What, When, Where: Splendor in the Grass

April 4, 2011

By Kara Lashley

Here in magazine-land, we’re always a season or two ahead of the real world. By early April, when others are wondering if it’s safe to put away their parkas, we’ve been poring over patio furniture and warm-weather wares for weeks. So I hope you’ll humor me as I indulge in a bit of premature picnic planning. The ground may still be soggy, but it can’t hurt to have your basket at the ready for the first picnic-worthy spring day.

The question is, what kind of picknicker are you?

Practical: Crypton’s Melrose Throver, a stylish swath of the company’s stain-, moisture- and odor-resistant fabric, lays the groundwork for a delightful al fresco luncheon.

Photo courtesy of Crypton

Pretty: They’re made of melamine, but the elegant Dune Road dinner plates from Cottage & Bungalow could easily pass for china.

Photo courtesy of Cottage & Bungalow

Playful: Jonathan Adler would make a most amusing picnic companion, but if he’s not available, why not invite his Kaleidoscope melamine dinnerware instead?

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Preppy: Replace paper napkins with these sweet seersucker versions from Kim Seybert. (They look great tucked into the collar of a polo shirt.)

Photo courtesy of Kim Seybert

Posh: Not for the average picknicker, Pinel & Pinel’s leather-covered trunk takes the humble picnic basket to an entirely new level. The trunk’s front panel converts to a table, and two stools are tucked inside, along with such picnic essentials as a truffle shaver, caviar spoons and three bottles of Krug champagne. Show up at the park with this $45,000 beauty, and fellow-picknickers will either think you’re really lucky or just out to lunch.