If you happen to live in a place where summer is already here (unlike in London), then it's time to upgrade your picnic blanket. Instead of using that old towel or pilly blanket, consider an upgrade. Ballard designs is selling a series of stylish outdoor blankets – which are also hugely functional. The fabric is Sunbrella, which means it won’t fade, and it's also machine washable. The blankets come in damask (shown), stripes and a floral print for $139.95 each.