Think back to your childhood and there is bound to be a memory of a favourite family picnic. Combining all of the things that we love: being outdoors, sun, lovely landscape, views, fun things to do and scrummy food and drinks, why would you not love a picnic?
When the weather is sunny and the sky clear, there is no reason not to add a picnic to your to-do list. The thing is, if there are a lot of you and particularly plenty of small children, the picnic can become complex. But there is a way that picnics can be easy and hassle-free. Here is our take on the best ideas to make your family picnic more of a must-have than a no-go:
Picnic basket - think practical and all-encompassing rather than pretty and cute to look at. Wicker picnic baskets look wonderful and many of them now come with ample room inside as well as a useful carrying strap. But if you can’t find one big enough, check out the zip-ups that keep everything packed neat and tidy. Insulated ones will even keep your food cool so are ideal if you are having to travel any distance.
Picnic blanket – the lovely plaid traditional ones always look good and as long as they are washable, should do the job nicely. Some come with a strap or handle attached; if yours doesn’t, just pop it into a carrier bag. If you really want to go to town, you might want to take a pretty tablecloth for the food and use the picnic blanket to sit on.
Food – focus on things that won’t spoil if they get hot. Unless the day is cool, avoid meat. Opt for things like cereal bars, cheese spreads, chopped salad, bread sticks, crackers and peanut butter. Add in some fruit, chopped carrots, cakes and brownies. If you have some cold pizza from last night, add it in! It will be perfect.
Drinks – water is best. Fizzy drinks are really a no-go in terms of sugar content and also the chance that they will fizz up and spill over. Homemade drinks such as lemonade or elderflower are perfect and very refreshing. Take water in small bottles so they are not too heavy to carry and you can give one to each person. If you take coffee or tea for the grownups, just use one flask. I always add my milk and sugar so there is no need for carrying extras!
Location – try somewhere new or opt for your favourite and most well-used spot. Impromptu picnics are even more fun. Parks, forests, beaches or even your own garden or a friends can all become a wonderfully relaxing spot in which to chill out and have fun.
Whether you plan ahead or decide to have a picnic just because the day is great, by knowing exactly what you need to take, it will be hassle free and so much more enj
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