont farmer Sarah Kaeck and a group of women in her neighbourhood. Available in small (7 x 8 inches), medium (10 x 11 inches), large (13 x 14 inches) or a set including all 3 sizes. $18-$21.50 from kaufmann-mercantile.com
Henley Brands Folding Flatware Set
Why succumb to white, bendy, plastic cutlery? This handsome folding set – knife, fork, spoon – is made of stainless steel and comes in a hand-sewn, waxed-canvas case with leather strap. Perfect for a picnic? Yes. But also essential for lunch al desko. $28 from drakegeneralstore.ca
Marimekko Ursula White/Multi Long Tablecloth
Isn’t it romantic? Spread out this cheery tablecloth from iconic Finnish design house Marimekko, and set out a feast en plein air or just sprawl and watch the clouds drift past. Designer Paavo Halonen depicts watercolour-soft sweet peas, poppies and peppergrass, in three sizes and two shapes – round and rectangle. 100-per-cent cotton, from $90.25 to $158.25 from finnstyle.com
Double Wine Bottle Carrier
If they bring the food, you can bring the drink, in this. Handsome and practical, it carries two bottles of sparkling water, frizzante, iced tea, soda or – we’re all adults here, right? – wine. Made in the United States from 100-per-cent durable felt, it features a removable shoulder strap and cut-out handle. $65 (U.S.) from thefeltstore.com