Save these terrific tips for your next picnic

Take your picnic game up a notch

When the sun comes out, there’s nothing better than putting together a picnic and eating al fresco. But that shouldn't just mean sandwiches, crisps and shop-bought snacks: there are plenty of easy things you can do to turn a simple meal into an unforgettable outdoor feast. Follow our top tips and tricks and you'll have the prettiest (and most delicious) picnic of all this summer.

Settle on the perfect spot

A flawless picnic does require some planning. You'll want to settle upon the ideal spot in advance, and work out exactly how to get there. Make sure you consider opening times and local amenities (for example, is there a shop nearby in case you’ve forgotten something crucial). Do also look at the weather forecast and always have a backup plan.

Use cupcake cases to keep bugs out of your drink

Picture the scene: you’re just about to take a sip of your perfectly chilled picnic drink, only to be surrounded by pesky wasps and flies. Make insects landing in your drink a thing of the past by using cupcake cases as makeshift lids. Simply turn the case upside down and poke your straw through the middle. Voilà! 

Turn your crisp packet into a bowl

Family-size bags of crisps are great for sharing but constantly passing them around can get annoying. Turn the bag itself into a bowl by pushing the bottom in to make a flat surface. The packet will stand upright and everyone can now help themselves from your DIY serving bag. 

Freeze bottled water for ice packs

Kill two birds with one stone by freezing bottled water and storing it with the rest of your picnic goodies. Not only will this keep your food nice and chilled, it will also ensure you have cold water to drink hours later, too. Why not flavour your water (try adding fresh berries, herbs or lemon slices) to add extra interest to those picnic drinks. 

Jars, jars, jars!

Mason jars are just the thing for a posh picnic. Fast, fun and user-friendly, they look fantastic too. Make salad jars using chunky vegetables as a barricade between the dressing and lettuce to stop the salad from going soggy. Alternatively, fill them with dips to serve with crisps or prepare easily transportable mason jar desserts. Store in a cool bag with your frozen water bottles and they’ll stay chilled for hours.

Freeze grapes for a cool snack

If you’re yet to try frozen grapes, we’re here to tell you that you really should. They make a brilliantly refreshing sorbet-like snack in the heat, and are healthy too. Simply put a bunch of grapes in the freezer overnight, then tuck in; they work really well with dark chocolate for an easy dessert, or can even be used as an ice replacement in drinks.

Spice up your potato salad

Switch up your potato salad for a delicious addition to your picnic. Potato salad needs a dressing that has a hint of acidity and punch to it, otherwise the whole dish becomes too heavy. While many people stick with mayonnaise and white wine vinegar, try adding a dollop of crème fraîche, yogurt or even a splash of vinegar with diced pickles.  

 

Bake some fresh focaccia

Stale bread rolls just won’t cut it at a proper picnic. If you’ve got some time, baking your own focaccia is highly recommended and will impress your friends no end. When it comes to flavourings, the options are endless: try black olives and thyme, mozzarella and basil or cherry tomatoes and rosemary. Save any bread leftover from your picnic and turn it into croutons for a salad the next day. 

Tie sandwiches closed with string

Messy sandwiches that fall apart as soon as you pack them into your picnic hamper are no fun for anybody. With that in mind, use string to tie them together so they stay closed. For a sustainable alternative to cling film, use reusable beeswax wrap and keep your picnics plastic-free. Cling film can make sandwiches soggy, whereas wax paper will keep any moisture at bay and can also be used to ensure fruits and cheeses stay fresh.

Try a picnic backpack

The idea of picnic hampers and baskets might seem romantic, but they’re not always very practical, especially if you’re heading to the location on foot. So while a hamper is great for your back garden picnics (and will look fabulous in photos), for all other trips a picnic backpack is your best bet. Most have cooling compartments, cutlery, crockery, a wine opener and even a matching blanket. Do a bit of research and look for one that suits your needs.

Try this amazing picnic loaf

Use a plastic cup as a speaker

If the picnic is just getting started and you realise you’ve forgotten to pack a portable speaker, don’t despair, just try this clever hack instead. Pop your phone inside a plastic cup and the sound will instantly be amplified, meaning you can still enjoy your favourite tunes all afternoon long. 

Ditch the paper plates

Paper plates might be convenient, but they generate waste and are often flimsy, meaning that once piled high with food you do risk spillages. Instead, play it safe and stylish and opt for enamel plates. They're light to carry, easy to clean and create a sophisticated but charming aesthetic.

