Object of Desire: Multipurpose Insulated Picnic Totes by Millie Lottie

Gardenista recently did a roundup of really great picnic baskets, and I considered—for about 30 seconds—purchasing one. I live across the street from one of our town’s parks, and I imagined how nice it would be to stroll down with a pretty basket, kitted out with all our picnic essentials. But did I really need a picnic basket? Why get one when my current method of transporting food and beverages—in tote bags that I also use for the pool, the beach, and my kids’ sports games—works decently well? And where would I store a picnic basket?

The answer to my conundrum: canvas picnic totes from San Francisco-based brand Millie Lottie. Both Meredith and Julie have mentioned them recently (Meredith in a post about Mother’s Day gift ideas), and when two Remodelista editors recommend the same thing, I know it has to be special.

Here’s why these picnic bags are lighting up the desire portion of my brain: They have a flat, rigid bottom, thanks to a wooden cutting board that fits into the base, making it easier to hold casserole dishes and salad bowls; they are durable and boast three layers (two layers of thick canvas plus an insulated water-proof and burn-proof layer); they have wine straps integrated into the design; they are multipurpose and not just for picnics (take the cutting board out and you can use it as a market bag, a beach bag, an overnight bag, or in my case, a sports bag); they are made with very little waste (learn about its sustainable design here); and they are easy to store.

Millie Lottie picnic totes come in three styles: the Etta, the Eva, and the Branch.

The Etta Picnic Tote

The Eva Picnic Tote

The Branch Picnic Tote

For more bag inspiration, check out:

• 10 Easy Pieces: The Modern Woven Market Tote
• 10 Easy Pieces: Washable Paper Bags for Storage

For more of our Objects of Desire, see:

• Object of Desire: Cute Metal Recycling and Waste Bins in Every Color
• Object of Desire: Colorful Laundry Hampers from New Zealand