Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

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Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

Enjoy a meal al fresco during warmer weather. (iStock)

Picnics are a great way to enjoy the outdoors in warmer weather. What better way to spend a summer day than lounging with friends, family and good food while basking in the warmth of a summer day? With some planning and the right accessories, you can pull off the perfect picnic – whether at the beach, in the park or your backyard.

Here are 11 must-haves for alfresco dining you’ll turn to all summer long:

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

A classic basket for two with everything you need. (Walmart)

Transporting your feast will be easier with a picnic carryall. This , on sale for under $45 at Walmart, is great to set the scene for a romantic meal. The basket includes everything you need to serve and eat your meal. If you are packing for a larger group, this is a better option. It is available for under $60 at Amazon.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

Try an easy to carry soft-sided cooler. (RTIC)

Looking for a way to keep your perishables cool? Opt for a soft-sided picnic cooler. These bags are flexible, lightweight and easy to pack and carry.  This , on sale for less than $180 at RTIC, straps comfortably to your back, leaving both arms free to bring other gear. This heavy-duty cooler will keep your items cold for up to two days. For a budget pick, try the on sale for under $40 at Amazon. This large, soft-sided cooler bag will keep food or drinks cold for 12 hours.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

This classic cooler can double up as a seat. (Amazon)

If you are looking for an option to keep your items cold but double as a table, try a hard-sided picnic basket cooler. This features molded-in side handles for comfortable carrying and Thermecool foam insulation. If you are after a wicker basket, look at this . It features a removable wooden lid that doubles as a cheese board and has a two-way zipper closure.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

Use an easy to roll blanket. (Urban Outfitters)

A blanket is an easy way to provide seating for guests and also very transportable. The , on sale for $70 at Urban Outfitters, evokes all that is summer with this large strawberry print. This quilted nylon picnic blanket has a hook-and-loop closure to roll it up quickly. Or try this stylish, , selling for less than $40 at Amazon. The leather-like harnessing straps and handle make it convenient to carry.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

A folding chair is a good option for seating. (Walmart)

Pack folding chairs if lounging on the ground is not for you or your guests. This , is an easy option to carry. For an even easier-to-carry chair, try the . This chair folds into the size of a water bottle, sets up in seconds and supports up to 300 pounds.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

Try cushions to add color and comfort. (Walmart)

Picnic cushions are not as easily transported but are a must for adding color, drama and comfort to your picnic landscape. These . Or try these , available for just over $15 at Amazon.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

Pack a small table for comfort. (Walmart)

If you want to get your food off the ground, this , priced under $40 at Walmart, will get the job done. This picnic table can hold cheese, snacks, cutlery and can hold up to four champagne glasses for soda cans. Or spread out your picnic on this , on sale for less than $180 at Amazon. This sturdy table has X-shaped legs for added stability and a load capacity of up to 110 pounds. It is great for a picnic-themed party – just add cushions.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

This is a set for two. (Walmart)

If you have not opted for a basket with utensils, you will need to pack these. This , includes forks, spoons and knives for two. The kit also has one butter knife, two stainless steel dinner plates, one cutting board and a bottle opener. This , comes in an easy-to-pack organizer.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

Paper plates make clean-up easy. (Amazon)

For a larger party, you may decide disposable plates are a better option. These , on sale for less than $30 at Amazon, can serve 50 people. Using biodegradable paper plates removes the stress of washing dishes without harming the environment. These , will add a sense of occasion to your scene.

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Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

Food tents will keep your food fly free. (Amazon)

Keeping your food safe from bugs is easier with the help of an is available for just over $20 at Amazon. This and is on sale for under $10 at Kohl’s.

Make your summer picnic better with these ten essentials

Pack a cutting board. (Amazon)

If you plan to cut fruit or cheese at your site, packing a cutting board is essential. The perfect board will be lightweight, so it’s easy to carry, like this , on sale for under $15 at Amazon. This is selling for under just over $50 at Picnic Time.

Nora Colomer is a personal finance writer for Fox Business’ Strategic Initiatives team.

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