Summer is all about spontaneous picnics, and whether you’re taking advantage of great weather at the beach with friends or planning a romantic picnic on lush lawns at the gardens, you should have these top picnic essentials.

Fieldbar Drinks Box

Fieldbar needs no introduction, but this wouldn’t be a picnic essentials list without a mention. They’re the best summer accessory, especially if you love picnicking. Store your favourite gin and cordial in their Drinks Box and enjoy sundowners with a view. They come in trendy colours, and you can customise the strap and have your name embossed.

Why you’ll love it: it’s stylish and functional
Price: from R 2199 | SHOP HERE

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Ngwenya Glass Vulindlela Picnic & Beach Red Wine Glasses

Picnic in style with these chic red wine wine glasses by Ngwenya Glass. They’re ideal for clumsy wine lovers – the functional design perfectly balances the glass on most surfaces without spilling the contents. The pointed stem allows you to place your glass into sand and grass. Better yet, they’re ethically handmade in Eswatini and produced from 100% recycled glass, hence the slight green tinge.

Why you’ll love it: easy sipping without glasses falling over
Price: from R 329 (set of two) | SHOP HERE

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Polarbox Marine Blue 20L

Stow away picnic snacks and finger foods in these Polarbox coolers. We adore the retro design and practical leather strap – drape it over your shoulder or carry it by hand. If you’re hosting an intimate picnic feast, they’re spacious enough to store lunch boxes and more.

Why you’ll love it: keeps salads crisp and food fresh
Price: from R 1189.15 | SHOP HERE

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COUNTRY ROAD Lorne Stackables

Indulge in gourmet picnic dishes with these nifty Country Road stackables. The separate compartments mean you can prevent your food from becoming one big mush, and keep sides separate from mains. Made from high-quality melamine, these bento babies will last for some time, plus they’re real pretty – perfect for picnic dates with the gals.

Why you’ll love it: easy vertical storage
Price: from R 599 (set of two) | SHOP HERE

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Carrol Boyes Bottle Stoppers

If you’re celebrating a special occasion outdoors, or hosting a picnic, Carrol Boyes Bottle Stoppers are an absolute picnic essential. Keep sparkling wines bubbly and wine fresh with these chrome-plated alloy bottle stoppers – there’s nothing worse than MCC gone flat.

Why you’ll love it: your bubbly won’t go to waste
Price: from R 359 per stopper (Hummingbird Bottle Stopper, pictured left; Carrol Boyes At Rest Bottle Stopper, pictured right) | SHOP HERE

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Bueno Boards

While we love a petrol station snack haul, the grab-and-go food options don’t always look too hot, which is why we love Bueno Boards. Order the snack box of your dreams; whether you want a light crudité platter, charcuterie or cheese board, Bueno Boards will have you sorted in no time. Celebrate birthdays with their brownies or snack on fresh fruits, olives, and delicious dips with baguette – they’re great for small or large picnics with friends.

Why you’ll love it: convenient and great for last-minute picnics with large groups
Price: Brownie Bueno Boards from R 75 | Savoury Bueno Boards from R 475 | ORDER HERE

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Stanley Iceflow Flip Straw Tumblers

In case you missed it, water is the new wine. But, if you plan on day drinking over the summer holidays, Stanley Iceflow Flip Straw Tumblers are your best friend. They’re stylish, functional, and will keep you hydrated when the sun is beaming. Available in five cool colours, they’re one of this summer’s hottest picnic essentials; the easy-to-carry handle and flip-straw means you can fuel up whenever and wherever you go.

Why you’ll love it: they’re also car cup holder compatible, so no messy spills.
Price: from R 1015 | SHOP HERE

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Babylonstoren Bitterlekker

Meet your new favourite summer drink – Babylonstoren Bitterlekker. All we have to say is that the drink lives up to the name. It’s delicious, the perfect thirst quencher, and great for making cocktails and mocktails. Buy it by the case; if you’re smart, you’ll order at least two.

Why you’ll love it: the aperitif flavour
Price: R 135 (6 x 100 ml) | SHOP HERE

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Picnic kelim – Picnic rug

Lounge on the lawn with beau; these stylish picnic rugs from Superbalist are ideal for romantic picnics. The underside is waterproof, so you can set up your picnic wherever you like. They’re easy to store, plus there’s nothing that’ll get you snug like a good rug.

Why you’ll love it: rolls up easily and has a waterproof underside
Price: from R 1424 | SHOP HERE

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s&p Picnic Wine Tray with Knives

Elevate your picnic with this nifty wine tray; it’s designed to stand upright and keep wine from spilling and glasses from breaking. Munch on your favourite cheeses; simply place them in the centre and snack away. Plus, we love that it comes with cheese knives.

Why you’ll love it: great for beach trips and will save you from wet grass patches
Price: from R 649 | SHOP HERE

Looking for the perfect picnic spot? Check out these picnic hotspots in Cape Town.