The first step in planning the perfect lazy beach day? A great lounging blanket.

I’ve been keeping myself pretty busy this summer between Sunshine Coast getaways and family obligations and weddings and creative side projects, and while it’s all been fun, sometimes I have a moment of longing for a classic, lazy summer….especially when I spot a particularly inviting beach blanket. A sunny weekend day, lounging in the park with nothing in particular to do; an afternoon of watching the waves, not the clock, sipping some sneaky rosé.With my packed schedule right now, these sort of pauses just aren’t going to happen spontaneously, so I’ve penciled it in for myself three weeks from now: “DO NOTHING.” To prepare for this momentous non-occasion, I’m on the hunt for the perfect blanket: the right beach- or park-ready beauties will make it that much easier to stick to my no-plan plan.

9 Beach Blankets We Love

Rainbow Bright

This multi-coloured striped number from J. Crew (made from recycled cotton) can double as a fun flag for the Pride Parade if that’s how the day happens to unfold. Las Bayadas blanket, $59

Dusty Darling

If you prefer to blend in with the landscape on your laid-back day out, this Pioneer travel towel (spotted at Vancouver shop Nineteen Ten) and its cream-and-dusty-green palette will perfectly complement your surroundings (and perhaps inspire some compliments from design-minded passersby). Pioneer travel towel, $129

Turkish Delight

The ultra lightweight Arrow towel from Sunday Dry Goods is perfect for travel: light but cozy thanks to a bamboo and Turkish cotton weave. Arrow towel, $63

Right Round

Inspired by old-growth tree rings, the round, double-sided Schooner towel from Tofino Towel Co. is an ode to the West Coast. The Schooner, $90

Cut a Rug

Pretend the beach is your living room with the oversized Slowtide Haven beach towel, which mimics the loop of a classic Persian rug, tassels and all (though it’s infinitely more absorbent, post-swim). Slowtide Haven towel, $43

Swim Fan

This Bathers towel from Indigo is big enough to host all your beach bum buds—though the cute illustrated swimmers are good company too, should you be soaking up the sun solo. Bathers beach towel, $14.50

Geometric Gem

Anthropologie’s oversized geometric-print beach towel is bold and beautiful in a summer-perfect kelly green. Mixed Geo beach towel, $46.50

Tropi-Cool

A soft, water-repellant plastic backing and carrying strap makes this picnic blanket from H&M practical; the fresh-‘n’-fruity print makes it pretty. Picnic blanket, $29.99 

Ocean Commotion

With a motif like this, it’s only right to bring this beautiful woven blanket from Vancouver illustrator Forest and Waves to the seaside. Under the Sea blanket, $118

What’s your favourite accessory for a lazy day at the beach? Let us know in the comments!