There’s nothing more enjoyable than indulging in a picnic lunch or dinner, outside in the warm sunny weather.  Food and nature are the best pairing but it’s important to be prepared so that it remains fun.  Picnics can be as simple or as fancy as you like and with our range of hampers and picnic essentials you are sure to be able to make the most of it.

Picnics Are Traditional

People have been picnicking for centuries. In the Medieval times hunts would be finished by holding outdoor feasts where wild game would be eaten. The origin of the word ‘picnic’ is thought to be French and dates back to the late 1600s. The French term ‘pique-nique’ was used to describe wealthy people who brought their own wine with them whilst eating out. The idea of a picnic is thought to have connoted a lunch where everyone contributed something.

In the mid 1800s, the picnic became a popular term and a common British pastime, it was a food fashion that poets swooned over. This inspired the upper classes to step away from the formality that was indoor dining and eat meals outside with nature as a backdrop. Victorian summers revolved around picnics and this tradition continued and by the Edwardian years, people were enjoying cold cuts, sandwiches, ginger beer and lemonade.

Plan Your Picnic

You’ll need to consider the type of picnic you want to have.  Will it be a big social gathering where everyone brings something along or a romantic picnic for two?  Will it be simple or luxurious?  Will there be children? If so, you will need to include family friendly foods and drinks.  Once you have identified your attendees, you can decide on the location.  Some popular choices include:

  • A meadow - perfect for couples with a blanket 
  • The garden - barbecues and outdoor buffets for all of the family
  • The beach - a day on the beach is not complete without a picnic 
  • The park - ideal if you have little ones who need to burn off some energy

Hampers For Picnics

Picnics have come a long way, they are certainly more convenient compared to those of the Victorian days.  Now we have ready made hampers and foods and drinks packaged perfectly for picnics so that we can all indulge in the finest eats that we can find.  We have put together a selection of Summer Hampers that are perfect for picnics and are bursting with delicious and tempting goodies.  

The Charcuterie Picnic Hamper

Devon Sausage Roll & Cider Picnic Basket

Group Cream Tea Hampers

Picnic Essentials

You’ve got the food and drink but there are some other essential items that will make your picnic more enjoyable and a little less stressful.  Here is a checklist so that you can make sure you are fully prepared:

  • Picnic blanket
  • Picnic basket or coolbag
  • Bottled water or a flask
  • Corkscrew
  • Cutlery & utensils
  • Cups, bowls and plates
  • Condiments
  • Ice packs - to keep everything cool
  • Napkins or paper towels (ideal for spills)
  • Rubbish bag - always take your litter home

We love the new Strawberries collection from Sophie Allport.  Melamine dinnerware, perfect for outdoor dining and a matching picnic bag and blanket - a great addition to your summer picnic.

Nearly all of us have dealt with sandy sandwiches or squashed sausage rolls but it hasn’t deterred us or lessened our enjoyment from eating outside.  These minor annoyances are not outweighed by the rewards.  Whether it’s at the Devon coast or somewhere inland, picnics will always bring people together to make the best of a British summer.

Sources:
https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/travel-stories/article/a-history-of-the-great-british-picnic
https://www.littlepotatoes.com/blog/the-joy-of-picnicking-your-essential-how-to-guide/
https://busybeingjennifer.com/summer-picnic-essentials/


Post By Kelly