How to create a gorgeous home-from-home camp
Guest blog from stylist and Rex London ambassador Pandora Maxton.
It’s that time of year when festivals and camping are in full swing. Here are some tips to help you organise, pack, and create a stylish camping experience. My motto is always “home from home,” so if you can, go big and do it in style. Of course, everyone camps differently, so take from this as much or as little as suits you.
Recycled jumbo storage bags, £5.95 each
Packing can feel daunting, but Rex London has a beautiful range of jumbo storage bags in every colour and pattern imaginable. These are essential for packing, especially when it comes to bedding and pillows. Their durable coating and strong woven nylon handles help keep everything clean and dry. I’m not a huge fan of sleeping bags, so I always take a quilt instead, along with my own pillows, which makes these bags an absolute must-have.
Pink and Green Daisy weekend bag, £29.95
Try to keep clothes packing to a minimum. Space is always at a premium, so a weekend bag with the essentials is often perfect. Keep your wardrobe practical and functional. A useful tip is to store all your outerwear - coats, waterproofs and wellies - in a separate bag along with your footwear. Not only does this make organisation easier once your campsite is set up, but it also keeps wet or muddy items away from everything else.
Camping requires plenty of planning and preparation. You’re essentially creating a temporary home, complete with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and cloakroom. It can feel like quite a task, but these handy tips will help make life easier:
Green enamel tumblers, £8.95 each
Woven trays, £39.95 for two
Stacking fish glasses, £14.95
Use a cool box to store all your kitchen essentials. Enamel cups, mugs and plates are ideal for camping as they’re durable, don’t break easily and, in my opinion, are much nicer than plastic alternatives. I also pack a few large woven trays. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used for serving food, displaying fruit or simply carrying items around camp.
Once you’ve unpacked, empty the cool box and place everything on foldable metal shelving to keep your cooking area organised and accessible.
Portable suitcase BBQ, £49.95
Barbecues are a camping essential, whether you’re cooking at your campsite or enjoying a meal on the beach. Mini barbecues with foldable stands are a great option because they’re compact, lightweight and easy to transport. Many campsites are strict about preventing burn marks on the ground, so this raised design is a perfect option.
Red hurricane lantern, £19.95
Lighting is key, especially if you don’t have an electric hook-up, which is often the case at festivals. Battery-powered or solar lights are a fantastic solution. Battery-operated lanterns are safe, effective and add a lovely atmosphere to your campsite. Rex London offers a beautiful range of lanterns in various colours, many with adjustable brightness settings. Solar or battery-operated string lights hung around your tent also create a warm, inviting glow and make your camp feel extra special after dark.
Cotton spotty bunting. Was £14.95, now £6.95
Decorating your camp is the icing on the cake. It costs very little but adds those lovely finishing touches that make your pitch feel welcoming and unique. Bunting is a great option as it's quick and easy to put up. As an added bonus, birthday bunting can double up if you’re celebrating a special occasion while you’re away.
Jute storage baskets, £29.95 for four
I always take an oversized, pretty blanket to use for picnics or as a beach blanket. Another favourite camping essential is a set of jute storage baskets. They’re wonderfully multifunctional and can be used for storing supplies, displaying plants or flowers to brighten your camp, or even serving as a makeshift bin.
Camping needs to be practical, but with a little extra thought and creativity, you can create a stylish home-from-home to share with loved ones and make wonderful memories together.
Happy camping!
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our collection of camping and festival essentials.
