There was a time when a picnic required little more than a blanket, a sandwich, and the hope that the weather – particularly in Britain – might show some mercy.
The picnic basket, on the other hand, has always had greater ambitions. Today’s versions are crafted from handwoven wicker or Italian leather, arriving equipped with porcelain, crystal, and cutlery that most certainly wouldn’t look out of place at a country house dinner.
After all, when your luggage is monogrammed, your yacht is custom-built, and your wine cellar is curated to perfection, why should your afternoon in the countryside be left to chance?
Luxury picnic baskets
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Picnic set in leather and raffia-effect techno cotton box
Brunello CucinelliIf anyone could persuade us that a picnic basket deserves the same consideration as a beautifully tailored blazer, it would be Brunello Cucinelli. The Italian house has delivered a design that’s as strong as its tailoring, with a basket that includes cleverly arranged interior compartments for things like your fine porcelain and snacks.
Price
$8,500
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Seaside style picnic trunk
Lorenzi MilanoLorenzi Milano makes a compelling case for the modern day picnic accessory, with a trunk that balances traditional wickerwork with more modern detailing. Rich bamboo finishes are paired against an elegant blue interior, and the trunk comes with a complete kit of matching tableware, from wicker egg holders to dedicated champagne tongs. The brand really has thought of everything.
Price
€36,539 (approx. $41,759)
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Park Soleil d'Hermès picnic basket
Hermès As with so much from Hermès, restraint is the ultimate luxury. Rather than overwhelming with endless accessories, its wicker picnic basket focuses just on the essentials. Designed for spontaneous afternoons rather than elaborate feasts, you can carry this from park to shoreline without feeling encumbered.
Price
$18,300
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Yorkshire picnic basket
Williams SonomaHandwoven wicker is paired with premium cowhide leather in this Williams Sonoma keepsake that has a timeless appeal – something that could quite happily be passed down to generations. Inside, polished stainless-steel cutlery accompanies porcelain plates – because everything somehow tastes better when served properly, right?
Price
$649.95
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The King’s Rose Hamper
HighgroveIf ever there were a picnic basket fit for a King, this might well be it. Highgrove's King's Rose Hamper – a beautifully woven wicker piece that houses fine bone china – captures everything we like to imagine about the English countryside: rolling gardens, afternoon tea, and just enough sunshine to justify opening a bottle of sparkling wine (or two).
Price
$1,272
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Alessi dressed en plein air picnic set
Alessi Alessi's En Plein Air collection takes the traditional idea of outdoor dining and gives it a modern revamp. Forget the familiar wicker silhouette; here, the brand embraces a more sculptural approach, replacing rustic charm with clean lines and architectural simplicity.
Price
$970
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Four person oval hamper
House of BruarCrafted from genuine willow and finished with tweed lining and faux leather trim, this is a piece that belongs equally beside a Highland loch, on a tennis lawn or aboard a leisurely afternoon sail on your superyacht.
The top-opening design is a particularly thoughtful touch, allowing glasses, plates, and utensils to be reached without the usual picnic-basket excavation process. Anyone who has ever attempted to retrieve a bottle opener buried beneath three containers of salad will appreciate the engineering.
Price
$260
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Rattan and leather picnic basket
Herno HabitaUnlike some of its more elaborate counterparts, this is a basket designed for those who prefer to curate their own experience. The handcrafted rattan weave and hand-stitched leather straps are the stars of the show. Fill this basket with your favorite glasses, plates, and personal touches – and don't forget the champagne.
Price
Available in store
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Fortnum’s Camellia Picnic Hamper for Four
Fortnum and MasonIf Britain were ever asked to nominate an official picnic basket, Fortnum & Mason would almost certainly win by acclamation. The Piccadilly institution has been perfecting the art of portable indulgence for generations, and this handwoven willow hamper leaves very little to improve upon. Insulated lining keeps the contents suitably chilled, while porcelain from the house's Camellia collection elevates even the most modest strawberries and sandwiches into something special.
Price
$1,071.13
How we chose the best luxury picnic baskets
Each item featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
