You'll also want to think about the size. Smaller blankets, like the Little Unicorn Blanket, can usually accommodate two adults in a cross-legged position, plus a picnic basket. But if you want to be able to lie down or fit more than two people, look for a larger option (the Three Donkeys Extra Large Picnic Blanket could be a good choice for you). Bigger blankets may not fold up as compactly, though it depends on the material. To help you find a the perfect rug or blanket for your next outing, we consulted our huge Facebook community of Australian mums and listed their most popular choices below. Unfortunately, we did notice the juice seep into the polyester side of the blanket during the test, but not through to the fleece side, which makes us think that it’s still resistant against most liquids. The only problem is that we couldn’t tell if the stain the juice left was actually lifted out of the fabric when we blotted it because of its dark hue (however, this could be a pro for people with spill-prone children).

Look for waterproof or water-resistance features to prevent moisture seeping through, an easy-clean composition and a fab design you’ll spot in a crowd. Also, make sure the blanket is the right size for your family – because no one likes ending up on the grass. Can you wash a picnic blanket? Of course, portability is also a huge factor when it comes to picnic blankets, and this one delivers. It conveniently rolls up with a Velcro closure that reviewers say is quite sturdy. Reviewers also mention that this blanket is perfect for just about anywhere, from sandy beaches to picnics in the park. Featuring artwork by prominent Indigenous Australian artists, Emro Designs have reversible mats and rugs for any adventure. Choose from recycled plastic outdoor mats that are a cinch to clean or their UV protected, water-resistant, sandproof picnic rugs. Both come in handy carry bags.Be prepared for your camping trip to the great outdoors or festival with our guide on what to take. After this, we lounged, stretching out on the length of the blankets to see if they could fit our whole bodies comfortably, or if we started to touch the ground (which we would not want on potentially wet terrains). Then, we tested the polyester side's waterproof abilities, dumping water and grape juice onto the surface to see if it soaked up or stained. To take it an extra step further, we got a bit of sand on it too, just to see how much (or little) each fabric would hold on to the granules as we shook them out, as if we were leaving the beach after a long day on the shoreline. For starters, the ZAZE picnic blanket is massive — a whopping 80" x 80". That should be plenty of room for four adults to sit or six to eight kids, with food included, of course. It also features a three-ply construction. The bottom layer is waterproof, so you'll never have to worry about pesky dew for an early morning sit. The middle layer is a comfortable cotton that adds a bit of padding, and the top layer is polyester, which also acts as a water-resistant surface, so there's no need to worry about spills. We were also super impressed with the stitching on this blanket. Almost quilt-like, the stitching ensures that this blanket will stand the test of time. Our only wish was that it were a little bigger, because at five by five feet, we could really only fit one to two people on it (and that’s just sitting, not laying down). However, this could be a great option for smaller children or a parent with kids. For its convenient portability, soft fleece, durability, and budget-friendly price, we’re pretty thrilled with this on-the-go picnic blanket.

I love the range of funky colours that this picnic blanket is made in. It is water repellent and double sided too so if you’re out all day and it gets dirty on one side you can just flip it over. The material feels good quality and the blankets are slightly padded so more comfortable on hard ground, and yet they are still small enough to fit in a neat little travel bag with a carry handle. I think they are great value for money.” Buy online at https://rubbastuff.com 3. Recommended for being Comfortable Family Picnic Blanket from Great Little Trading Company If gingham isn't the perfect picnic print, then we don't know what is. But this blanket is far from just cute (but, really, it's SO cute), it's incredibly functional too.Buy online from https://www.vertbaudet.co.uk 5. Recommended as Value for Money Outdoor Reversible Picnic Blanket from TK Maxx

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. While we love that this blanket is super lightweight, this can make it easier to blow away in the windMichelle of www.whatmummythinks.co.uk swears by her Family Picnic Blanket from the Great Little trading Company. While we love the fleece top layer on this blanket, it is a bit of a double-edged sword. The fabric isn't waterproof, so we'd advise opting for something else if you've got kids or pets on the move while on your picnic. It's also on the smaller side, coming in at just 59" x 69". Introducing the ultra-compact but oh-so-roomy ClicMat from oimmie. Made from eco-friendly materials, it’s like a huggable cloud of cuteness. With an attachable smooth zinc alloy clip and detachable anchors, we found it the perfect companion for any adventure. Plus, it’s a breeze to clean.

Kelly, one of the writers here at Mini Travellers, jumped at the chance to tell us all about her favourite super-sized picnic mat: the SONGMICS Beach Blanket. For big groups, you'll naturally need more room to spread out. A large blanket (typically over 150cm long) should leave plenty of space for your feast, as well as room for three or four people. Keep in mind that larger blankets may take up more storage space, although many designs can be neatly rolled up, like this picnic blanket from John Lewis & Partners. Anything smaller than 150cm is better suited to a party of two. Emma from readyfreddiego.com loves the Vertbaudet Outdoor Rug (which can be used indoors as well as outdoors!).This blanket is slightly bulkier than others we tested, making it harder to get into the included carrier