Karine Laudort It is picnic season and summer is here! Weatherwise, we are set for a good couple of sunny weeks – we have to appreciate the sun when it does come out because it can be very temperamental. Yes, there is still the case of social distancing but we have to look on the positive side and the outcomes. We no longer need the excuse of exercise to leave the house and we are able to meet small groups of people from outside of our households in outdoor spaces (from a two-meter social distance, of course).
There has been a lack of special occasions in our lives for the past few months. We have learnt how to celebrate birthdays from the confines of our own home, how to work Zoom for pub quizzes, and how to make an isolated date night special. I would say we have done pretty good job all things considered, now it is our chance to feel the sun on our skin and relax with a bottle of bubbly with friends on a picnic blanket.
Meeting friends for chats and being outdoors is a great way to boost your mental health and amp-up working from home (WFH) lunches. Whether you are feeling bougie and want to indulge in some cheese and wine, or you only have time for a quick pack-up lunch. Either way it is one of the best ways to enjoy the weekend in the sun, no matter where you are. There is always a space on the ground to park your picnic blanket, in your local park, field, garden, or beach.
If you are still quarantining inside, we have you covered. No one has to miss out on this fun and easy activity. Set up an indoor picnic; spread your blanket on the living room floor or in your garden, (if you are lucky enough to have one) and prepare a delicious spread. This creates a different atmosphere than at the dinner table and the kids will love it too! If you want to give it an extra touch, build a teepee or tent next to it.
The humble art of picnicking is a youthful and nostalgic experience. It allows you to feel like a kid again by being able to relax and eat some delicious food in a park, garden or field. In this article, we want to take you on an aesthetically pleasing journey to find your picnic goals and suggest some essentials we think you can indulge yourself in when picnicking.
For the picnic rug of your dreams, look no further than Primark. Affordable and great quality, super soft and comfortable to relax on. We’re living for the lemons print right now, so cute!
Rectangle Fold Up Picnic Blanket £8
We’re also loving this wicker hamper from John Lewis which comes with 4 dinner plates, 4 Knives, 4 forks, 4 dessert spoons, 4 tumblers and 4 napkins. This beautiful picnic basket from John Lewis’s Croft Collection will form the centrepiece for your perfect picnic with family and friends.
Croft Collection Filled Wicker Picnic Basket £90
Although if you are looking for a contemporary and modern take on picnic baskets Next has you covered. Super versatile and cleverly made, the picnic backpack is designed with an insulated main compartment for your food and side pockets, perfect for a bottle.
4 Person Filled Picnic Backpack £32
Head to Regatta and get their 4-person picnic set with an integrated cool bag. Everything you need for the perfect spot of lunch – The Cool Bag has even got a compartment which includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons, 4 plates, 4 glasses & the all important bottle opener.
Epula 4 Person Picnic Pack – £29.95
Or if you are looking for a more grown-up picnic without the kids look to Marks and Spencers. This classy jug will add a note of sophistication to your picnic meals. A textured finish mimics cut glass, creating a lustrous effect. Also available is matching wine glasses, tumblers and highball glasses.
Lustre Picnic Jug £12.50
Set of 4 Lustre Picnic Wine Glasses £15
Set of 4 Lustre Picnic Tumblers £12.50
Set of 4 Textured Lustre Picnic Hi Balls £12.50
Want to go the extra mile? These reusable sandwich wrap from Live In The Light are brilliant for transporting sandwiches, bagels, burritos, or pizza. A fun and sustainable way to keep your food rather than using bulky plastic boxes and cramping up space in your picnic bag.
Reusable Sandwich Wrap £12.25
Do not get caught out by having warm food, it is never a good look. But with this chic blue and white striped cooler shoulder bag you can keep food fresh on the go from Wilko.
Wilko Family Cool Bag Blue Stripe £8
Picnicking is our new chosen social activity, so do not miss out on all the chicest outdoor dining equipment and picnicking bits you need to pull off something fancy in the sun this summer.
