Variety, they say, is the spice of life, but monotony can make life boring and drab, with this said, it’s natural that, occasionally, one would want to go out of the norm and do things differently. On a balmy summer night, you may decide to treat you family or friends to a fun night of hot and spicy barbecue, so out comes the
camping grill, your BBQ chef’s apron (that you wear maybe once every quarter), and that cut of rib and prime steak that you bought on a whim three days ago; some people might even take it a step further and pitch the family
camping tent in the backyard for everyone to pile into with their bedrolls to sleep after the festivities. Such things bring spontaneity to family relationships and build memories that see us through tough times.
Picnicking is simply another activity that has long been a favorite with friends and families. Whether it’s a romantic time out for two or a family get-together, it’s always a time for relaxation and fun. However, there’s no activity that one wants to carry out or be involved in that doesn’t require at least moderate planning. Before you embark on your picnic, you have to organize what you’ll need from the goodies and treats that you’ll have to pack in the picnic basket to the cutleries and tableware that would be used to serve the food and, most importantly, the blankets that you would sit on. If it is a romantic time out for two, the initiator has to pay close attention to things that would help the other party let their hair down and have a nice time, which of course includes the type of picnic blanket you choose, the kind of food you pack, and ever so importantly, the type of wine and
glasses!
Imagine that you have given careful thought to everything that you need for the outing but you forgot the picnic blanket, or maybe the one you have is not water resistant and the grassy knoll that you have chosen is lush with fresh dew – oops!! While the scenery is surely soothing and beautiful, you'll not be able to relax and have a good time if an attempt to sit on the grass results in a backside that's wet or damp. Let's assume that you are even able to solve the dilemma of where to sit; you'll still need a surface to lay out your food and goodies. You wouldn't want ants and other "creepies" to be uninvited guests at your picnic.
A picnic blanket is such a key item to have on hand when planning outdoor activities and, seeing as there are many types available in the market, this guide will help you know and understand the features that are necessary for a good picnic blanket.
Price
The price of every commodity is hinged on a number of factors of production, including material, design, size, and extra features. If you want a top-quality product, it goes without saying that you should be ready to pay top dollar. A good picnic blanket can be found in the range of $15 to $30, with some costing more and some costing less.
During our research, we saw some cheap picnic blankets that are not featured in this review, as we feature only products that we are confident would offer appropriate value for the money spent. Some of those cheap products often turn out to be “penny-wise-pound-foolish investments,” and we do not want you to be a victim of such a purchase.
Features
Before you head out for that picnic, ensure that you have the right blanket along with the goodies and treats. A good picnic blanket must have certain features to qualify as such; for example:
- Type
- Design
- Size
- Material
- Portability
- Color
- Durability
- Extra Features
How do these features affect the choice you make? Please continue reading to find out.
Construction and Design
There are various types of picnic blankets, with some made just specifically for picnics and others for all kinds of outdoor activities and the activity it is designed for would largely determine the type of material used. Most picnic blankets are made with two kinds of materials – one for the outer part (the part that would be on the ground) and the other for the inner part (the part you sit on). Ideally, the inner part should be made of comfortable material such as fleece, cotton, or wool while the outer side is made with water resistant materials such as polyester, PVC backing, or plastic so that water or moisture do not seep through to the other side. It wouldn't be any fun for you to have your rear end soaked by the time you are done with your picnic!
When going on a picnic, we assume that you would want more space to pack edibles than to have a bulky blanket, therefore, even though you would want a blanket that is sizeable enough to accommodate a number of people, you would also want it to be compact and lightweight enough to allow for convenience and lack of stress while storing and transporting.
Some brands make their blankets with Velcro straps or buckles, adding to the ease of keeping the blanket compact by allowing you to simply roll it up and then secure it with the buckle or the Velcro strap. Some even go the extra mile of having carry bags with which to transport the blanket, but for those without carrying bags, there are handles that can convert the blanket to a backpack of sorts. All these options just enhance the overall portability of the blanket.
Performance and Ease of Use
Before embarking on a picnic, you may not be thinking of ambiance or aesthetics of the whole affair, but when you arrive and begin to take pictures, you'll find that this is also an important aspect to keep in mind. The color of the blanket can help determine the kind of mood that is created and should be considered for when embarking on a picnic for two versus one with the whole family or some friends. Sometimes, even the kind of holiday or occasion you are celebrating can be considered before choosing a blanket.
Some blankets have sponge padding while others are made of cotton or fleece. The important thing is to find a blanket with thickness that is comfortable enough without being cumbersome to transport. A thin blanket may not provide the level of comfort desired, especially on rocky or rugged terrain, but might work great for a day out on the beach.
The ease of cleaning and maintenance should also be considered. Fleece or cotton blankets can typically be washed and dried, so check for machine wash compatibility with whatever blanket you choose, to save you a lot of stress. In addition, consider the ones with backings of PVC, polyester, or plastic, due to many needing only to be wiped with a damp cloth, and some being able to be machine washed.
A picnic blanket also serves as the table on which all the goodies and treats are served, making it important to look out for stain resistant material. Some materials are easier to wash or clean than others, as mentioned previously, and if you plan to use your blanket frequently and for a long time, you will need a material that could withstand normal wear and tear and possibly many washes, but ideally finding a material that doesn't need constant washing would be best.
When choosing a picnic basket, one has to consider many factors, such as the materials used to make it, the dimensions, color variations, comfort, and more. In the following individual brand and product review, we have highlighted these factors and relevant information, so you will be able to pick out the blanket that best meets your needs.
We are glad that you have taken the time to go through our reviews and are hopeful that you have found the perfect picnic blanket for your next outing. Go ahead and place your order now so you can have a great time with your family and friends at your next picnic.
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