Enjoying a meal al fresco with family and friends is always a good idea on a sunny day! It serves as an opportunity to get a proper break from everyday chores, some much needed fresh air, time to relax and space for the children to run around. Here are our Packing for a picnic ideas including healthy snacks and foods.
Bringing a picnic is also a great idea when visiting special places, such as the beautiful properties included in the English Heritage sites. We live in NW3 and regularly enjoy the park around Kenwood House. But recently we visited Eltham Palace near Blackheath which was quite special too – and the perfect backdrop for any successful summer outing.
In the picnic basket…
Plenty of bread and tasty butter – or extra virgin olive oil. Pick up a baguette from your local bakery or bring your own home baked ‘no knead’ sourdough bread. Add some bread sticks to your savoury selection, preferably handmade and organic, which the children will love.
Quiche, made into small portion sizes or pre cut into slices. We have two favourite recipes; one is my mother in law’s broccoli and chicken quiche, the other is my husband’s asparagus and red pepper quiche (which also looks amazing on the picnic blanket!).
Selection of olives and a jar of houmous. Houmous is a chickpea-based dip which is amazingly easy to make at home. Once tried and you will never buy the ready made in the super markets again! We like this Jamie Oliver recipe!
Green salad in a box. Keep it simple and crispy so it can work with every other dish you’ve brought along.
Fresh fruit and berries. Whatever is in season; banana and apples, cherries and strawberries.
Water! When spending a day in the sun it’s vital to get enough water. It’s a lovely idea to bring along some freshly squeezed lemonade and perhaps a bottle of rosé… But water is essential. One great idea to make sure everyone drinks enough is to make herb and fruit infused water. Try a lemon and cucumber mix or like seen here, strawberry and rosemary.
And don’t forget the sweet treats! Miss A’s lemon drizzle is always a lovely idea. Or you could try to make our easy no bake cheesecake recipe in portion sized jars. Incredibly yummy!
Other picnic essentials include picnic woven baskets and picnic blankets. The padded and comfy blanket you see in the lead images is from The White Company and it’s on sale now with 30% off. Small details that can make a huge difference include reusable glassware in practical plastic, linen napkins – and if you are staying late – lots of lanterns and candles.