How to Plan the Perfect Picnic

This is the big one. Whilst picnics are delightful, cleaning up afterwards and dealing with sticky fingers or stained clothes isn’t. So where you can stick to foods that can be easily split or cut up and shared. Or forgo any cutting altogether and opt for easy bite-size treats which works for both.

Picnics are supposed to be casual and should be just as enjoyable for the host as everyone else, so instead of planning distinctive starters, mains and desserts, create a buffet spread you can lay out when you get there, then sit back and enjoy it with everyone else.

Sandwiches, savoury treats like scotch eggs and sausage rolls and timeless desserts like brownies, cake slices and cookies are picnic favourites for a reason. They taste amazing and they’re easy to eat al fresco. So put your own spin on these classic picnic hits for your next outing.

Chances are, not matter what you serve, someone is going to want dipping sauces. Before including them in your picnic, make sure they’re in tightly sealed containers so you wont have any spillages on the move.

Don’t forget to factor in the heat when packing your picnic. Oily foods cope well in warm temperatures so look to include sun-dried tomatoes or anchovies into your picnic if you’re heading somewhere warm.

It’s equally important to keep your cold foods cold. Move perishables straight from the fridge into cool bags and line the sides with plenty of ice packs.

Pack some cocktail sticks for a space-efficient and incredibly useful addition to your picnic cutlery. Nibbling on olives and cheeses with cocktail sticks is more civilised and much less messy than muddy fingers.

Plan ahead and pack a few bin liners to ensure a speedy clean-up. Empty sandwich bags are perfect for filling with any leftovers that can be taken home and eaten at a later date.

Make sure your picnic blanket is roomy enough for all your guests to stretch out and enjoy the sunshine.

Put down the glass and china and invest in some stylish yet practical plastic cups and saucers. A plastic picnic set will be much easier to carry and is guaranteed to survive the journey in one piece.

Add a level of luxury to your picnic and treat your guests to linen napkins. Not only are these infinitely more stylish than their paper cousins, but they are also eco-friendly and can be enjoyed time and time again.

Scatter outdoor cushions across your picnic setting for added comfort and style. Experiment with different styles, shapes and colours – there are no rules when it comes to picnic styling!