2 min readFor me, summer isn’t complete without a park picnic or two. But here’s the problem: most picnic blankets fall short. They can be too small to hold you, your snacks, and your friends. Or if you’re sitting on wet grass, your cute outfit could get soaked pretty fast. So when I tell you I’ve found the holy grail of picnic blankets, know that I don’t take this lightly. It’s Joanna Gaines’s Oversized Picnic Blanket from her Hearth & Hand collection.
I’ve been using this blanket for the last two years of beach days, park picnics, rooftop hangs and even on vacation. The most important feature is that it’s waterproof, so no wet butts if it rained the night before. And not to worry if your picnic gets messy; it’s machine-washable. I’ve seen wine stains disappear like they were never there.
I’m a fan of Gaines’s affordable seasonal decor lines, but honestly, this blanket isn’t just a pretty face. It’s super practical. The blanket is thick and heavy enough not to fly away with the wind. When it’s time to pack it up at the end of the day, sand shakes off with ease. The included carrying strap makes it easy to roll up and tote around. It’s also super lightweight, to the point where I’ve flown cross-country with it for a Southern California beach trip.
The pattern on the blanket is reversible, so you can switch up the look whenever you want. Every year, Gaines releases the blanket in new vibrant colorways, and I’m tempted to buy them just because of how cute they are. At under $50, they’re a pretty affordable beach essential. I’m especially in love with this year’s designs, which include a camel plaid with bright orange trim that would hide any dirt or sand so well. Or, if you prefer something less neutral, there’s a bright green and blue design perfect for days by the ocean. I highly recommend grabbing one for your own al fresco adventures.
