10 Essentials For A Spring Picnic Slideshow

There are baskets and then there are baskets. This willow basket has a special compartment for utensils, glasses, and food. It also features a small, integrated tabletop — perfect to place a few wine glasses. This is a safe way to carry all your picnic essentials and snacks. When you find the perfect spot to lay out, you can open your basket and have everything exactly how you left it. Keeping your picnic organized has never been so easy. $99 at Bed Bath and Beyond.

A blanket is an obvious picnicking essential. Yet, how many times have you sat on a blanket on top of grass and felt water seep through? There are few things worse than gross grass stains and looking like you may or may not have peed your pants. To save you from that embarrassment and from ruining a pair of pants, we found a blanket with a water-resistant underside. Sit or lay down for hours without a worry or a wet stain. It also comes with soft fleece on the topside, so you'll still be comfortable. With 21 square feet of blanket, you and your friends will have plenty of room to sit and enjoy your surroundings. $29.95 at ZooStores.com.

Coolers tend to be heavy and uncomfortable to carry around. Instead, we found a cooler on wheels, so you can place as much ice and drinks in it as you fancy. This cooler was made with extra-thick insulation, which can keep ice frozen for up to five days at 90 degrees — magical, we know. Its lid also has built-in cup holders when you can place a few beers for people to quickly grab. Coolers are a definite essential for a picnic, because honestly, who wants to drink warm beer or rosé? No thanks. $54.86 at Walmart.

You can't have a picnic without music. Some peaceful jams or classic hits will get keep everyone entertained and in a good mood. While we've outgrown the old-school boom boxes equipped with CD compartments, we found an even cooler boom box made specifically for an iPod. If your selection of music is a bit weak, just put on the radio. The sound system works well, and it will provide hours of good tunes for your ultimate picnic. Side note — it even comes in hot pink! $140.90 from B & H.

While glass and ceramic are definitely prettier, they are certainly not practical for picnicking. Who wants to carry around heavy glass containers and then have to deal with washing them after you eat? At least with plastic you have the option of recycling the containers if you don't want to take them home. These are cleaner, easier, and can easily be replaced. For a picnic, stick with plastic. $19.99 for a 24-piece set at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Peanut butter and banana sandwiches are a classic picnic meal, likely because they are easy to make and always taste great. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and will keep your energy up. With a whole day in front of you, filled with sports and possibly some day drinking, you'll need that extra boost of energy. The bananas will add a fresh taste and they're also a great source of potassium.

The weather is warm, which means it's time to whip out those cold bottles of rosé. We recommend Biohof Pratsch 2011 for its fruity and fresh taste. This fruit-forward choice has hints of apricot, peaches, and apples, along with a slight tangy flavor of white pepper and spices. It's an excellent choice for a day outside in the sun. $12.99 from MadWine.com.

Sliced watermelon at a picnic makes for a perfect dessert. After a creamy peanut butter sandwich, your friends will be eager to wash it down with a sweet, fresh slice of watermelon. This fruit keeps everyone hydrated, is low in calories, and is a great source of vitamin C. So forget about fatty desserts — watermelon is healthy and a guaranteed hit dessert.

We know what you're thinking — Frisbees are so '90s. However, some games just don't get old. This Frisbee can even glow in the dark (that's even more '90s) so if you play past sunset, you can enjoy the thrill of night Frisbee. While you might not be able to see your friends, the Frisbee will be easy to spot. $15.99 at Sports Authority.

In all seriousness, when was the last time you flew a kite? Getting a kite to fly is a challenge, but once it's soaring in the air a feeling of excitement instantly hits. As you sit back and watch it fly, you can't help but feel a small sense of accomplishment. It's a great moment and a perfect activity to do at a picnic. We recommend buying the octopus kite. Its eight legs flying against the wind will be a hilarious sight. $22 at Into the Wind.