A heatwave is coming, and if you're anything like us, your thoughts are firmly on long afternoons lazing in the park, impromptu beach trips and picky-bits picnics in the sunshine.
And while a blanket and a few snacks are easy enough to throw together, having the right accessories can elevate a relaxing spot of outdoor dining to hours of bliss.
That's why this wicker picnic hamper with an in-built wine holder from M&S has caught our attention. Combining classic countryside chic with a surprisingly practical design, it's the sort of piece that makes outdoor dining feel a little more rustic and special – and at £40, it's an affordable way to upgrade your summer plans.
The picnic essential with a clever twist
Traditional wicker hampers never really go out of style. Whether it's cottagecore or textual finishes that's your bag, they evoke everything we love about summer entertaining: relaxed lunches on the lawn, scenic countryside walks and evenings spent dining outdoors with friends (preferably in long linen dresses!).
What makes this M&S version stand out, however, is its integrated wine holder. Designed to keep a bottle secure while you're on the move, it's a thoughtful addition that solves one of the biggest picnic dilemmas: how to transport your favourite tipple without it rolling around in the bottom of your bag or basket.
As well as helping to ease this uncomfortable weighting, it's also an ideal place to slot your bottles while you're dining outdoors – which means no more accidental wine spills on your nice picnic blanket!
Crafted from woven wicker, the hamper has a look that feels equally at home at a family picnic, an outdoor concert or a romantic date in the park. The natural finish also taps into that enduring appetite for rustic, nature-inspired accessories that return every summer.
Beyond its good looks, it's the practicality that appeals most. The structured design keeps picnic essentials neatly organised, while the dedicated wine compartment means one less thing to juggle when carrying everything from the car or down a footpath to your chosen picnic spot.
Why we're adding it to our basket (pun intended)
There's something undeniably appealing about investing in pieces that encourage us to spend more time outdoors. Unlike trend-led buys that are only relevant for a season, a well-made picnic hamper is something you'll reach for year after year, and can even use for storage outside of picnic season.
Whether you're planning garden gatherings, countryside adventures, or simply making the most of a sunny weekend, this M&S hamper offers both style and function in equal measure. And at £40, it feels like a worthwhile investment for a summer full of alfresco dining.
With picnic season now underway, we suspect this charming wicker hamper could prove popular – and, if memory serves, the same design sold out rapidly last season.
If you're hoping to make outdoor entertaining a little more elegant this year, it may be worth snapping one up before the heatwave arrives.
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