1. Biome Lifestyle - £60
A bamboo hamper for four, this is packed with recycled plastic cutlery, plates and beakers, a fair trade blanket (red or teal) and a Frisbee to burn off those cocktail sausages.
www.biomelifestyle.com; 020 7254 7613
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2. British Baskets - £54.25
Derek Noble is one of the UK’s last wicker basket makers, and also builds to order. This two-lidded design is capacious and very popular.
www.britishbaskets.co.uk; 01704 822 358
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3. Handpicked Collection - £69.95
This tote has all the style of a traditional basket – plus it’s easy to carry. There are two insulated pockets for wine, and plates, glasses and cutlery.
www.handpickedcollection.com; 0845 602 3578
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4. Blyton picnic set - £78
A retro take on outdoor eating. Get this compact tin for impromptu picnics à deux. Sweet touches include duck-egg-blue china, cotton napkins and an enamel flask.
www.usefulstuff.co.uk; 0870 011 7883
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5. Life’s A Picnic - £220
An adorable one-off hamper packed with vintage china and champagne flutes. This is one for the girls, and would suit a tea, cake and champagne splurge.
www.lifesapicnic.co.uk
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6. Emma Bridgewater - from £137.50
Known for her folksy charm, Emma Bridgewater also does a nice line in picnic kit. The hampers are very well stocked, right down to the corkscrew.
www.thecookskitchen.com; 0870 8500 520
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7. Daylesford Organic oilskin bag - £95
A stylish oilskin shoulder bag that is insulated with sheep’s wool is the best – and most natural – way to keep your sandwiches from wilting on a hot day.
www.daylesfordorganic.com; 01608 731 700
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8. Garden Bliss - £49.95
Indulge in a liquid picnic with this simple set. The basket is made from sustainably sourced willow and holds one champagne bottle. Two flutes and cotton napkins are included.
www.gardenbliss.co.uk; 0870 1221 007
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9. Nigel’s Ecostore - from £16.99
Who knew picnics could have a conscience? All of this set, available for four or eight, is biodegradable and compostable, made from sustainable plant sources and ethically produced.
www.nigelsecostore.com; 0800 288 8970
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10. Basketware - £46.95 for three
These chocolate-coloured trunks will take a party-sized picnic. Made of willow with velvet lining and leather straps, it might even be worth hiring a classic car to do them justice.
www.basket-ware.co.uk; 01702 614 43
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19 May 2008, Chosen by Sophie Morris
