Picnic season - My top essential items for the season ahead
There is an art to a good picnic, it all comes down to having a great kit.
Over the past few years I think I have honed my picnicking kit down to a very fine art. A very humble brag I know! But hear me out. I think it comes from a desire for comfort and portability. No one wants to be lugging loads of heavy stuff across fields to find your ‘spot’ and then unpacking mashed up quiches and broken crackers. No thank you.
So if you are looking for some great tips and tricks and where I have sourced my picnic essentials then read on.
Whether you go for a traditional hamper style basket or a shopping style (like the one above) - a basket is a must for picnics. I use mine to carry plates, cutlery, chopping boards, corkscrews and glasses. Plus any food that doesn’t need chilling, like bread and crackers.
Tip: Get one that has handles and sturdy buckles. You don’t want it breaking during the trek from the car.
A cooler box is an essential piece of kit. Not only does it keep your food at an optimum temperature, you can also fill it with ice and it serves as a drinks cooler. Nothing says luxury more than watching the sunset on a beach with ice cold drinks. We sometimes take two of these, one for food and the other for drinks. Especially if our picnic becomes a beach bbq, and we need to make sure that meat products stay cool in the sun.
I love this taupe coloured cool box from Igloo, so much nicer than the standard basic bright blue boxes that camping shop sell. Yeti do a similar style, but it’s 4 times the price, so this Igloo one is budget friendly.
Something to sit on. Recently I’ve been taking this gingham flat bedsheet to sit on. I love that its a great size, and can be easily chucked in the washing machine after use. The Tartan Blanket Co does some really beautiful blankets and picnic blankets which roll up neatly and have a waterproof backing to them, which essential if you don’t want a soggy bottom.
I also always take cushions, the flat ‘chair’ variety which don’t take up too much space and are easier to carry. These are my favourite go to at the moment. And for a bit of luxe I take a sheepskin too. Especially lovely if you are feeling a little cold, wrap it around your feet or legs.
With everyone gathered around the picnic blanket, and bums and feet are nearby, I like to ‘house’ the food in zones. A lightweight wicker tray is great as it provides a flat surface for drinks to be placed, and platters to be put on. Large wooden chopping boards for cheeses and crackers. Lightweight enamel plates and mugs are also good for serving food and nibbles like olives or dips.
Tip: I like to have items that serve many purposes. An enamel mug can be come an olive bowl, a wine glass or for tea. We’ve even used an enamel plate as a frisbee!
Outside of the standard picnic, sitting on a blanket eating cheese and crackers, there are many ways to enjoying eating outdoors. From beach bbq’s, portable pizza ovens and taking a kelly kettle outdoors for a brew up a mountain.
But I digress. These are elevated ‘picnics’ of sorts. And perhaps these should be in another post. I have so much to say on these subjects.
Plus I need to share my top food tips too. But next time on that.
In the meantime, here is a link to my ultimate picnic shopping guide. Including unbreakbale glasses, and don’t forget the corkscrew!