My Top 10 Tips For A Tip Top Summer Picnic

The weather has been absolutely glorious recently and as I’ve been going to sit in the park at lunchtime my mind kept wandering to proper picnics. Not just a butty on the grass but a proper, lovely, summery spread all packaged up in a bag or basket with a cold bottle of rose to go with it.

I don’t actually have a picnic basket.  I do have a million years old cool bag I stole off my mum a few months ago to bring some frozen food back to London from Liverpool but that doesn’t quite fit in with the dreamy idea in my head.

I thought I’d share the hunt for my ideal picnic basket (I felt like Yogi Bear writing that then!) in another post so this one isn’t too long but just in case you’re thinking of heading out to the park, beach, woods, countryside… wherever tomorrow while it’s still lovely and sunny I wanted to share my top tips for a perfect picnic with you.

1. Plan ahead – I’m not suggesting you ditch the spontaneous picnic idea, just simply saying check how many people need feeding and their dietary needs. No point in packing a whole load of sausage rolls and scotch eggs if the entire party is vegetarian!
3. Choose the right carrier –  Obviously, you don’t need a swish picnic hamper. You can bung it all straight into a plastic carrier bag but it’s not very stylish really is it? Depending on your personal style or group size you can choose from a wide range of insulated picnic bags, hampers, duffel bags and backpacks (Hintons has loads that I want!)
5. Simplicity –  Apparently flavours are more intense when we eat outdoors so it’s best to not get too fancy with your menu. Also, you don’t want to start getting too fancy and spending hours getting ready when you could be outside having fun.
7. Mix it up – Soggy butties aren’t anyone’s idea of fun. Be adventurous! Pitta bread, bagels and sour dough keep fresher for longer without losing their bite like normal sliced bread and if your wrap your sandwiches in grease proof paper the bread will be able to breathe and it won’t sweat.
9. Refreshments – Think about your group and don’t just pack alcohol, especially if it’s really hot. Frozen bottles of water or cold cans of pop not only help keep you hydrated while you’re out but are useful as cool packs in your bag!
11. Keep it cool – Food will be fresher for longer if you can keep it cool in your picnic bag and will taste nicer when it’s time to chow down.
13. Are you sitting comfortably? –  This is the point I’m most rubbish at remembering. Even on the sunniest days, it’s nice to have somewhere clean, dry and comfortable to sit. I’m not thinking deck chairs and cushions, although that would be nice but a waterproof backed picnic blanket or a rug that can be rolled or folded up small puts a barrier between you and your picnic and the ground. Not only does it keep your bum comfy and dry it helps stop things ending up in your food.
15. Clean your hands – I always have a hand sanitizer gel in my handbag but I like to throw a little pack of wet wipes in too when we’re eating outside to keep fingers nice and clean.
17. Memories are made of this  – Picnics are a great time for making memories even if the heavens open or something goes wrong. Whether you’re with friends or family don’t feel embarrassed about getting a bit snap happy with your phone or, if you’ve been prepared, camera.
19. Enjoy it – Take some games along. Something about being in the ark makes everyone want to run around and have some fun. Dig out that frisbee, pick up a racket or bat and ball and you can quickly revert back to your childhood. Even the least active of your friends and family (like me) can get involved in a game of rounders or football!

What are your favourite bits of a summer picnic? Is there anything I missed out that I should have added? Let me know.

Kisses,