Summertime and the living is easy—or maybe not so easy these days, especially with COVID cases climbing in B.C. and Dr. Bonnie Henry urging us to act responsibly and stick to small groups of just two to six people. But not to worry, picnics are best enjoyed in intimate groups outdoors, anyway. So, as long as the weather continues to cooperate, and with these perfect picnic essentials, you’ll be all set to savour some summer safely and in style. Paniers up!
Jean Patou Wicker Bucket Bag
Photo courtesy of Jean Patou.
Designed in Paris, LVMH’s Jean Patou bucket bag is then dispatched to Spain, where members of a family-owned workshop work for several days to craft a single bag (having spent up to five years mastering the fine art of wickerwork). Made in natural fibres, the perfect summer tote’s gold embellishment was inspired by Rome’s Bocca della Verità, while its top handle and sliding lid spark easy, breezy summer outings.
Camelia Crochet Playsuit
Photo courtesy of Free People.
Whether you are tossing a Frisbee or lounging languidly, rompers make for the perfect picnic uniform. Seventies hippy crochet gets a thoroughly modern makeover with Free People’s Camelia crochet playsuit: it works double duty as swimsuit cover-up and sexy stand-alone with long bell-shaped sleeves and exaggerated V-neck with drawstring waist.
Roll-Up Picnic Blanket
Photo courtesy of Wayfair.
The best picnic can be ruined by the worst blanket that’s either too small, too scratchy, or too wet. Picnic planning starts from the ground up: this lightweight portable tartan covering with carry handle goes from car to ground in one easy roll, while its underside features a water-resistant backing designed to repel damp surfaces.
Garavani Rockstud Straw Trilby Hat
Photo courtesy of Valentino.
The trilby hat got its start from the stage adaption of George du Maurier’s 1894 novel Trilby but was later popularized by Frank Sinatra and Peter Sellers’ Clouseau. While a trilby’s shorter brim that’s angled at the front and slightly turned up at the back differentiates it from its fedora cousin, the Ono Nero straw trilby by Valentino differentiates itself from everything else with its calfskin leather trim and signature rockstuds. Hats off to the quintessential summer style.
Holt Renfrew Picnic Basket
Photo courtesy of Holt Renfrew.
Forget the pedestrian panier and leave PB&J to the uninitiated. Holt Renfrew recently launched its limited-edition picnic, a curated wicker basket for two from its chefs at Holts Café. The elegant spread includes two mini Champagne bottles (or sparkling water) with passion fruit purée, housemade crackers with brie, housemade olive and herb focaccia, a charcuterie assortment, grilled stone fruit salad, and macarons, replete with cloth napkins and plastic champagne flutes (24 hours notice is required).
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Water Mist
Photo courtesy of St. Tropez.
Savour the sun in safe doses and get your glow instead from St. Tropez’s new Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body mist. This vegan-friendly, vitamin-enriched self-tanner is packed with vitamin C and D boosters to brighten and mimic the effects of sunshine without harmful UV rays. With avocado, green mandarin water, beetroot, and hibiscus extracts, its 100 per cent-natural tanning formula lends a healthy glow without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or formaldehydes.
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