Is it really summer without an outdoor picnic? I certainly don’t think so.
However, bulky plastic cooler boxes can be awkward to lug around, not to mention how difficult they are to store at home without them becoming an eyesore beside your food storage.
That’s why I’m eyeing up IKEA’s new (and limited-edition) bamboo cooler basket. It’s by far the prettiest practical cooler I’ve ever seen. It’s simple, but so chic – and I wouldn’t mind having it on display in my kitchen year-round.
IKEA's New Limited Edition Cooler Box Is the Chic Alternative to Plastic
Made with a recycled polyester insulator bag and a braided bamboo shell and handle, this easy-to-carry cooler basket is one of the most chic options I have ever seen, and it can be used to double as food storage when not out and about, too.
A cooler box is, first and foremost, a practical piece, and the solid plastic shells of old remind us of this frequently. How it looks has never been as important as how it functions; the braided bamboo SOLUPPGÅNG basket is changing that.
It's hardly a necessary change, but for those of us who cherish aesthetics or love to take pictures of our days out, the lumpy 70s-esque boxes don't cut it. This woven bamboo design, however, with a four-gallon capacity cooler bag fitted inside, is exactly what I would pick to bring to a picnic, be it on the beach, at the park, or even just in my yard to celebrate the best of the summer weather with a barbecue.
What I love most is that I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to hide the basket between uses. Where I live, the weather is usually only warm enough for picnics for a few short months of the year, meaning cooler boxes usually have to be tucked away to avoid detracting from my kitchen décor ideas. It’s a tough feat in my tiny home.
The bamboo exterior places the cooler alongside some of the chicest storage buys from IKEA for organizing cabinets. It’s perfect for organizing your home after bulk-buying groceries, keeping overflow stock tucked away and out of sight without disrupting the flow of my space.
It’s a smart upgrade that I can’t ever see slipping out of style.
What Else to Shop
One of the simplest ways to instantly elevate your picnics, days out, or outdoor grill station is to invest in quality hosting essentials. I have curated six of my favorite outdoor hosting picks to make any gathering – at home or away – feel more like a celebration this summer:
Mix your own drinks, bring water on the go, or decant from plastic bottles with these refillable glass bottles, perfect for slotting into the IKEA bamboo cooler basket. They add an extra elevated touch to your picnic for very little effort.
This plastic food container is harder to break than glass, and lighter weight for easy portability. It's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, too.
This basket won't keep your food cold, but it is undeniably sweet. It's made from hand-woven rush with a folding style lid to make your summer picnics feel a little more romantic.
Real glasses will always feel more elevated than plastic, but when you're on the go or in the yard, it isn't always worth the risk. These clear plastic cups look the part, but won't break.
One item I would never swap for plastic in a picnic set is the cutlery. Plastic or wooden cutlery simply does not do the job, and can be a textural nightmare. This stainless steel set with chopsticks, plus a carry case to keep them and your bag clean, is the perfect alternative.
This dedicated picnic blanket has a water-resistant base to prevent damp grass from damaging your soft throws, and a waterproof lining to make clean up easier in the event of spills. It comes with a genuine leather carrier for convenience, and ground stakes to pin it down on breezy days.
With all the pretty tools at your disposal, it’s worth brushing up on the most common summer hosting mistakes to avoid so your event runs smoothly. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to keeping guests comfortable, food safe, and the atmosphere relaxed.
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