Picnics are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, and there are a few essentials you need to have on hand before you head out on a picnic. One of these essentials is a blanket. You don’t want to ruin a day with a wet bum or your favourite cheese covered in dirt!
But today, we’re talking about picnics and what blankets work, so let’s talk about the picnic blanket - the best blanket for the job.
The Picnic Blanket
Bringing a blanket to a picnic can bring out the best in any outdoor event, so choosing the right one for the occasion is essential. A blanket you can use in many different settings can mean the difference between a great picnic and a nightmare experience, so ensuring your blanket can cover all situations is important.
The top reason people use blankets at a picnic is to keep their bum dry and warm. And we don’t want or need a wet bum! They also keep you dry and make the surface you’re sitting on much more enjoyable outside.
Picnic blankets are especially good outdoors and come with a waterproof backing that doesn’t allow water to seep through the blanket material, making sure you’re always sitting on a dry surface.
As far as blankets go, picnic blankets don’t get much better. They’re easy to use, portable, and well-insulated for all types of weather. You can take them to almost any situation and use them outdoors at the local park, at the beach or even inside a tent, and they’ll do a great job.
What to look for in a picnic blanket
Material
Good-quality picnic blankets are generally made with fleece, but some use artificial materials like nylon and polyester. Unlike most composite materials, fleece gives you the most all-around comfort and durability, making it the perfect choice for all seasons.
Fleece picnic blankets are usually made with a water-resistant backing to protect them from the elements; however, given the nature of the fabric, they can be prone to stains and hold on to dirt. Products like waterproof sprays can help minimise stains and moisture and prolong the blanket's life. On the other hand, nylon and polyester blankets are generally better in cold temperatures.
The right type of material for your picnic blanket depends on how and where you use it, so it’s always good to do your research upfront.
Size
If you’re big on outdoor entertaining, go big with your picnic, but if you’re into smaller picnic blankets that could be used by the kids or on a romantic getaway, it’s better to go with a smaller option. More stylish picnic blanket designs are often small to medium for more intimate settings.
It’s always better to have enough space when you’re on a picnic, so think about what size might be right for your picnicking needs.
Portability and Durability
Picnic blankets are easy to carry, but with all the other things you take on a picnic, your hands are generally full, and the weight can add up quickly. So you need something portable, relatively lightweight, and easy to roll up. Popular blankets come with an in-built handle and buckles, which can help save space and give you the portability you need when juggling everything else.
Ideally, a picnic blanket will be soft enough to comfortably lounge on yet durable enough to withstand anything from twigs to sand to dirty shoes.
Caring for your Picnic Blanket
As mentioned earlier, picnic blankets come in different styles, meaning they need to be cared for in their special way. You should always read the manufacturer's care instructions when washing so your blanket stays in tip-top shape.
Many picnic blankets are machine-washable, while others may be spot-clean only. Many picnic blankets feature waterproof, stain-resistant fabrics. They're easy to wipe down between uses and spot-treat or machine-wash only when needed.
The Tartan Blanket Co. Picnic Blanket
At Merino & Me, we stock the Tartan Blanket Co. picnic blanket range, one of the best picnic blankets you’ll find on the market. We can’t recommend them highly enough.
These blankets are crafted from 70% recycled wool with a 30% mixed recycled fibre blend, giving you the best of both worlds. The back side of the blanket is crafted from a waterproof backing material, guaranteed to protect your blanket (and you) from the wet and dirt.
Why recycled wool? Recycled wool is blended with longer mixed fibres saved from landfills to create a soft and durable yarn woven into a weave. Recycled materials not only make Tartan Blanket Co.’s blankets more resilient, but they also minimise the environmental impacts.
The blanket is 140cm x 190cm - the perfect size for small to medium picnics. The blanket is beautifully finished with a brass and leather picnic strap for easy carrying and will surely be the perfect centrepiece for your next picnic adventure!
What’s the Verdict on Picnic Blankets?
Picnic blankets are a great addition to any picnic - from the beach to your local park. They come in a combination of materials and a protective layer to keep you dry and warm to stay dry in any situation.
The best picnic blanket is the one that is right for your needs. Still, you should consider a blanket for its combination of good quality materials, portable and durable, so you can take them anywhere, anytime.
When looking for the right picnic blanket, Tartan Blanket Co.’s range of woollen picnic blankets doesn’t get much better. They look and feel great and will surely be a point of conversation for your next picnic. Most importantly, they are good for the environment, using a combination of recycled wool and long-lasting materials that will allow you to use the blankets now and for years to come.
Tartan Blanket Co.’s blankets look and feel great! They are ethically made from recycled wool and can withstand the extremes of the Australian climate.
Shop with Merino & Me
Merino & Me is a wee family business run by sisters. We take great care in what we do and pride ourselves on stocking the best quality and unique merino and wool products.
