When it comes to the sunny days ahead, an afternoon of delicious foods and a glass of wine, all placed over a cosy blanket surrounded by great company, is a recipe for success. There are no rules to what goes in a picnic basket, but selecting a great location to eat the goods makes all the difference.
No picnic basket would be complete without a potato salad, sausage rolls, and small cakes, and as you go along, you can add whatever tickles your fancy, but to make it the Perfect summer picnic, below is a guide to taking it up a notch!
Start by choosing a beautiful spot with both sun and shade – and ideally, easy access to a toilet. Your local park or even your own garden can make for a stress-free setting, or for something special, check out The Woodland Trust or National Trust websites for inspiring picnic destinations.
Keep the menu realistic with a mix of homemade treats and store-bought staples. For a relaxed, potluck-style picnic, ask guests to share the load: those short on time can bring crisps, drinks and deli bits.
Opt for recipes you can prepare in advance – many of the savoury bakes, cakes and homemade drinks below can be made the day before and kept in the fridge or an airtight container.
Finally, pack dishes that travel well and hold up on the move. Sturdy loaf cakes, scones, and robust pasta or potato salads are perfect. Skip the delicate layer cakes and frosted cupcakes, and leave leafy salads at home
For those looking to elevate their alfresco dining experience, serving refined versions of picnic classics is an easy way to impress.
There’s no need to prepare everything by hand selecting just a few standout dishes can transform a simple spread into something special.
Among the top picks are the ultimate sausage rolls and a homemade millionaire’s shortbread, which hides a secret ingredient that adds an unexpectedly sophisticated twist.
No stylish picnic is complete without equally thoughtful tableware.
Investing in eco-friendly melamine plates and reusable wine glass-style plastic tumblers can make a world of difference, turning a glass of chilled fizz or rosé into a moment to savour – far preferable to sipping from a basic plastic cup.
For those in search of a one-stop picnic shop, John Lewis remains a trusted favourite. The retailer offers everything from traditional picnic baskets and cool bags to blankets and chic melamine picnicware from names like Rick Stein and Guzzini.
Even its own-brand mock glassware and plastic wine glasses are so convincingly elegant, they’re hard to distinguish from the real thing – proof that a little upgrade can go a long way in creating a memorable outdoor feast.