Hello, I'm trying my hardest to ignore the rain, because summer is here and we only get one a year. I absolutely love being outdoors and despite the rain I try and make sure I enjoy the outdoors at any opportunity. I particularly love gathering with friends and family to enjoy a picnic. Like everything, hosting the perfect picnic is an art. So, whether you're a pro (I like to think I'm nearly there) or a first time organiser I'm going to give you some tips and hints today on how to host the best Summer picnic and hopefully make yours one to remember.
One of my personal go tos for a family picnic is a light crisp white wine and I am currently loving Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay. It's smooth, creamy texture and hints of vanilla make it a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with everything from chicken to soft cheeses. This wine is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Barefoot is known for producing wines that are both high quality and affordable making them an ideal choice for a casual yet memorable picnic. Barefoot offers an extensive range of wines to cater for every taste preference.
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So okay, today I'm going to help you host the best Summer picnic. What things would I do to make sure it's a hit? Here are my tried and tested tips:
Pick the Perfect Spot:
The location can really set the tone for your picnic. I love the sun but I also don't want to be eating all the food in the sun so I always look for a spot with a good mix of sun and shade, like a scenic park or a lovely cozy beach. Equally I love to have picnics in my own back garden.
Consider Amenities:
My picnics are usually adult ones with a few friends but where I've hosted larger family ones with a mix of age ranges, I've made sure there is parking close by in case someone needs to bring chairs and bathrooms near by too. My nanna loved a picnic but would always need amenities close by and could never sit down on a picnic rug because of her age.
Now Set the Scene:
Depending on where you have decided to locate your picnic will depend on how much trouble you want to go to in setting the scene. I just love the aesthetic of a beautiful picnic and will often take cute cushions for a cozy boho theme like the White Company ones , that are suitable for floor or seats, not to mention the fact that they make lounging on the ground more comfortable.
Depending on the size, scale and people at your picnic umbrellas or tents could be a good call too for shade too - plus if young children are involved they double up as somewhere to sleep when the activity has worn them out!
I'll usually choose a colour scheme like a traditional gingham style picnic run with coordinated reusable picnic plates. Glasses like these White Company Goblets made from tritan but look like glass are beautiful and are perfect for sipping your chilled Buttery Chardonnay from. I'll even try and colour co-ordinate some of my food to match the picnic rug and napkins. Choosing a hero colour throughout really gives your picnic a personal, WOW feel. When ever I have a picnic in my garden I would always have candles as the night drew in. I find taking some battery string fairy lights to parks is super cute.
Next - and most importantly - Plan a Sumptious Menu:
If you know me well, you will know this is the bit I love the most and doesn't everyone! The heart of any picnic is the food. Think finger foods and anything that is easy to eat without getting in to a mess. Make sure you cut everything up in to easy to grab pieces. Make it easy for people to dig in. Also having large sharing platters works well because people will be chatting and bonding while tucking in together.
Don't forget, everyone can get involved too - why not ask guests to bring a home made dish. Here are some crowd pleasers:
A cheese and biscuit box - I hosted a picnic in Richmond Park and did a huge cheese, biscuit, fruit and chutney spread which went down so well and quite honestly fed all of us for most of the afternoon.
Sandwiches and wraps - super handy to eat and for variety as they can me made to suit all palettes from vegan to meat lovers.
Salads - here you could incorporate pasta and potatoes or simply a fresh green zesty salad.
Snacks - I am the Queen of snacks. Nuts, crisps, pretzels, hummus chips, pitta chips. I could go on but you get the picture.
Freshly made dips - these are always a good idea.
Desserts - Cookies, brownies, oat bars just to name a few and don't forget a fresh fruit platter. I also love a homemade scone with jam and cream or if someone would relish baking a Victoria Sponge cake, I'm here for it. Large strawberries work very well at picnics too.
Drinks - Do always make sure you take lots of water with you. Pack a mix of drinks to suit everyone - both alcoholic and none alcoholic including lemonade, iced tea and maybe even a flask with tea and coffee. I'm particularly loving the Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay at the moment, it's an excellent companion for a variety of picnic foods. Its rich, creamy texture pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, creamy cheeses or even a simple summer pasta salad. You will notice it's bursting with pineapple aromas with a touch of vanilla and a subtle layer of toasty oakiness.
Packing for Success:
Picnic Blankets: As a lifetime lover of picnic baskets and picnic rugs I could share a fair few with you. The price of picnic blankets can range considerably and here are 2 at opposite ends of the spectrum that I particularly like - Duck Egg Checks Wool Picnic Blanket and Extra Large Tartan Waterproof Picnic Blanket.
Picnic Baskets: I adore picnic baskets and I also think that from a practical point of view, a cool bag is a must. Also, don't forget essentials such as utensils and napkins - make sure you have more than enough for everyone. Plates, cups and glasses should be non-breakable because accidents do happen and they should always be reusable. There are lots of lovely eco friendly options available.
Bin Liners: Always take strong bin liners with you so that you leave absolutely no trace of rubbish behind. A favourite book my mum used to read my brother and I when we were young was about a family who had regular picnics and left their rubbish behind. One night fairies dumped it all in their pretty garden to teach them a lesson. It was a great fun story that really got a message across to me when I was younger. Never, ever leave litter behind.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Take extra in case your guests have forgotten theirs and use a good, high factor variety such as the Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50. It will keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Safety:
It's always a possiblilty that a minor mishap may occur so it is worth taking a small first aid kit with antiseptic wipes and plasters.
Wrap ups for Sunset:
We all know that it can be red hot (okay, warm!) in the UK during the day and still be chilly when the sun goes down. If you're planning a picnic in to the evening, make it extra special by timing it with the sunset and bring some blankets to cosy up as the temperature drops so that you can enjoy the changing colours of the sky with your friends and family while staying warm.
Fun and Games:
I love nothing more than having happy chats at picnics but also acknowledge that some people enjoy a ball game. If you're somewhere that you can park think about taking a swing ball or some cricket wickets and bats etc. They always add to the fun and keep children (and some of the adults) occupied. This cheap as chips Throw and Catch Ball Set used to bring endless joy when I was a child at family picnics and it wasn't just the children who played with it!
Involve your Pets:
We rarely go anywhere without our dog Maple and she loves a picnic, particularly if it means she gets a treat. There are so many portable drinks containers and bowls for dogs these days that it's easy to pack for them too.
Capture Moments:
Don't forget your cameras! Taking pictures on phones in great but for an extra treat what about using an Instax camera
As you plan your next family picnic, remember that a great selection of food and drinks can really enhance the day. Whether it's the rich taste of Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay, another one of their extensive range of wines or a refreshing burst of homemade lemonade you can create the best picnic and the best memories.
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