Picnic season is here and its time to throw ourselves into the festivities. The sun is shining (somewhat) so why not try dining al fresco? Dig out the picnic blanket that has been hiding in the back of the cupboard all winter just waiting for its much-anticipated return.

Outdoor meals don’t have to require too much planning and they can be as simple or as elegant as you want! From a picky tea or a three-course meal, there is a picnic feast for you.

You want to make sure you are fully prepared for your excursion and for whatever Mother Nature might throw at you, come rain or shine. Here are 10 things you might need.

  • A picnic blanket (unless you don’t mind a grassy bum)
  • A nice big, sturdy bag to carry all the supplies
  • Reusable Cutlery
  • A water bottle - if it’s a warm day it is so important to stay hydrated! (top tip, leave in the freezer overnight to make it into an ice pack)
  • Napkins (things might get messy)
  • Sunscreen
  • A Sunshade (you never know, it could be a scorcher) 
  • Waterproof clothing (The weather could also turn in a matter of minutes)
  • A bin bag so you can take your litter with you
  • The most important part - the food!

Choose your Spot

Before you start walking around for miles and miles trying to find the perfect space, remember you need to carry everything there and back! Make sure you at least have a rough idea where you want to go so that you can spend more time eating and less time wandering.

Keep it simple

Whether you’re just packing a few olives, crisps and sandwiches or you are cooking up something a little more fancy, remember that the food you pick should be simple and moveable. Tupperware is your best friend when having a picnic, make sure that the lid is on tight and it is not sat outside for too long! If you have a flask why not bring some soup? This would work especially well if its a colder day. 

Set the Scene 

Is your picnic a meet up with friends or a date? Whatever it may be, you want to set the mood. Whether it’s a few gin tins or maybe some candles, social distancing can still be fun! You could even bring along some fresh flowers or paper lanterns to hang from trees. Make your picnic a setting to remember. 

Go All Out 

You don’t have to go far to have the perfect picnic, in fact, it may be better to dine closer to home. Let's face it, we are all pretty bored of the same four walls, so it’s nice to mix things up, but that doesn’t mean you can't have any home comforts. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden or a green space close by, set up camp there! This means you can break out the nice glasses and plates without fear of breakages! And with a lesser distance to travel, maybe you can enjoy the food while its still warm from the oven!

Some Final Tips For Your Big Day

  • Freeze some fruit juice in an ice cube tray and then place into an airtight container to keep your food fresh, and when it melts add it to an empty cup and top up with soda water for a refreshing treat!
  • Try and stay away from leafy salads as they will wilt very easily, especially in warm weather. Go for chunky crudités like celery sticks and cucumber wedges instead as this will stay fresher for longer.
  • If you are taking a salad don’t put the sauce on straight away. Instead, keep the dressing in a little pot to stop the leaves from going soggy. 
  • Make sure all guests bring their own cutlery, cups and plates, this way you can keep up your social distancing and just focus on enjoying each others company. Guests could also bring a cushion to sit on, this way you don’t have to keep moving the blanket to suit both shade lovers and sun-seekers.

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