Planning a picnic? There's something so lovely about it, isn't there?

Australian alfresco living is really at its best during these months. Long lunches by the water, poolside gatherings that stretch into evening, impromptu beach days where you end up staying much longer than planned.

But here's the thing: the difference between a picnic that feels effortless and one that feels stressful comes down to what you pack.

So here's what actually makes a difference when you're planning summer entertaining outdoors. 

Start With Comfort

A proper picnic rug with waterproof backing is worth the investment. Not the threadbare beach towel you've had for years. Something substantial that creates an actual space.

And if you're staying longer than an hour, shade matters. A beach umbrella, a cabana, whatever works for your setup. 

Because the Australian sun at 2pm isn't something you push through, it's something you plan around.

Rethink Outdoor Cups

Here's where most picnics unravel.

Someone brings glassware and spends the entire afternoon anxious about it breaking near the kids. 

Someone else brings disposable plastic and feels guilty. The setup never quite looks cohesive, and you're constantly refilling toppled drinks.

This is the exact problem that led us to design the Bubble Collection.

We wanted unbreakable cups that actually looked beautiful. That could handle poolside chaos and beach picnics without compromise. 

And critically, that didn't smell like silicone or affect how your drink tasted.

For wine and cocktails: The Bubble Goblets have become our go-to for outdoor entertaining. They feel substantial in your hand, they look elegant on any table, and when someone knocks one over, nothing breaks.

For families: The standard Bubble Cups work perfectly as kids cups. They're BPA-free, made from odourless silicone, and genuinely family-friendly. Your toddler can carry their own drink without you holding your breath.

STYLD.Chop™: Form Meets Function

Heavy wooden boards are beautiful at home. Less practical when you're packing for the beach.

This is why we created STYLD.Chop™. Sold as a set of two, they completely rethink what a serving board can be. 

One solid board for prep (slicing lemons, cutting fruit), one marbled design for serving your grazing spread.

They're made from premium silicone, so they're lightweight and flexible enough to pack flat. 

The wavy edge catches any drips, which means your picnic rug stays clean. And when you're done, they wipe down in seconds.

Keep Everything Cold

In our climate, this is non-negotiable.

A quality insulated cooler bag, properly packed with ice bricks, is the difference between fresh salads and food safety concerns. Between crisp wine and lukewarm disappointment.

Don't underestimate this one.

The Details That Elevate

Music transforms the atmosphere. A portable Bluetooth speaker is always worth packing.

If you want to add a bit more intention to your setup, bring linen napkins, fresh flowers in a simple jar, or even some battery-powered fairy lights for those afternoons that stretch into evening.

The beauty of having cohesive outdoor cups and serving pieces is that everything already looks considered. 

It's that effortless Australian alfresco style. Relaxed, but thoughtfully put together.

This summer, spend less time managing logistics and more time enjoying what makes Australian summers special.

Pack thoughtfully. Choose pieces that work with real life, not against it. And create space for those long afternoons that turn into early evenings, where nobody's rushing home because everyone's too comfortable to leave.

That's what alfresco living is really about.