Basket case Crazy about picnics? Here in Maine, you can find plenty of places to enjoy them, and plenty of places to buy the gear you’ll need

A tisket, a tasket, a fancy picnic basket.

What more could you ask for on a sunny day? On second thought, don’t answer that.

But really, picture it: you, your sweetie and the kids pile into the family wagon and ride off to your favorite scenic spot. It could be a state park on the coast, a boat landing on the Penobscot River, maybe a nice field in The County. In Maine, the possibilities are endless.

So are the options for fun, fabulous picnic gear. And this time of year, much of it is on clearance. Why use a cooler when you can tote your sandwiches and pasta salad in something, well, cooler? Stylish totes, practical backpacks and old-school wicker baskets with new-school insulation will keep your lunch chilly even on the warmest days.

But don’t stop there. Why not add fantastic plastic plates, bowls and serving ware? Go retro with a cafeteria-inspired lunch tray or divided plate. Your Pinot Grigio will be Pinot good-to-go in a neoprene wine cooler. Toss in a few whimsical drinking straws for the kids – you know you want one, too.

Treat yourself to a vintage-look oilcloth picnic blanket for your spread. Or go Shabby Chic with a vintage sheet. Just don’t forget the bug spray and the sunscreen.

If you’re feeling uninspired by the same-old ham and Swiss, you may want to spice up your repertoire with a sandwich cookbook – Stilton and Pear or Indian Spiced Chicken on Naan sure sound tasty. So does smoked turkey with slaw.

Of course, everything tastes better outside. And here’s my theory: If you pack it in a pretty basket and serve it on bright, summery plates, even peanut butter and jelly feels like a gourmet treat.

Orange Metro Basket (comes in red and green, too), $30, World Over Imports

Igloo insulated backpack, $24.79, Target

“Sandwiches,” $7.95, World Over Imports

“The Book of Sandwiches,” $12, World Over Imports

Fly swatter, $1, World Over Imports

Melamine plate, $8.99, World Over Imports

Nesting bowls with lids, $6.99-$10.99, World Over Imports

Straws, $1.50 each, World Over Imports

Wine cooler, $14.99, World Over Imports

Cafeteria tray, $3.99, Target

Divided plate, $1.99, Target

Galvanized citronella candle, $3.49, Target

Bug screen, $5.99, T.J. Maxx ‘n More

Crab bottle openers, $12.50 each, The Meadow of Blue Hill

Mermaid bottle openers, $15 each, The Meadow of Blue Hill

Oilcloth tablecloths, 48-by-70 inches, $30; 48-by-102 inches, $40, The Meadow of Blue Hill

Willow basket, $75, The Meadow of Blue Hill