Summer picnic essentials

Jennie Nunn

Sunny days in the city are no doubt synonymous with dining alfresco, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a picnic that feels like a mini vacation even if it’s close to home in Golden Gate Park.

From fully loaded canvas baskets replete with roomy blankets and classic plaid tablecloths to no-fuss invitations and portable chalkboards (play games, channel your inner artist or keep the little ones occupied), we’ve uncovered nine go-to items for the ultimate summer picnic.

Now the only thing left to do is find that special spot. And decide what to pack for lunch, of course.

At 20 inches square, Big Cata napkins, shown in green, live up to their name.

This portable picnic table, with roll-up slatted wood top and screw-in legs, comes in an canvas tote for pop-up feasts. surlatable.com.

Eaton Rukus’ portable Bluetooth speaker system is available in a solar-powered version that stays charged even in cloudy conditions.

Steady wineglasses with a wrought-iron beverage stake.

Play tic-tac-toe or a game of hangman with a portable chalkboard roll from Anthropologie.

The Sill serving tray from Mimi the Sardine is made in Sweden from form-pressed paper and birch. The design was created in the 1950s by Marianne Nilsson (sill is Swedish for herring).

The Piedmont picnic basket in canvas-covered rattan holds place settings for two, glasses, cutting board, cheese knife, napkins, tablecloth and picnic blanket, plus there’s ample room for your spread.

Tovolo molds create slow-melting ice spheres that keep drinks cold without watering them down.

from sfgate.com