Hamptons Picnic Basket

Sierra Picnic Backpack

Martini Tote (Martini Tote)

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Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end. You've still got time to plot a picnic outing this weekend or—better yet—plan a series of edible outings that will take you into early autumn, from dining alfresco in your backyard to taking a jaunt to a scenic lake in a nearby park. Whether you've got the whole family in tow or are planning a romantic outing for two, we've got you covered for that perfect last blast.

First, consider the food. Choose dishes that you can make the day before and that transport well. Avoid soup and other drip-prone items, skip foods that tend to get soggy, and don't include food that needs to be reheated. The goal is to have fun, not to fuss over your food the whole time. Try a soft herbed cheese, such as Boursin, paired with fruit for an ideal appetizer or dessert. And if you're taking along libations, consider a bottle of Prosecco or rosé, both light wines that complement warm summer days. Finally, set the mood by bringing along a portable audio player loaded with Putumayo World Music's CD Music from the Wine Lands ($15; www.putumayo.com). The upbeat, but subtle, tunes hail from the world's leading wine-producing regions, including France, Italy, Australia, and Chile.

Next, the method of transport. Igloo coolers may have a certain suburban cache, but to class things up a bit, follow Yogi Bear's lead and go for a picnic basket. Start shopping for one, though, and you'll quickly discover that the traditional box-shaped wicker models have been drowned out by more modern versions (though wicker is still widely available if you're looking to set a certain mood). Take RedEnvelope's Hamptons Picnic Basket ($90; www.redenvelope.com), an oversized, modern twist on the traditional that uses woven raffia tipped with lime-green accents. This beachy-looking tote comes with all the picnic essentials for four people, including green-tipped plates and cups, bamboo-inspired flatware, and other handy accessories like a corkscrew, salt and pepper shakers, and napkins. Though the bag is not insulated, the inside is lined with wipeable nylon and a profusion of pockets helps keep your picnic goodies organized. The matching green-and-white-checked groundsheet looks nice, but it's quite thin and comfortably holds only two people plus a gourmet spread. Also, if you plan on bringing wine, be prepared to drink out of stemless cups or bring your own glasses. But, really, this bag is fun and informal, so shouldn't your picnic be, too?

For those who plan on picnicking in a romantic, secluded spot, go with Picnic Time's Sierra Backpack ($88; www.picnictime.com). Originally from Italy, Picnic Time's creators Mario Tagliati and Gustavo Cosaro introduced the world's first insulated picnic backpack in 1987. These guys know what they're doing. The company now uses the proven ThermoGuard insulation, which is how the Sierra's large food compartment keeps your triple-crème brie and chicken salad at just the right temperature.

Unzip the separate front compartment and witness a full-service spread for two people. The highlights of the goodies in this part of the backpack include stainless-steel flatware, a waiter-style corkscrew, acrylic wine glasses (with stems), and a functional bottle stopper. Elastic bands and clever pockets hold all the service gear neatly in place.

But it's what's on the outside of the backpack that makes the Sierra a real winner. A detachable, temperature-sensitive wine duffel clings securely to one side, and, on the other side, another detachable sleeve holds a comfy fleece blanket in place. Also, the shoulder straps are plenty comfortable, even with a full load in the pack.

If designing a menu, toting around food, and washing dishes sounds like a lot of work, then consider Picnic Time's Martini Tote ($55). It's as smooth as Sean Connery-era James-Bond and a welcome twist on the classic wine carrier. The expansive insulated bottle holder keeps gin (or vodka) and vermouth cool, and is roomy enough to carry olives or some ice. The front compartment holds a martini kit for two, complete with glasses, a shaker, strainer, stirrer, tongs, and jigger. Granted, 007 would only be seen with a leather version, as opposed to Picnic Time's plush leatherette (available in black or rich mahogany), but that would up the price—money better spent on a bottle of Bombay Sapphire and some goat cheese-stuffed olives. Toss those into the tote and you're destined to become the envy of all the hipsters at the next Screen on the Green or free concert in the park.