The ultimate picnic guide
Everything you need to to prepare, pack and host the perfect picnic.
The temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer, which can only mean one thing – picnic season has officially begun! Summer is the perfect time to relax, soak up the sun and make special memories, and what better way to do it than sitting down with friends and family to enjoy some delicious food. Whether your ideal picnic spot is a glistening sandy beach, an idyllic park, or stunning shaded forest, read on to discover everything you need to prepare, pack and host the ultimate picnic.
Plan ahead
The perfect picnic is all in the preparation, so take some time to think everything through. Firstly, what type of picnic are you planning? A romantic picnic for two will require different prep than a family gathering. So make sure you make a list of everything you need. And to avoid stress on the day, try and prepare as much of the food as you can in advance. That way, you’re only adding finishing touches like salad dressings and seasonings once you arrive at your chosen picnic spot.
Pack smart
Picnic basket or cool box, which should you choose? It’s entirely up to you and totally depends on the vibe. If you’re going for old school picnic charm and don’t have far to travel, a wicker basket certainly fits the bill. But if there’s a lot of you and it’s set to be a scorcher, you’re better off using a cool bag packed with ice blocks to keep the food fresh for longer. Reusable tableware is also a worthwhile investment – not only will you then have a set to take with you on all your picnic adventures, but you’ll also be saving the environment. We recommend plates, cups, serving spoons, knives, cloth or recycled napkins, and a corkscrew and bottle opener. And to make the clean-up easier, pack a rubbish bag or two as well. Finally, you don’t want bugs ruining your picnic, so don’t forget to pack some insect repellant or citronella tea lights, use sealed containers, and avoid sticky, sweet foods, which are a magnet for pests.
How to elevate your picnic
Everyone loves a picnic, but if you want to take things to the next level, here are a few suggestions, including some mouthwatering, no-fuss showstopper recipes to wow your guests.
Homemade with love: Summer picnic recipes
You could lay out an array of shop-bought pork pies, dips, sandwiches and salads for your guests, or you could really raise your picnic game by making your own tasty homemade masterpieces. Delicious and versatile, Italian Rice Salad never fails to impress, or bring some ‘Aloha’ to your picnic with this Hawaiian inspired, flavour-packed Salmon Poke Bowl recipe. If you’re catering for vegetarians, Middle Eastern Falafel Pitta is a unique sandwich alternative. Bursting with zesty summer flavours, it will keep them going for the rest of the day. Easy to make, hold and transport, wraps also make great picnic fare. This Chicken Mediterranean Wrap screams summer with tomato, basil, olive and feta. And for the kids, bring along these colourful Egg Rainbow Veggie Rolls with Tahini Dipping Sauce. If your guests love sushi, they’ll love these Prawn Californian Rolls – just make sure you pop them in a sealed container so they don’t get squashed. Let’s face it, It’s not a picnic without dessert, and who doesn’t love a homemade brownie. These Chocolate Bean Brownies with pecan nuts and rice flour are devilishly delicious, and they’re gluten-free too.
Picnic Recipes
Don’t forget the drinks
You can’t beat a refreshing drink while picnicking in the sunshine. And if you really want to elevate your picnic, there’s some thirst-quenching alternatives to water or bubbly. Strawberry lemonade is a sweet and juicy summer drink and you only need five ingredients: sugar, strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ice and water. Why not give our zesty Beetroot, Apple, Blueberry and Ginger Smoothie a try for the perfect picnic pick-me-up. Or create a refreshing milkshake, with Tilda’s Rice MLK, a great alternative to milk, simply whizz up with your favourite fruits – Easy.
The main thing to remember when planning and hosting a picnic is to enjoy it. Soak up the atmosphere, breathe in the fresh air, have fun with friends and family, and enjoy tucking in to all the wonderful food you’ve prepared. And don’t forget the suncream!
