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Beautiful on top, practical underneath
Ready to roll out the style? Today's picnic blankets combine beautiful designs with hardworking waterproof backings. The top layer may steal the show, but it's the underside doing all the hard work – ensuring there'll be no damp bums on this picnic and that the only thing being soaked up is the sunshine.
And that's just the start. Think hidden pockets for valuables, built-in carry straps, corner pegs to stop your blanket blowing away and even finishes that can shrug off the odd splash of rosé.
Gone are the days of picnic blankets spending most of the year hidden away in the boot of the car. Thanks to the high street's stylish selection of designs, they're now just as worthy of your outdoor styling as your garden furniture. Whether you're picnicking in the park, creating a relaxed seating area on the lawn, dining alfresco or enjoying an outdoor cinema night, there's a design to suit every setting.
Small, round and perfect for the ground. Just as a circular dining table encourages conversation indoors, this round picnic blanket creates a more sociable setting for leisurely lunches, drinks and grazing outdoors.
Folding neatly into its own carry strap, this straw-look blanket channels laid-back Riviera chic wherever you roll it out. The contrasting binding gives it a beautifully considered finish, while the waterproof backing keeps damp grass firmly where it belongs.
Oh-so-chic. A pretty blue gingham check and contrasting red tie handles make this picnic blanket a stylish companion for summer days out. Better still, it's part of the Aline range, making it easy to create a beautifully coordinated picnic with matching crockery, cutlery, table linen, cushions and a parasol.
One for whiling away long summer afternoons, this timeless picnic rug combines a soft-touch top with a waterproof backing, inviting you to linger a little longer. Finished in chunky forest green stripes, it's a design that'll look just as at home in the garden as it will in the park.
Stripe it right. Few patterns are as timeless as a stripe, making this extra-large picnic rug a buy you'll reach for year after year. Keeping moisture at bay and fitted with an easy carry strap, it's equally suited to beach days, festivals, garden parties and leisurely picnics in the park.
Hidden away in the camping aisle, this timeless grey check proves some of the best home finds aren't always found in the home department. The cushioned design and waterproof backing ensure comfort wherever you set up camp.
Stretching the budget, for good reason. One of the pricier picks in our roundup, this oversized 2m x 2m design earns its keep with hidden storage for valuables, gold pegs to keep it firmly in place and a wine- and water-resistant finish that's ready for whatever the British summer throws at it.
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