We’re nothing if not optimistic! We’re confident the British weather will play ball at some point, so we’re getting our picnic game together now to be ready. We’ve put together our guide to planning the perfect picnic and chosen five key essentials. The weather should really be at number one, but we can’t do much about that! Here’s what else to think about.
The perfect picnic blanket
If you’re travelling in style and taking a table and chairs, a picnic rug is less important. If you’re having a good, old-fashioned meal on the hoof, though, a proper blanket is essential. You’ll need something that’s got a waterproof backing in case the ground is wet, that’s easy to clean in case it gets covered in potato salad, that’s big enough to seat all the party comfortably and leave room for food, and that’s not too bulky to carry. Some picnic rugs come with carry straps, which is handy if you need to carry them any distance.
Product pick: Large green picnic blanket, VonShef. With ample space to seat up to eight people, this picnic blanket has all grounds covered. With a waterproof backing and super soft polyester fleece topping, you can go ahead with your picnicking plans despite damp conditions. It measures a generous 220cm by 200cm, and folds up to 51cm x 16cm when packed. £24.99, available from VonShef.
Some good quality containers
There’s nothing worse than finding your lovingly-packed food has leaked over the basket, or that lids have come off in transit. Invest in some sturdy containers with well-fitting lids that won’t shake loose.
Product pick: Tilde snack boxes, Rex London. Perfect for lunch bags or days out, this pretty set of Tilde snack boxes has three different sizes, ideal for storing a range of snacks, from fruit and crackers, to cheese and small sandwiches. Sizes range from 11.5cm square to 8.9cm square. The nesting design makes for easy and compact storage when not in use. £6.95, available from Rex London.
Gorgeous picnicware
Bright, floral, stripey, whatever you like – it must just make you think of summer! Having dedicated picnicware is practical, as it tends to be lightweight and unbreakable. Look for sets in bamboo, melamine or aluminium that are durable as well as attractive. If you’re tight for space, then choose a set which will stack up neatly or serve a dual purpose, such as bowls that double as storage and tableware with the addition of a cover.
Product pick: Strawberries picnicware, Sophie Allport (above and main image). A super sweet summer essential, this 100% melamine tableware is perfect for picnics in the park, beach trips, BBQs and outdoor entertaining. Featuring juicy solo red strawberries on a white background, the range includes bowl, side plate, dinner plate and beaker. There’s currently 15% off the range, prices start at £6.38 from Sophie Allport.
A cool cool bag
This is an essential to hold your picnic snugly and upright, as well as keeping it cool. If you’re planning a bit of a trek before eating you can get rucksacks with cool, insulated compartments that are easy to carry. These do tend to have a lower capacity, though, so take this into account when choosing.
Product pick: insulated cool bag backpack, ProCook. Made from recycled polyester that includes nine recycled plastic bottles, this bag pack is fully insulated to keep food and drinks chilled. It’s also available in a range of other styles, including a classic cool bag, bottle bag and rucksack with integrated picnic set. This backpack costs £22, available from ProCook.
Seating
It may not be practical to carry actual chairs with you, but a few scatter cushions can really make a difference to comfort levels. Whether you use them as padding or pillows for that post-picnic snooze is up to you!
Product pick: Floor cushions, Homescapes Online. Available in a range of colours and patterns, these square floor cushions have 100% cotton covers and are filled with high quality resilient fibres. It even has a handle for ease of transport. Available in two sizes, prices start at £9.99 from Homescapes Online.
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