Blankets are always useful items to keep on hand. Pop them over garden chairs for warmth and comfort at dinner parties, throw them down as picnic rugs on sunny days, or keep them for guests around the fire pit or outdoor cinema.
If you're looking for a blanket specifically for picnics, be sure to choose one with waterproof backing and carry straps. For a more versatile option, you'll be better off with a cotton or wool throw. Find our full list of the best outdoor blankets and throws below.
Best outdoor blankets and throws to buy in 2024
Tbco. Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket
Buy from Tbco. (£95.00)
The Tartan Blanket Co. (Tbco.) is a great place to browse for new throws, thanks to its huge variety of colours and patterns, and large selection of recycled options too. This is its recycled picnic blanket, which has a water-resistant backing to keep you dry on damp ground.
It's made from 70% recycled wool and 30% mixed recycled fibres, which means each blanket saves six items of clothing from landfill.
As an added bonus, you can choose a recycled or leather carry strap in one of 10 colours, and add personalised embroidery - perfect for gifting. This might just be our favourite picnic blanket around.
National Trust Ombre Green Throw
Buy from the National Trust (£48.00)
Ideal for hanging over furniture or draping over yourself when the cold weather sets in, this wool throw from the National Trust shop will come in handy on frosty winter days.
Knitted from wool with a stylish ombre-effect weave, this would make a cosy complement to any chair.
Framlingham Picnic Blanket
Relax in your favourite outdoor spot with this ink and grey cotton blanket from Garden Trading. Fitted with a waterproof base to keep the moisture at bay, this cosy cover has a carry handle so you can easily pack up when it’s time to head back inside.
Cato throw
Buy from Wayfair (£39.99)
Claiming to be ideal for those with sensitive skin, the Cato throw from Latitude Vive is designed as a gentle comforter. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t versatile; this can be used as a furniture cover, as layering for a small day bed or as a mini blanket for sitting snugly in the garden. A reversible blanket, it features its vivid colours on both sides.
Sophie Allport Bees Knitted Picnic Blanket
Bring the buzz of summer to your garden with this bee themed picnic blanket. With a water-resistant backing you can take it outside even if the grass is damp, while staying dry and comfortable in the sun. It measures 145 x 145cm so you’ll have plenty of room to relax, and it's fitted with convenient faux leather straps so should be simple to carry around.
Vonshef Picnic Blanket
Treat your loved ones to an outside picnic on this family sized blanket designed for the outdoors. Made from polyester that they claim is hard wearing, it retains a fleece-like texture on the surface, with a waterproof PEVA backing to ensure your afternoon isn't ruined by emerging damp stains caused by wet ground.
The faux leather carrier also includes metal buckles so you can ensure it won't roll out of place once you’ve packed it away for the day.
Active Forever Portable Waterproof Blanket
Big enough to accommodate up to 10 people, there should be plenty of room on this outdoor blanket for a garden picnic, or simply relaxing in the sun with family and friends.
Made with a waterproof backing for those days when the weather hasn’t been quite so generous, this blanket should be suitable to use on damp grass thanks to its three-layer fabric which claims to be both moisture-proof and dirt-proof.
The sitting side is layered with suede so you can relax comfortably, and it should all fold up neatly and easily, with two straps to keep it snugly in place and a leather handle so you can carry it back inside.
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