How to Have The Perfect Summer Picnic

Celebrating sunshine, tasty food, a bit of booze and great company - picnics are the underrated heroes of summer. But whether you're an avid picnic planner or prefer to tag along to one with friends, our summer picnic guide is filled with delicious picnic recipes, packing tips and more picnic ideas that'll have you dusting off your hampers and raring to go outdoors.

Jump To:

• The Picnic Checklist
• Picnic Recipes
• Picnic Drinks and Cordials

The Picnic Checklist

Whether you're heading out for a garden get-together or a birthday party at the park, making sure you have all the essentials packed and ready is key to a great picnic. From baskets fit to burst with delicious food to a brightly-coloured blanket and endless supply of cups, here's our list of everything you'll need ahead of your next picnic:

Picnic Basket

A picnic wouldn't be a picnic without a basket or hamper. There to transport your food, drinks, plates and cutlery, classic picnic baskets are made of wicker and are ideal for parks, gardens and dining at the beach. If you plan to settle down to a picnic during a long hike, then a picnic backpack is a better option. For keeping beverages and food cold until serving, a picnic cooler is recommended.

Picnic Blanket

Unless you have a picnic bench at your chosen location, sprawl a picnic blanket over grass or sand and create a clean area for you and your picnic items to sit.

Scatter Cushions

Add an extra layer of comfort by topping your picnic blanket with scatter cushions or a pouffe.

Folding Chairs

Not a fan of sitting on the floor? Bring along a few outdoor folding chairs to your picnic. Their light weight makes them easy for transporting and some styles now come with side tables and full reclining.

Plates, Cutlery, Cups and Napkins

Whether you chose to use disposable plates, cups, napkins and cutlery or bring along your best table and glassware to your picnic, make sure you have all the right tools to enjoy your picnic food and drink. Most picnic baskets come with dining sets, but if you do bring your own, ensure that they're packed properly to avoid breakage. Serving bowls and jugs are also helpful for big groups.

Chopping Board and Knife

Unless you've made the effort to chop everything pre-picnic, packing a chopping board and knife in your hamper will allow for easy cutting of fruit, cheese, vegetables and bread once you reach your location.

Bottle Opener or Corkscrew

For any bottles you bring along without screw tops, don't forget to pack a bottle opener or corkscrew. Nothing's worse than a full bottle of wine and not being able to drink it.

Portable Lighting

Fall victim to the warmth of summer's evenings and you could see your picnic party carrying on well into the night. For this, bring along a few portable or camping lights and place them around your blanket or picnic table.

Entertainment

A few outdoor lawn games, a set of bluetooth speakers and travel-sized board games will help set the atmosphere for your picnic.

Umbrella or Sun Shelters

Bring your own source of shade if you plan on having a picnic in the middle of the day or at the beach. A beach umbrella will not only protect everyone from sizzling under the sun but will also help keep food and drink cool.

Rubbish Bags

Not all picnic spots have available waste disposal nearby so bring along a few of your own rubbish bags just in case. For dirty plates, cups and cutlery, bring an extra bag so as to avoid getting food waste all over the inside of your hamper.

Wet Wipes or Paper Towels

Prepare for any spills and sticky fingers by bringing sufficient paper towels or wet wipes. Hand sanitiser is also a must and you might want to pop a tube of sun cream in your bag just in case.

Picnic Recipes

Homemade Falafel Wraps

Who doesn't love a classic falafel wrap? In this bumper recipe Rebecca of Figs and Pigs, shows us how to make everything from scratch, including the chickpea mixture, pink pickled onions, chutney, and tzatziki sauce. All that's left is to pile it in a flatbread, wrap it up tight and serve.

Find the recipe here: Figs and Pigs 'Homemade Falafel Wraps'

Ricotta & Spinach Rolls

This tasty pastry is simple to make and easily adapted with different combinations. The recipe calls for ricotta and spinach but would work just as well with meat, veggies, fish or a vegan substitute. The recipe comes from blogger Alida of My Little Italian Kitchen, who admits that she didn't even get to try them before her family polished them off. We suggest hiding a few in the hamper, when no one's looking...

Full recipe here: My Little Italian Kitchen 'Ricotta & Spinach Rolls'

Tip: Bring your BBQ to the picnic? Check out our roundup of delicious Summer BBQ recipes

Pita Picnic Pockets

Fond of Cornish pasties? Enjoy a good calzone? Then you'll love these healthy pita pockets from Mummy Mishaps. A medley of roasted veggies, tomatoes and mozzarella form the perfect mix for stuffing into pita bread. Simply bake in the oven pre-picnic and wrap them up until it's time to eat al fresco.

Complete recipe: Mummy Mishaps 'Pita Picnic Pockets'

Tip: Picnicking with the kids? Check out this handy guide from To Become Mum on planning a fun and safe picnic with your little ones.

Scotch Quail's Eggs

What better dish to bring along to a picnic than scotch eggs? For a twist on the classic, Kate from The Little Loaf blog, uses soft-boiled quail's eggs. Small in size but mighty in flavour.

Full recipe here: The Little Loaf 'Scotch Quail's Eggs'

Watermelon Salad

This recipe makes for a great side dish that really hits the spot on hot summer days. The chopped melon combined with mint, lime and a hint of chili breathes life into a classic salad. Only used half a melon? Check out Nava-K's sorbet recipe for a deliciously cool way to make sure none of the juicy fruit goes to waste.

Complete recipe: Nava-K 'Watermelon Salad'

Picnic Drinks and Cordials

Homemade Lavender Lemonade

Ever thought about adding lavender to your everyday lemonade? Liz from Me and My Shadow certainly has. Make this zesty drink ahead of your next picnic with a handful of lemons, limes, sugar and of course, lavender. We can't think of anything more refreshing on a summer's day.

Find the recipe here: Me and My Shadow 'Homemade Lavender Lemonade'

Raspberry Lemonade

If you like a drink with a bit of a kick then try this raspberry lemonade recipe. Refreshing for everyone, you'd be forgiven for adding a tiny drop of something stronger for the grown ups.

Full recipe here: Recipes from a Pantry 'Raspberry Lemonade'

Tip: Keep drinks chilled all day long with a cool bag.

Rhubarb, Rose & Strawberry Syrup

What better way to make use of three classic British flavours than combining them into a summer cordial. This pink rosy combination of strawberry, rhubarb and rose water creates a delicate, floral syrup that's perfect for chilled drinks and champagne cocktails.

Click here for the full recipe: Lavender and Lovage 'Rhubarb, Rose & Strawberry Syrup'

Planning to take your hamper with you on the road? Check out our guide to planning your next caravan holiday or keep it close to home with these fun staycation tips.