Picnic Season Is Almost Upon Us—Here Are 24 Essentials for Spending Spring Outside

First things first: Congratulations, you made it through (an extraordinarily difficult) winter. Finally the sun has stopped setting just after your last bite of lunch and you can take one last good look at that down puffer coat, because spring is here. And design-wise, at least, the future has never looked so bright. 

Now that we’ve set our clocks forward an hour for daylight savings and have made it to March 19 (the official first day of spring), we’re ready for all the outdoorsy things: picnics in the park, backyard barbecues, and alfresco workouts. Here are the items we’ll have with us all season long.

For Picnics in the Park

Restaurants are cool, but spring is for sitting on a blanket on a grassy field and eating a perfect sandwich. While that’s enjoyable even empty-handed, a puffy roll-up blanket, insulated lunch box, and basket that transforms into a table will up your game.

For Outdoor Workouts

The gym won’t be necessary for those glorious not-too-hot, not-too-cold months. Rather than walking on the treadmill, activities like pickleball, outdoor yoga, and power walks with ankle weights will help you make the most of the weather.

For Backyard Barbecues

Whether you’re the grill master of the house or you’re on table-setting duty, these accessories will keep the good times rolling. When the sun goes down, turn on a portable lamp. When the mosquitoes come out, light citronella incense. And when guests get thirsty, make another batch of margaritas in a tall enamel pitcher.