To some, no picnic is complete unless it has been packed into a perfectly outfitted French or English wicker hamper. But be prepared to invite only a handful of guests and to pay dearly.
A typical example from Hammacher Schlemmer in Chicago works for only four diners and includes white porcelain plates, stainless-steel flatware, acrylic goblets, a plaid blanket and one plastic food box. Price: $260.
There are less costly options too. Crate & Barrel stores outfit hampers from China with four green plastic plates, flatware, acrylic glasses, a tablecloth, wooden board, cheese plane, acrylic salt-and-pepper shakers, a bottle opener and a book on picnics for $80 to $90.
Other picnic helpers the store sells are baskets for $20 to $40 that shoppers outfit themselves; tall insulated basket-style coolers for about $30; double-thermal containers for cold and hot drinks for about $23; small nylon thermal bags for carrying drinks, $20 to $30, depending on size and style; a roll-up table for about $37. A popular item this season is expected to be a canvas, folding “concert chair” for about $25.
Also consider an outing to the Edward Don Outlet store, 2525 N. Elston Ave., which stocks picnic supplies as well as kitchenware.
The outlet store also offers an insulated picnic pack for two, which resembles a backpack, includes a cloth tablecloth, two cloth napkins, two wine glasses, a cutting board and corkscrew. The picnic pack costs about $40.
Insulated wine duffels that can be attached to the picnic pack cost $7 each. Picnic baskets, some with cloth linings and leather handles, cost $10 to $50.