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

Picnics are the new status symbol, if social media is anything to go by. Here are the best outfits and accessories to make your picnic the most stylish, from just £3.

whats-your-picnic-aesthetic?

by Sophie Henderson |
Published on

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.

Maison Cleo picnic kit
Maison Cléo's Picnic Kit has been a sell-out success

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.

Gallery

SHOP; The Best Pieces Picnic To Buy

H&M, Puff-sleeved Dress, £24.991 of 20

H&M, Puff-sleeved Dress, £24.99

Habitat, Edric Throw, £1002 of 20

Habitat, Edric Throw, £100

Urban Outfitters, Summer Printed Fan,  WAS £6, NOW £33 of 20

Urban Outfitters, Summer Printed Fan, WAS £6, NOW £3

Matilda Goad, Lunch Set, £5404 of 20

Matilda Goad, Lunch Set, £540

Bershka, Beaded Sandals, £45.995 of 20

Bershka, Beaded Sandals, £45.99

Ganni, Tech Tote, £1556 of 20

Ganni, Tech Tote, £155

Yolke, Linen Napkin, £647 of 20

Yolke, Linen Napkin, £64

Anthropologie,  Brynne Quilt, £1688 of 20

Anthropologie, Brynne Quilt, £168

Party Decorations, Vintage Style plates,  £2.99 for a 12pack9 of 20

Party Decorations, Vintage Style Plates, £2.99 for a 12pack

Anthropologie, Rattan & Wine Bread Breakfast, £6810 of 20

Anthropologie, Rattan & Wine Bread Breakfast, £68

Batsheva, Puff Sleeved Floral Dress, WAS £390 NOW £19511 of 20

Batsheva, Puff Sleeved Floral Dress, WAS £390 NOW £195

Toast, Ella Throw, £14512 of 20

Toast, Ella Throw, £145

HAY, Sowden Bottle, £2913 of 20

HAY, Sowden Bottle, £29

Cartwright & Butler, Picnic Tin, £1814 of 20

Cartwright & Butler, Picnic Tin, £18

COS, V-Neck Cotton Dress, £6915 of 20

COS, V-Neck Cotton Dress, £69

Birkenstock X Proenza Schouler, Milano Sandals, £36016 of 20

Birkenstock X Proenza Schouler, Milano Sandals, £360

Zara Home, Stripe Tablecloth, WAS £29.99, NOW £15.9917 of 20

Zara Home, Stripe Tablecloth, WAS £29.99, NOW £15.99

Zara Home, 2-Pack Napkin, WAS £7.99, NOW £2.9918 of 20

Zara Home, 2-Pack Napkin, WAS £7.99, NOW £2.99

LaRedoute, Qualimna Glasses, WAS £24, NOW £21.6019 of 20

LaRedoute, Qualimna Glasses, WAS £24, NOW £21.60

Sensi Studio, Set Of Two Straw Mats, £10520 of 20

Sensi Studio, Set Of Two Straw Mats, £105

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us