The time for outdoor picnics has begun! Whether you are outside enjoying local music festivals or theater performances, or simply want to plan a plein aire affair for the family, there are few better ways to enjoy balmy summer evenings than with a bottle of wine, some good food and friends.

My usual MO is to pack as much as possible into a grocery bag, lug along a few old, sturdy wine glasses, and use the grass for napkins. But this year I decided to up the ante with a grown-up picnic basket complete with plates, glasses, utensils, cloth napkins, and a cooler to keep beverages chilled to perfection (see the one from Horchow, $125.00, above).

Here are a few of the best picnic baskets on the market. Some are more practical than others; and a few are definitely for those who want to dine al fresco in style.

Canvas Picnic Basket for 4
$78.00
Uncommongoods.com

S
Picnic for Four Backpack Sets
$47.96
Sur la Table

Personalized Picnic Basket
$219.95
Williams Sonoma

Wine Country Picnic
$100-$250
Dean and Deluca

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: stylish picnic baskets, picnic baskets, easy to carry picnic baskets, outdoor eating, outdoor entertaining, chic picnic gear, durable picnic baskets

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