A picnic is the perfect way to get family and friends together. Enjoy some fresh air, make the most of a sunny day and indulge in some delicious food and drink – experiment with something different and new.
Take a look at our recommendations on how to plan the perfect picnic, particularly with fun and sustainability in mind. We'd love to help you take your picnic plans to the next level.
picnic seating
First things first, you will want to be comfortable!
Remember to take your favourite picnic blanket (or two) to cover the ground. You may want to pop in a collapsible chair for added comfort, especially if you don’t need to walk far to the perfect picnic spot.
Finally, whatever the weather, don’t forget an extra layer and perhaps a waterproof jacket. We all know the British weather likes to keep us on our toes, especially when it comes to alfresco dining...
the picnic basket
You will want to bring a proper picnic hamper, with all of your cutlery, plates, and glasses inside. We love a wicker picnic basket here at hampers.com, and a beautiful one with crockery and cutlery stored in the lid is even better. We have a gorgeous new Perfect Pairing Champagne Picnic Hamper, with everything you will need included.
Then, you may also want to bring a cooler box for items that must stay cool. Remember this includes not only fresh food from your fridge but any drinks that taste better cold. Plus, consider food that is likely to melt, such as chocolate and cheese.
Then, you can pack your gorgeous wicker basket ready for your plates, cutlery, glasses and any food which is either warm or does not need to be kept cool. You may also need to pop in a knife and chopping board, depending on what you need to prepare 'al fresco'.
the food and drink
There are lots of wonderful picnic recipes to choose from – succulent quiches, refereshing salads and triangle sandwiches always go down well. We love to focus on the added extras, too! The best picnics last all afternoon and even into the night, so nibbles are always the perfect addition.
Our hampers are packed with delicious savoury treats, including popcorn, wafers, crisps, nuts, olives and more – all from fantastic artisan makers and producers.
Also, why not be adventurous with something extra special to drink. Make sure you check out our Charcuterie and Fizz Hamper - the perfect gift hamper for picnics, with luxurious Champagne and lots of nibbles to indulge in. See also our Cocktail Hamper, including 3 delicious cocktails in a range of flavours, accompanied by fantastic sweet treats.
the planet
Here at hampers.com, we are passionate about protecting our planet. No guide to the perfect picnic would therefore be complete without mentioning ways to reduce single-use plastic, alongside some of our top eco-friendly picnic suggestions.
Read on to learn our top 5 tips for an eco-friendly picnic:
1. choose reusable dinnerware
Avoid disposable plates, cutlery and cups for your next picnic. There are great value, reusable sets available, as well as those made from bamboo. Most of them are also dishwasher safe – so pop them in your picnic basket, bag or box and let the dishwasher do the hard work when you get home.
2. use boxes and beeswax wraps
Instead of wrapping items in cling film or foil, consider beeswax wraps and other reusable alternatives. They not only look lovely and come in a range of designs, but are also much easier for ‘re-wrapping’ any leftovers. If you have ever tried to untangle cling film, you’ll know what we are getting at!
Similarly, re-useable boxes are a great sustainable option for transporting items of food. They will not only stop any more delicate items from getting squashed, but are perfect for taking home leftovers. You can even pop dirty cutlery and smaller plates in an empty one, at the end of the picnic.
3. reduce food waste
Reduce your food waste by putting any items which need to stay cool back into your insulated bag or cool box, as soon as you are finished. A good ice block should keep the food cool enough until you get home, and you can return the food to the fridge, ready to enjoy another time.
4. take a tea towel and some serviettes
Instead of throw-away napkins or wet wipes, include a tea towel and a few serviettes for wiping fingers (and little dirty faces!). They are great for quickly mopping up spillages, too. Let's be honest, we have all put our drink down on the uneven blanket only for it to topple over, haven’t we? Plus, the towel comes in extra handy after a riverside paddle to cool off on a hot day.
5. leave no trace
Do remember to pick up any litter after your picnic. There may not always be a bin nearby, so take a reusable carrier bag. You can gather up any rubbish and deposit your litter when you get home. You might want to take two or three, making it easier to separate any recyclable items, as well as dirty items to wash.
spend some quality time together this summer
We hope you can enjoy some quality time with friends and family this summer. Why not have a picnic, indulge in some delicious treats, relax in the sunshine, play games and laugh together as the dog steals a sandwich?
For more picnic inspiration, browse the full summer and picnic hamper collection, here:
Explore summer picnic hampers
