An outdoor blanket is one of those things that quickly becomes useful once you have one. Take it to the beach, spread it out for a picnic, keep it in the car for an unexpected stop or bring it outside when dinner continues after sunset.

There are plenty of beautiful blankets to choose from, but the way you plan to use one is worth thinking about. A large blanket is useful when several people need somewhere to sit, while a smaller plaid is easier to carry and works well for cooler evenings outside.

Material makes a difference too. Cotton feels light and is a good choice for spring and summer. Wool is warmer and particularly useful towards the end of summer and during autumn, when evenings outside can become chilly surprisingly quickly.

For picnics, a blanket with a little weight is convenient because it stays in place more easily. Some picnic blankets also have a water-resistant underside, which is useful when the grass still feels damp even though the weather is dry.

Then there is the question of colour and pattern. Checks, stripes and traditional woven designs have been used for outdoor blankets for generations and they remain easy to combine with baskets, cushions and other picnic accessories. They are also more forgiving than very light, plain fabrics when used regularly outside.

A blanket with carrying straps is particularly handy for days away from home. Roll it up, attach the straps and it can be carried separately without taking up most of the space in a picnic basket or bag.

It is also worth keeping one somewhere accessible. A blanket in the car can be used for an unplanned picnic, an evening on the beach, an outdoor concert or simply when the temperature drops while travelling.

You do not need a different blanket for every occasion. A comfortable size, a material suited to your climate and a design you like are usually enough to find one that gets used throughout the year.

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