Everything You Need for a Socially Distant Summer Picnic

Fresh air never sounded so good.

Everything You Need for a Socially Distant Summer Picnic

Outdoor hangs are the ultimate summer activity—and gathering picnic essentials for a day at the park, the beach, or your best friend's backyard is a ~very~ important part of that process. As we move toward the end of an era stuck mostly indoors, the fresh air and vitamin D are calling our names like never before. All we have to do is grab some friends and make sure we're properly prepared.

Yes, you should still have a mask on hand no matter where you go—might we suggest purchasing a fresh one to fit your summer aesthetic? Although safety precautions are still top of mind, we're also dreaming about filling our backpacks and totes with everything else we need to spend a day lying out in the sun—reading, talking, eating, playing games, and more.

All to say: Now is the perfect time to invest in necessities for alfresco lounging, like a wide blanket and fully loaded basket. Ahead, find 24 picnic essentials that will get you through the summer.

The Safety Essentials

We already covered the importance of a face mask, especially if you're ducking indoors to get supplies, but don't forget to protect your skin from harmful UV rays with SPF, a sun hat, and sunglasses, either.

Wayf Bucket Hat with Matching Face Covering

Madewell Broken-In Baseball Cap

Butaby Rectangle Sunglasses

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 PA++++

The Outdoor Picnic 

Ratty beach towels and boxed wine may have sufficed in years past, but the sheer amount of time you may end up spending outside post-quarantine calls for proper picnic gear. Our must-haves: a large blanket that folds up small and isn't too heavy, as well as a well-stocked basket and cooler. A Bluetooth speaker and games will also keep you entertained for hours. 

West Elm Heather Taylor Home Picnic Basket

Filt French Net Market Bag

Business & Pleasure Cooler Bag

Sun Squad Picnic Blanket

JBL Clip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide-Mouth

Fredericks & Mae Rainbow Playing Cards

Sunnylife Badminton Set

The Backyard Hang

Hosting is back! Even though we can sit around a table inside with vaccinated friends, the sunny days and breezy nights call for backyard, patio, and even balcony hangs. Flex your outdoor entertaining skills this summer by investing in some pretty reusable melamine dinnerware, sophisticated linen napkins, fun flatware, and vibe-y candle holders.

West Elm Modern Melamine Dinnerware

Mepra Italian Flatware

H&M Two-Pack Linen Napkins

Anthropologie Amai Serving Platter

CB2 Keelah Natural Rattan Hurricane

ENO DoubleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock

The Summer Outfit

Yes, you should shop for summer wedding dresses and vacation swimsuits, but an appropriate picnic ensemble is just as important. Invest in a great pair of sandals, a catchall tote, and some long jean shorts to wear on repeat.

Peixoto Ivy Top

Citizens of Humanity Ambrosio Denim Shorts

Rixo for Target Floral Ruffle Strap Dress

Arizona Love Trekky Printed Gauze-Trimmed Canvas Platform Sandals

Catbird Daisy Chain Chocker

Goodee World Bassi Market Tote

This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Kelsey Clark