On the rare occasion of ultra warm weather, we head straight outside to soak up those good summer vibes and maximise ever last second of the long-awaited sunshine, in true British style.
Whether this means a mad dash to the nearest park, beach, concerts or countryside retreat, there is one essential item that cannot be missed from your packing list – a picnic blanket.
No alfresco feast is complete without a rug to lay on the ground so you can dine in ultimate comfort. Leave hard-to-clean grass stains or suspicious-looking wet patches out of the equation.
The ideal picnic blanket should be waterproof, lightweight, portable and can be folded into a compact size for ease in storing. While ticking off these important factors, there are still an endless array of patterns and styles to suit every preference.
From your traditional tartan designs, to charming summer-inducing prints, we have gathered our favourites.
Best Picnic Blankets and Rugs 2019
Picnic blanket
Get the whole family involved for an outdoor feast with one crucial item checked off your list – a fun picnic blanket with a playful banana print. The option is made from polyester with a water-repellent plastic backing and a handy carry strap.
£12.99 | H&M | Buy it now
Picnic Printed Water Resistant Rug
Your summer essentials need to include this picnic rug that is complete with a yellow hued lemon design on a pinstripe backdrop. The blanket is composed of a wipe clean fabric, has a water resistant backing, and a carry strap. The brand also offers the same rug in a white floral or dog print design.
£29.95 | Joules | Buy it now
Striped Picnic Blanket
This picnic blanket will immediately give you those summer feels with a brightly-coloured stripe design. It has a fleece construction on the one side with a waterproof lining on the other as well as a carry handle.
The rug can be easily wiped down using a sponge when the inevitable ice cream spillages occur.
£10 | Next | Buy it now
Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0
This picnic blanket is ideal for ad hoc al fresco dining as it can be folded into a very compact size that you can keep in your bag at all times, ready incase of a surprising ray of sunshine appears.
The rug is water-repellent and can fit up to four people. It is also composed of a tough material to keep up with your active lifestyle.
£30 | Amazon | Buy it now
Saldanha Picnic Blanket
Who would have thought that picnic blankets could be THIS chic? The Saldanha option from Urbanara has a padded cotton and linen construction with a polyester filling so you can dine in the utmost comfort. It also has a nylon water resistant lining, is lightweight and rolls up into a easily transportable size.
£89 | Urbanara | Buy it now
Toucan Print Foldaway Picnic Blanket
This fun Toucan print blanket folds away into a handy co-ordinating pouch. You can also match your picnic rug with the full, brightly-coloured set that includes everything you need for an outdoor spot of lunch or tea; a backpack, cooler bag, glasses, bowls and plates.
£12 | Next | Buy it now
WolfWise Extra Large Picnic Blanket
For your entire family and the dog, this extra-large option can accommodate around eight people. The rug is also sand proof and water resistant to take you from the beach, to the park and everywhere in-between.
£16.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
John Lewis & Partners Bohemian Summer Geo Print Picnic Rug
Make organising outdoor dining a breeze with this super stylish picnic rug that features a bold orange design with a geometric pattern. The rug is lined with a waterproof backing and can be rolled into a portable tube shape with a rope handle and a drawstring close.
£20.80 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Ladybird Dot Picnic Blanket
Make the most out of the rare sunshine by packing up this fun polka blanket and heading straight outside. The lilac and black dot design piece has a comfy cotton construction with a waterproof reverse.
£60 | Amara | Buy it now
Sophie Allport Bees Picnic Rug
We cannot resist this adorable bee print rug that will make the perfect accompaniment to your summer plans. The charming design is also super practical, rolling up fairly compact and neat, while also being easy to carry. The brand also offers a charming duck variation.
£35 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Extra Large Pink Tartan Waterproof Blanket
When it comes to picnic blankets, you can’t go wrong with tartan. But for a fun take on a classic print, this bold pink hue is high on our wish list. Ideal for any occasion, the blanket has a waterproof backing.
£32 | Not On The High Street | Buy it now
Fleece Picnic Blanket
Unicorn prints may have been all the rage last year but this summer, we cannot get enough of flamingo prints. This blanket features the star design set on a large blanket with a water resistant backing and a carry handle. The product is also offered in tropical leaf, geometric and stripe variations.
£4.99 | B&M | Buy it now
Vonshef Geometric picnic blanket
Take the challenge out of outdoor dining with the help of this stylish Vonshef blanket that has an all over geometric design. The soft rug encourages you to relax and unwind in the sunshine with a waterproof backing so you stay dry even when the floor is damp.
£15 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Ice Lolly Novelty Picnic Blanket
This list would not be complete with at least one novelty option and this ice lolly shaped variation has won our hearts. The Instagram-worthy rug can be used for picnics in the park, camping, garden parties and festivals so you can dine in style.
£14.99 | Wayfair | Buy it now
Jessica Reynolds // Shopping editor
