10 of the Best Picnic Accessories

Words by Louise Springham


We’ve all been there. You lay out the picnic rug and unpack a gourmet spread from The Food Halls only to realise you’ve forgotten the all-important corkscrew or napkins. Not this summer. From days at the races to weekends in the country, we’re here to make alfresco lunches a piece of cake with our guide to the essential picnic accessories.

The Picnic Basket

A true picnic classic. This fitted Harrods hamper comes fully prepared for two – from ceramic mugs and cutlery to salt and pepper shakers – so all that’s left to do is lay out the blanket, set out the food and soak up the sunshine.

The Picnicware

Few things feel more at home on a picnic blanket than MacKenzie‑Childs’ Rosy Check. Designed to move effortlessly from kitchen table to alfresco spread, this dinner plate is ideal for sandwiches, quiches and sun‑ripened salads. Even better, it’s part of a wider collection for a perfectly curated pink picnic set.

The Drinks Bag

The hunt for the perfect picnic spot often takes longer than planned. Thankfully, this Harrods embossed cooler tote is designed to keep your feast perfectly fresh – without sacrificing style along the way. With its classic striped finish and tote‑bag silhouette, it slots seamlessly into a coordinated picnic set‑up.

The Picnic Backpack

You, them, a gourmet picnic and the open road. If a hamper isn’t quite your style, set off with this chic picnic backpack from Harrods. Inside, you’ll find four plates, cutlery sets, wine glasses and mugs, as well as a cheeseboard, bread knife, corkscrew and salt and pepper shakers.

The Cooler Box

No sun‑soaked soirée is complete without a refreshingly chilled drink. Keep your all‑important tipples ice‑cold in this 10‑litre cooler box – roomy enough for two wine bottles and a couple of beers. Prefer a different look? Fieldbar offers the same design in a range of equally striking colourways.

The Corkscrew

Everyday stainless‑steel corkscrews need not apply – picnics call for something altogether more fun. With its playful shapes and bold colour, this design from Italian house Alessi feels as much like a sculptural object as it does a functional tool. A statement piece in its own right, it also happens to be the ideal way to open a well‑chilled bottle of rosé.

Picnic Food & Drink

Wondering what to pack for a picnic? These pantry staples, from artisan crackers to crumbly biscuits, will be a mainstay in your basket. Alternatively, let a Harrods hamper do the hard work for you – our wicker treasure troves are filled with all the ingredients for a memorable alfresco feast.

The Glassware

From eager hands reaching for the houmous to bottles being enthusiastically uncorked, picnics aren’t always the safest setting for traditional wine glasses. That’s where these multicoloured tumblers from glassware experts Riedel come into their own. Pretty, practical and reassuringly picnic‑proof – they’re designed to keep outdoor gatherings free from breakages and spills. Just don’t forget a little cushioning on the journey there.

The Napkins

Delicious food inevitably brings a little mess – so best be prepared. Crafted from pure French linen and illustrated with classic herbs, this elegant set of napkins will help keep your picnic (and your favourite white shirt) clean and crumb‑free. They also make a beautiful addition to a table, especially alongside fresh green salads and classic barbecue fare.

The Throw

British weather is nothing if not unpredictable – which is why this ultra-soft Harrods of London blanket is your best bet when temperatures dip. You can’t control the elements, but you can wrap yourself in cashmere and keep the picnic going.

The Stylish Entertainment

Who has the steadiest hand? It’s time to find out. A little lighthearted competition is always welcome at picnics – and few games fit the brief quite like this classic tumbling tower. Presented in a variety of bold colours, it’s a crowd‑pleaser for adults and children alike as they take turns attempting to keep the tower standing.

Shop the 2026 Picnic Edit

Harrods Stories

Bringing you a weekly dose of everything from expert styling tips to dinner-party solutions