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Reviewed 21/05/24

So Summer has been a washout for most of us. The Met Office said it was one of the wettest on record.

Fed up being stuck inside (particularly with kids) doing indoorsy things?

Well cheer up, better weather is forecast!

Make the most of it and enjoy that much-loved British tradition of picnics!

It’s easy and fun to grab a sandwich and head outside when the sun’s out but you might want to make more of an occasion of it and as it’s the school holidays it’s an ideal way to spend the day. Kids love picnics, relaxed, free from ‘house rules’, a chance to play outside and eat fun ‘finger foods’.

To elevate your picnic experience, explore our exclusive gourmet hampers, filled with delightful treats that are perfect for outdoor dining.

Take a look at our top tips on how to host a fun and memorable picnic!

1. Location:

There’s nothing wrong, of course, with picnicking in your back garden, if you have one!  Young children will definitely find it exciting.

Choose somewhere you’ll feel comfortable with. It could be a local park or woods, a known ‘picnic spot’ or somewhere further afield and more remote. Wherever it’s a good idea to check there is shelter or shade around just in case.

2. Check the weather:

Ok, obvious but thought we’d better mention it! Factor it in when choosing a location.

3. Blanket:

Yes, you can get away with sitting on coats or jumpers but we’re talking about the ideal picnic here!  Plus using a blanket is practical when it comes to spreading out the food and equipment and it brings everyone together, creating a cosy place.

A waterproof blanket’s a good idea.

If you have anything to weigh the blanket down on the corners bring it or else you might be able to use stones at the location.

4. Cushions:

Some people might need cushions to sit or rest on but if your car isn’t parked nearby remember you’ll have to carry them.

You might want the ideal picnic but you want to keep it SIMPLE!

5. Picnic Basket:

Practical and they look good!  You can buy the basket only or with all the crockery and cutlery you need. Some even include blankets and wine coolers.

But a basket’s not essential of course. Bags will do, just make sure they’re packed well and aren’t too heavy especially if you’ve got young children to manage too!

6. Food:

What it’s all about!

You want simple and interesting food.

Foods that need very little cutlery, if any and that can be served easily.

Fun, colourful foods make for a memorable picnic, so try harder than ham sandwiches and crisps!

These go down well:

• Chicken tenders.
• Halloumi skewers.
• Sausage rolls, pasties and quiches.
• Sandwiches with fillings such as cream cheese, cured meats, olives, and smoked salmon.
• Scotch eggs.
• Dips.
• Salads – not dull droopy lettuce leaves but vibrant chopped salads, pasta salads, potato salads, and fruit salads.  Lots of good recipes out there. Just pop them in sealed containers.
• Fresh berries.
• Brownies and fruit skewers.
• If you’re including wine maybe consider cans, lighter than bottles.
• Light insulated bottles for drinks.

7. Crockery:

You need light and reusable.  Avoid paper as it tends to get soggy.

Sealable food containers are a good idea, keep the wasps and bugs out!

8. Activities:

A picnic’s not complete without some entertainment.

Make a whole day of it!

• Board games.
• Good old cards.
• Jenga.
• Croquet.
• Boules.
• Kites.
• Balls.
• Quoits.
• Old-fashioned games like ‘hide n seek’.
• Races, use your imagination. Children love them!

9. Picnic essentials:

Last but not least here’s a list of things you’ll find very helpful on a picnic:

• Sunscreen.
• Bug spray.
• First aid kit.
• Hand sanitiser.
• Wipes.
• Corkscrew (if you decide on bottles).
• Kitchen roll.
• Rubbish bags.

Spending time outdoors with family and friends, in a relaxed environment and enjoying good simple food… what more can you wish for?!

Picnics are good for our health!

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