5 winter picnic essentials for comfort, style, and fun
To make the best of the winter and to turn your foggy mornings and chilly afternoons into whimsical picnic days, we have listed the essentials
There is something timeless and comforting about the concept of a picnic. The word brings with it an image of flowy summer dresses, cut-up fruit and a warm summer breeze. In short, it's a scene straight out of European pastoral literature. But summer in Bangladesh is no time for a picnic. Instead of soft sunny days and summer breeze, we have heatwaves and profuse sweating. But that's what makes winters so special for us.
In Bangladesh, we may not have snowfall or cobblestone streets, but what we do have is the perfect winter temperature for day outings. For an otherwise humid nation, this is the ideal time for a picturesque picnic. And after a couple of severe cold waves now that the temperature has risen and there is a sweet warmth in the air in the afternoons, it's a perfect time to go out for a picnic.
It could be a sweet pitha picnic or even snacks made with all the winter vegetables. Whatever it is that you are planning to sit with, you need planning and the right accessories.
To make the best of the winter and to turn your foggy mornings and chilly afternoons into whimsical picnic days, we have listed the essentials. While summer gives you heatwaves, winter can be the time to live out your vintage dream.
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Picnic blankets
No picnic is truly 'Picturesque' without a picnic blanket. While there are alternatives like foldable chairs and outdoor tools, a traditional and cosy picnic needs the comfort of being close to nature.
Tools are handy, and chairs are practical. But nothing provides the old-school comfort and connection to nature like sitting on blankets. They are perfect for sitting on the grass and still staying away from bugs. There are options of all sorts available now, but to match both the aesthetics and practicality, a good waterproof blanket is essential.
The waterproof feature is crucial for managing any accidental spill. But you don't want practical only and need to match your Pinterest moodboard. To get that "Instagrammable" layout for your picnic set-up, a picnic blanket with lace, stripes, and classic checkered designs is the perfect choice. Try getting one with vibrant colours to create the perfect cottage-core spread.
Where to buy: Daraz
Price: Tk3,582
Picnic basket
Picnics are not fun without food. You can choose to toss your snacks in a handbag or a backpack, but that will ruin the vibes. A good picnic basket can be part of the experience itself. It can elevate the whole layout. The right basket can make packing and unpacking dreamy and functional for you.
To fulfil your snack cravings, get one with a double lid for ease of storing and unboxing. The cottage core theme can be met by getting a wicker or wooden one with cotton lining. That's what makes baskets so versatile. You can personalise according to your preferred style. If you have a knack for decorating things, you can take it up a notch by giving it a bow or bandana.
Where to buy: Daraz
Price: Tk3,475
Trash Bag
Picnics are for enjoying the outdoors, not littering and harming nature, wildlife and lakes. But seldom do we take accountability for it. To maintain hygiene and avoid littering, carrying a trash bag is non-negotiable.
Carrying a big, solid trash bin can seem like a hassle. To avoid the trouble, you can opt for trash bags instead. It's much more convenient and easier to carry. Trash bags are lightweight, good for messy, moist waste and are especially good for food waste, reducing the chances of leakage.
Where to buy: WrapUp BD
Price: Tk460
Charcuterie board
Your usual "showstopper'' at parties, charcuterie boards are everywhere now. Your picnics shouldn't be deprived either. With the right decoration and snacks, this can make you the envy of the whole park.
Charcuterie boards are ideally made with wood and used to serve cheese, meat and bread. But the trends have changed now. With fruits, vegan snacks, and chocolates being used, you can decorate yours with anything you want. It could be your favourite cookies, biscuits or dry fruits. Or even fried pitha or pakora. This is the place to make the best use of your free will.
Where to buy: ubuy.com
Price: Tk12,256
Scented candles
Olfaction deeply affects mood, evokes nostalgia, and creates lasting memories. Scents are closely tied to the ambience of a place. In addition, they can double as decor. Pretty jars, ceramic holders, and tins can add more character to your picnic spread. Candles have a great reputation for seamlessly blending into any scene, which you can also use in your photo sessions.
While generally very enjoyable, the outdoors can sometimes invite unsolicited odors. To tackle this and create an inviting fragrance around your gathering, try adding a cocoa-scented candle to your next picnic spread. As a bonus, if your outing lasts longer than expected, these candles can provide the dim lighting needed to suit the evening without being too harsh.
Where to buy: selenyz
Price: Tk1,299
Snack box
Keeping small snacks and bite-sized foods neatly arranged can be a challenge. Scattered foods around the spread can spoil the overall look.
To better organise and enhance the presentation, snackable boxes come in handy. Detachable snack boxes can be used to create small bowls and can be redecorated with personalised decorations and labels.
Where to buy: Ubuy
Price: Tk2,958
In addition to these, flower jars, insect repellent, and a thermos can be used to create a cozy and comforting environment.
