There's something quietly magical about a well-styled picnic. The dappled light through the trees, a blanket spread across the grass, and at the centre of it all, a beautiful woven basket that holds everything you need and looks like it belongs in a painting.
At Love in Wild Places, we believe the picnic basket isn't just a vessel. It's the anchor of the whole aesthetic. Here's how to style yours so every outing feels intentional, effortless, and a little bit dreamy.
Start with the right basket
Shape matters more than you might think. Our oval picnic baskets have a classic, generous silhouette that lends itself beautifully to a full spread, think bottles of wine, a baguette tucked in at an angle, a stack of linen napkins. The Mariosa Oval Picnic Basket is perennial favourites for exactly this reason.
(Baskets featured above: the Mariosa Basket and the Ella Tote)
If you prefer something with a little more structure and height, our round baskets — like the Frida Large Round Basket or the Ria Medium Round Basket are wonderfully roomy and look stunning sitting upright on a blanket.
(Basket featured above: the Ria Basket)
(Basket featured above: the Ria Basket)
Layer your textiles
The secret to a styled picnic is texture. Start with a large linen or cotton blanket as your base, something in a muted natural tone or a soft stripe. Then layer a smaller throw or a vintage-style tablecloth on top. Tuck a couple of linen napkins into the basket so they spill out slightly. The layering creates depth and that effortless, lived-in look.
Think in a colour palette
Pick two or three colours and stick to them. Terracotta, cream, and sage is a classic combination that works beautifully with natural woven baskets. Dusty rose, white, and rattan is another. The goal is cohesion, not too matchy-matchy, but harmonious.
Add the little details
This is where the magic happens. A small bunch of wildflowers or herbs tucked into the basket handle. A candle in a simple glass jar. A paperback novel with a beautiful cover. A ceramic mug instead of a plastic cup. These details cost almost nothing but they transform the whole scene.
(Basked featured above: Dali with the Ria Basket)
Don't forget a carry-all for the extras
A picnic basket can only hold so much. Pair yours with one of our totes like the Ella Tote, to carry the extras: the extra wine, the sunscreen, the spare jumper for when the afternoon turns cool. It's a practical pairing that also looks beautiful sitting side by side on the grass.
(Basket featured above: Ruby with the Ella Tote)
The most important ingredient
Good company. Everything else is just the backdrop.
Now go find your wild place. We'll help you carry it beautifully.