From Table Settings To Pretty Crockery, How Did We All Start Dressing Like Our Picnic Blankets?

Picnic season is in full swing. Whether your destination is a city park, countryside hideaway or back yard, the joy of eating alfresco with friends is one of summer's peak activities. Not to mention the fact that, this year, picnics have been one of the only social activities permitted during lockdown.

Instagram is awash with prosecco toasts in the park and BBQ bragging but the most interesting thing we’ve spotted are the new aesthetics of picnics. For not only are people considering exactly what to wear to said picnics, they're also matching their outfits to their dining accessories, making for some very satisfying photographs indeed.

Table clothes, napkins, ceramics and glasswear have become an extension of personal style, perfectly curated for an overall aesthetic. You may have seen the #makeamealofit hashtag circulating as lockdown creatives look to evening dinners as their main daily event, creating extravagant table settings that are an ode to their own personal style.

The trend Is showing no sign of stopping and as reunions with friends and family slowly start again, what better way to entertain guests that have looked at their own cracked crockery for months with a joy-inducing tablescape? (Yes, tablescape has officially entered our lexicon.)

Picnic aesthetics can be easily defined, and if you’re wondering what camp you find yourself in, look no further than your favourite fashion brands. Fashion label Maison Cleo's picnic kit, for example, has become instagram bait, consisting of a tablecloth, four napkins, two jams covers, one scrunchie and one tote bag. The fact that it has sold out speaks volumes – it's not enough to enjoy dining outside – it also has to be Insta-worthy.

Shopping app LIKEtoKNOW.it has noted an increase of 1000% in monthly searches for tote bags that can be used as picnic carriers. And given that Cottagecore is the new trend sweeping social media, it's easy to see why fashion's penchant for puff sleeve dresses, vintage florals and an all-round Little Womenapproach to getting dressed suits picnic life very well. If that sounds like you, no doubt your picnic blanket likely has a homespun patchwork feel, quilted with dainty florals in soft pastels. Not forgetting the floral embroidered napkins, scalloped plates and classic wicker basket.

More of a minimalist? Your tablecloth in simple linen is perfectly paired with speckled glass and hard-wearing enamel, a brilliant backdrop to your fuss-free wardrobe. Place yourself in the more-is-more camp? Your wardrobe sparks joy and so should your tablescape. Print, mood-enhancing colour and fun pieces are the perfect way to welcome guests to the party.