Editor’s Picks for Alfresco Feast Essentials

Get prepped for outdoor summer dining with our editors' must-haves

Yorkshire picnic basket ($730), Williams SonomaBasket Case

Yorkshire picnic basket ($730), Williams Sonoma

For the ultimate “have basket, will travel” experience, this summer I plan to pack as many picnics as possible for out-of-home dining endeavors. Williams Sonoma’s handwoven wicker basket overflows with premium picnic accoutrements for four—including plates, wine glasses, silverware, a cheese board, and more—ensuring its starring role in all my upcoming excursions. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, contributing editor    

Riviera bar ($998), Serena & Lily

Ice Ice Baby

Riviera bar ($998), Serena & Lily

Keep guests hydrated in style with this outdoor console that’s part bar, part cooler. Teak lids (which double as a prep space) hide two watertight bins that can be filled with ice to ensure your open-air entertaining stays cool all summer long. Highlight and share your favorite ingredients and tumblers on the shelf below. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, editor in chief

Essential apron ($85-$105), Hedley & Bennett_1

Serving Looks 

Essential apron ($85-$105), Hedley & Bennett

There’s a reason why the world’s culinary set—from professional chefs to aspiring home cooks—suit up in these simple yet iconic aprons. Not only are they crafted from durable cotton twill fabric to last a lifetime, but they’re loaded with pockets to store your gear, making them the perfect staple for grill masters, hosts with the most, and bar cart mixologists alike. —Abigail Duffy, web editor 

Franklin Barbecue A Meat-Smoking Manifesto ($30)

Franklin Barbecue barbecue sauce trio ($30)

Low and Slow

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto ($30), barbecue sauce trio ($30), Franklin Barbecue

When my husband and I visited Austin, Texas, we waited in line for three hours to dine at Franklin Barbecue. I’m not proud to admit it, but it’s something I’d do again in a heartbeat. In the meantime, we settle for re-creating Aaron Franklin’s word-renowned brisket (to the best of our ability) using his cookbook and sauces. If all else fails, it’s now available to order via goldbelly.com too. —Mary Murray, executive editor

Laguiole grill set ($398), Terrain, Anthropologie

Tools of the Trade

Laguiole grill set ($398), Terrain, Anthropologie

When it comes to grilling, I prefer to keep the utensils simple. Made by a renowned French knifemaker, Terrain’s set contains a grill fork, knife, and tongs made from Swedish Sandvik stainless steel and wood, all rolled in a leather case for elegant storage and travel. It’s an easy-to-use set for flipping, slicing, piercing, and more. —Karina Wensjoe, associate editor

LIV Smart mosquito repellent system ($699 for three repellers), Thermacell

Buzz Off

LIV Smart mosquito repellent system ($699 for three repellers), Thermacell

I love everything about the South Florida outdoors, except the mosquitoes. Bug sprays and citronella are only marginally effective (and smell awful, to boot), so I have my eye on Thermacell’s LIV Smart mosquito repellent system, which comes with three to five repellers that form a barrier against the buzzing insects. The guaranteed protection is priceless. —Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director

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