The long-awaited restriction free summer is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a picnic? With UK weather still seeming to be gracing us with sporadic sunshine, now is the perfect time to enjoy a picnic with family and friends, whether in a local park, your back garden, or in the grounds of one of these exquisite stately homes. However, no matter the location, the perfect picnic takes some planning. Here are our tips for the perfect al fresco dining experience!
Best Picnic Baskets
While not all of us may be able to get our hands on a charming vintage picnic basket, choosing and packing up the perfect picnic basket is the most important task for any picnic goer.
The best baskets are those that are both attractive and sturdy, offering enough space to carry everything you need without being too heavy to carry to your destination.
Choose a classic vintage silhouette, fitted out with leather straps and handles, or opt for a more contemporary design with insulated pockets for the perfectly chilled bottle of wine.
The Downton 4 person hamper, £235, The Vintage Hamper Company
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Greenfield Collection 4 person willow picnic hamper, £110, Selfridges
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Bembridge forage basket, £50, Garden Trading
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Navigate River Filled Wicker Picnic Hamper, £75, John Lewis
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Luxury Picnic Basket, £90.40, Regency Hampers
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Natural Wicker Picnic Basket, £79.50, Oliver Bonas
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Best Picnic Blankets
Essential to any picnic is the blanket. The best blankets are those that are light and compact, so look for those that have a strap or roll-up style, which can come in handy when burdened with heavy picnic baskets and outdoor games.
Those that are machine washable are great in case you spill some of your food or drink, and blankets with waterproof underlays are perfect for keeping you dry on damp grasses.
Neutral Check Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket, £95, Liberty
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Picnic Blanket made with Liberty Fabric Donna Leigh, £187.95, Coco & Wolf
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Tweedmill Leisure Picnic Rug, £49.95, Black by Design
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Cotton Gingham Check Picnic Rug, £8.99, Homescapes
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Best Picnic Tableware
If your picnic basket doesn’t include its own set of cutlery, remember to bring some plates and napkins to serve your food on.
Melamine and acrylic plates and glassware are great picnic options, providing an unbreakable, easy clear-up option. Don’t forget larger serving plates for impeccable presentation!
Scallop trim linen napkins, £65 for 4, Matilda Goad
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Rattan Jam Carry, £60, OKA
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The Beeswax Wrap Co Petals Wrap Pack, £21 for 5, Cath Kidston
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& Klevering Antique-style Melamine Plates, £40.66 for 7, Made in Design
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Crystal-Look Acrylic Tumblers Set of 4, £19.96, Lakeland
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Sabre Gingham Turquoise 4 Piece Cutlery Set, £51.95, David Shuttle
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