The Best Picnic Rugs for the Ultimate Outdoor Dining Backdrop

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Three things make a fabulous picnic (IMO): a delicious food spread, good company and a pretty picnic rug. You can’t go wrong with a charcuterie board and bringing your bestest friends along, but picking what you sit on can be tricky.

The perfect picnic blanket needs to be big enough to fit you, your mates and the refreshments. Bonus points if it has a cute design that’ll give you an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for your Instagram story flatlays (#DayForIt). At the end of your picnicking session, you also want the rug to easily be able to shake off bindii weeds, sand or dirt and to quickly to roll up.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best picnic rugs to bring along for your al fresco dining setup.

Hendeer ‘Eights Days A Week’ Woven Picnic Rug

EIGHT DAYS A WEEK' WOVEN PICNIC RUG — Hendeer ‘Eights Days A Week’ Woven Picnic Rug ($159)

The ‘Eights Days A Week’ Woven Picnic Rug ($159) from Hendeer is built to last on the beach, grass or even as a good ol’ throw rug. It uses a blend of cotton and recycled polyester (sourced from plastic bottles) to create this intricate floral patchwork design.

Hendeer ‘Ticket to Ride’ Woven Picnic Rug

TICKET TO RIDE' WOVEN PICNIC RUGTHROW — Hendeer ‘Ticket to Ride’ Woven Picnic Rug ($159)

For a boho picnic set up look no further than the ‘Ticket to Ride’ Woven Picnic Rug ($159). The design makes it look very homely and the combination of midnight blue, raspberry red, taupe with cornflour blue accents makes it a definite accent piece. You can purchase it in two sizes — 130x160cm and 170x200cm.

Hendeer ‘The Inner Light’ Woven Picnic Rug

This kaleidoscopic design on the ‘The Inner Light’ Woven Picnic Rug ($159) is unique. Lay out your charcuterie, prosecco and outdoor pillows for a day of good vibes and cloud watching.

Basil Bangs Love Rug

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, the Basil Bangs Love Rug ($189) is a nice addition to your picnic kit. Available in six other designs, this painted flowers style is our favourite. It’s lined with waterproof backing, so even after a day of rain you can still enjoy an outdoor dining spread.

The Somewhere Co. The Empress Picnic Rug

The Empress Picnic Rug ($112) fits four people comfortably with space for food in the middle. It also comes with a handy vegan leather carry strap to make it easier to carry from car to picnic spot.

Slowtide Horizon Park Blanket

Not a fan of florals and patterns but still want a bit of colour in your flatlay backdrop? The Horizon Park Blanket ($120) might be for you. The yellow, purple and blue gradient is giving sunset vibes.

tbco Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket

Gingham and picnics are a match made in heaven. Tbco’s Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket ($240) is available in a bunch of different colourways but this lilac, seafoam and off-white palette is our favourite. On the underside of the rug, you’ll find a waterproof blanket for extra protection.

Basil Bangs The Weekend Rug

The Weekend Rug ($125) from Basil Bangs is great for mums and bubs. It’s waterproofed all the way around to make accidental spills easy to clean up.

Bohemia Keep Warm Orange Vintage Picnic Blanket

Another versatile picnic rug, Bohemia Keep Warm Orange Vintage Picnic Blanket ($40) can be used as a floor covering, tapestry or sofa throw too. This is an easy one to keep in your car for a spontaneous picnic under the stars or to bundle up after a day at the beach.

Chusei Sandproof Picnic Blanket

Chusei’s Sandproof Blanket ($73.89) screams summer beach picnic. The classic yellow and white checks are the perfect backdrop for a sunny day. It also promises a sandproof exterior that gets dirt off with just a shake.

Cotton On Oversized Picnic Blanket

This Oversized Picnic Blanket ($69.99) from Cotton On is generously sized for a big group spread. The retro patchwork design is made from 100% recycled polyester and backed with a water-repellent lining for easy cleanup after your chow down.

11 Picnic Rugs Perfect Backdrop For Your On-the-Ground Spread

Hendeer ‘Eights Days A Week’ Woven Picnic Rug

Hendeer ‘Ticket to Ride’ Woven Picnic Rug