Make grown-up Capri-Suns

If you fancy taking your picnic in a more adult direction, why not mix up a batch of alcoholic Capri-Suns? Combine vodka and fresh lemonade in sandwich pouches, add a few slices of lemon and lime to each one and store in the fridge (or freezer) for a grown-up twist on a childhood favourite.

Convenience is key

Forget the heavy glass bottles, canned drinks are here to save the day. Easier to chill and brilliantly portable, you can find a huge range of different options out there nowadays. Try canned sparkling wine or pre-mixed spirits and mixers or opt for naturally flavoured water for a refreshing alcohol-free option. 

Pocket libations

Taking an entire cocktail set with you on a picnic isn’t practical, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy cocktail hour. Nowadays the drinks market is brimming with choice; opt for a selection of pre-made cocktails, canned concoctions or grab some fancy ciders that pair well with your food. Jars make for excellent glasses, and you can even use them to shake drinks together.

Spruce up your drinks

Make those canned drinks Instagrammable by garnishing your glasses. A couple of lemon slices, a syrupy cherry or some colourful paper straws go a long way. Peach rings make for a fun cocktail garnish and olives can double both as a decoration and a nibble. Get creative! 

Use seasonal ingredients

As always, to get the most flavour from your food and bang for your buck, seek out seasonal ingredients. Not only is eating seasonally better for the environment, in-season produce is fresher and tastes better. For summer, that means celebrating the likes of ripe raspberries and strawberries, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, courgettes, sweet peas and broad beans.

 

 

 

 

Try a themed picnic

Who said that ice lollies are just for kids?

There’s nothing like an ice lolly to evoke happy memories of childhood summers and a picnic is just the opportunity to bring them back. Not only are they a really refreshing option, they’ll act as handy ice packs in your bag, too.

The best picnic sidekick? A tent.

If you happen to own a small tent or tepee, bring it with you. The shade that the tent creates will allow you to take small breaks from the sun (particularly important for young children), as well as helping to keep your things cool. An umbrella or windbreak can also come in handy.

Mind the budget

With food costs rising, it's important to keep budget in mind when planning your picnic. Streamline the menu and opt for fewer options, buying bigger quantities of foods than can be used for multiple things, such as dips that also work as spreads. Try not to overdo the amount of food you prep in order to reduce food waste and consider hosting a potluck picnic, with everyone bringing something different along.  

Don’t forget Fido

One of the best things about picnics is being able to bring your pets with you, however it can be hard for them to watch you eat all that food without sharing. So take the opportunity to treat them to some home-baked pet snacks or bring along some of their favourite food. Freeze liquid treats to make pet-friendly ice cream, and make sure you have a bowl with water around so that they stay hydrated.  

Let the games begin

You got there, set it all up, ate your food, caught up on the latest gossip and are too full to eat another mouthful. Now’s the time to try a fun game or two – from an energetic rounders match to a more genteel (but no less competitive) game of cards or Scrabble, this is just the activity to help you avoid a potential food coma.

Try a prepacked hamper

When time is tight or you fancy treating yourself, picking up a pre-made picnic hamper from your local deli or ordering one online rather than making your own is the way to go. From gourmet nibbles to antipasti bites and freshly made sandwiches, quiches, pies and more, there are some fantastic options out there.

Opt for a grazing board instead

Another quick option that looks stunning and tastes even better is an on-trend grazing board. Assemble an array of cheeses, charcuterie, posh crisps and dips, olives, pickles, crackers and bread, pack a board to pile it all onto once you arrive at your destination and you’re ready to go. To really take the stress out of things, you could even buy your grazing board ready assembled.

Make your own pork pies

…and some accompanying chutney

Frozen sangria 

Prep frozen sangria packs by mixing slices of fresh fruit with sugar, cinnamon and your choice of brandy or rum. Place the mixture in bags and freeze overnight (the liquid itself won’t freeze, but will get very cold indeed). Once you arrive at your picnic location, add sparkling wine to the mixture and enjoy a refreshing Spanish-inspired tipple.

Don’t forget the aftermath

Pack plastic bags to make picnic clean-up easy and ensure you don't end up running to the nearest bin multiple times throughout the day. Recycle as much of your rubbish as possible and make the effort to place all your dirty crockery in a separate bag to keep your picnic hamper or backpack spotless. Trust us, you’ll be grateful for it when you get home after a long day. 

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