Don't overpack your picnic basket with more food than you're likely to eat. You don't want to lug leftovers back home, so plan carefully to know exactly how much food you need.  (BestReviews)

Eating outside is one of the true pleasures of warm weather.  But whether you enjoy putting together a meal to enjoy at your local park, beach or even in your backyard, having a high-quality picnic basket to carry your food to your location is essential.

While classic picnic baskets are still in style, you can choose from various basket types these days. If you're on the hunt for a basket for date-night picnics, the Picnic Time Heart Willow Picnic Basket is a perfect choice.

Depending on how far you're traveling, how much food you're bringing and the types of food you're packing, you can choose from several basket styles.

Choosing a basket large enough for the amount of food you usually pack for your picnics is crucial. While you don't want to overpack the basket and squish your sandwiches, you don't necessarily want to buy the largest picnic basket you can find either. Large baskets are bulkier, so they can be more difficult to carry. Instead, opt for a picnic basket just larger enough for the number of people you typically picnic with.

Most baskets describe their capacity in terms of how many people they can serve. So, for example, you can find styles that hold enough food for two, four or six people.

Some baskets have divided compartments that let you separate and organize your food. Having separate compartments is especially convenient if you're bringing both hot and cold foods for your picnic.

However, dividers may limit the size of the individual items you can pack inside your basket. As a result, a basket with compartments may not be ideal if you often bring large Tupperware containers to your picnics.

Picnic baskets may have insulation along the interior to help maintain your food's temperature. Instead of a fully insulated interior, some baskets offer a few insulated pockets that can keep your beverages cold. If you're hiking to your picnic destination or spending time at the beach before you eat, it's a good idea to invest in an insulated basket.

Many baskets include items you may need to eat during your picnics, such as plates, cutlery, glasses, napkins, a cutting board, a corkscrew, salt and pepper shakers and a picnic blanket. Those that come with accessories usually have slots, pockets or some other way to secure the items in the basket. These allow you to reach items easily without worrying about them banging around inside.

Picnic baskets usually cost $10-$100. Basic styles that don't include any accessories or insulation can go for $10-$20, while insulated baskets and those that come with accessories typically cost $20-$40. If you want an oversized basket for picnics with your family, you can pay up to $100.

A. Your basket can grow mold if you put it away when it's still damp. First, dry the interior well after cleaning to ensure there isn't any moisture inside. Then, store it in a dry location, where it won't be exposed to wet or humid conditions.

A. The proper way to clean a basket varies based on its material. For example, if you have a wicker basket, avoid submerging it in water. Instead, wipe it down with a clean, dry towel. If there's any residue, you can wet the cloth with warm, soapy water and then wipe it down with a clean rag to rinse. Make sure to let the basket dry thoroughly before storing it. If you have an insulated basket made of synthetic materials, you can also wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Picnic Time Heart Willow Picnic Basket with Deluxe Service for 2: available at Amazon

Our take: This sweet heart-shaped basket is perfect for romantic picnics with someone special.

What we like: It boasts high-quality materials and construction, so it can last for years. The included flatware is made of durable stainless steel.  It also comes with cloth napkins and a blanket. It makes an excellent wedding or anniversary gift.  It comes with a lifetime guarantee, too.

What we dislike: It's much pricier than other baskets and is somewhat heavy to carry.

Picnic Time Boardwalk Picnic Basket with Service for Two: available at Amazon

Our take: This fun nautical-inspired basket contains place settings for two and offers durable construction that holds up well to regular use.

What we like: It has a wooden frame covered with canvas to improve durability.  The interior is fully lined. It comes with plates, cutlery, shatter-resistant wine glasses and a corkscrew. It has a locking lid, too.

What we dislike: It only accommodates two people and doesn't contain any storage containers for food.

Nature Gear XL Picnic Backpack: available at Amazon

Our take: This basket is large enough to carry all you need for four people and is insulated to keep your food at the right temperature.

What we like:  It has secure compartments to organize your food. The insulation works well to keep your food cold. It comes with plates, flatware, a cutting board and a bottle opener. It also includes a waterproof blanket.

What we dislike: It's fairly heavy, so it may be difficult to carry.  It doesn't come with food containers, either.

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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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