This year, National Picnic Week runs from 11th to 19th June. Picnicking is one of the UK’s most enjoyable summer traditions, and is a great way of taking advantage of any open spaces in your local area over the warmer months of the year. For suggestions about locations, food and activities, take a look at the official website.
We’ve put together our own guide to what to take with you.
1. Picnic rug and bag set, The Garden House
Perfect for smart picnics or outdoor events, relax in style with this matching tote and rug set. The rug folds neatly into the back when not in use, and you can choose from two waterproof backings. Available in a range of colours. £99.95 from The Garden House.
2. Set of tropical birds melamine plates, LimeLace
Add a tropical touch to your picnic with this set of brightly-coloured plates. As they’re melamine, they’re lightweight, tough and won’t chip. £20.50 for a set of four (set contains one of each design) from LimeLace.
3. Rice stacking sandwich boxes, Berry Red
Pretty pastel shades make these useful boxes the ideal choice for summer picnics. This comes as a set of eight lidded boxes ranging in size, so you’ll always have the right size. The largest measures approx. 17x11cm. £11.50 from Berry Red.
4. Set of six bright melamine forks, Rigby & Mac
Make sure you can find all the forks when you come to back up with these brightly coloured melamine forks, ideal for children. The set includes one of each colour: pink, green, purple, pale blue, dark blue and fuchsia. £5.95 for the set from Rigby & Mac.
5. Wooden cutlery set, MERI MERI
More eco friendly and prettier than plastic is the set of disposable cutlery crafted in light birch wood and finished with mint green handles. The pack contains 24 cutlery pieces, 8 each of knives, forks and spoons. Available in other colours as well. £9 from Sisters Guild.
6. Set of barbecue tools, Annabel James
Make a splash on the beach with this set of barbecue tools presented in a chic khaki canvas carrying case with handles. The set includes a two-pronged fork, a spatula, basting brush and tongs to enjoy the perfect party with friends and family. £28.95, available from Annabel James.
7. Set of four Biarritz Collection napkins, Ville et Campagne
There’s nothing like real cotton napkins to add a touch of style to an outdoor meal, and these Biarritz napkins with their fresh, blue stripes will add a summery touch, even if the weather’s less than perfect. £24 from Ville et Campagne. Matching placemats also available.
8. Set of six assorted melamine beakers, Rice DK
We love the contemporary colours of these new melamine beaker sets by Rice DK. Virtually unbreakable, these can be put in a picnic basket or even a rucksack, and are a definite step up from paper cups! Sold as a boxed set of six in different colours, each beaker measures around 9x9cm. £20.50, available from Berry Red.
9. Old MacDonald’s Farm melamine children’s set, Becky + Lolo
keep the youngest members of your family happy on a picnic with this cute three piece set. Made from durable melamine, it includes a plate, cereal bowl and cup, each decorated with a busy farm life scene. Don’t forget to take the box along as well – when you open it, it recites the full poem to engage children during the meal. Available in a range of designs. £15.98 from Becky + Lolo.
10. Set of three melamine trays, Lotta Jansdotter
This set of three small melamine trays is perfect for keeping food off the ground and providing a stable rest for glasses and mugs. Dishwasher safe and durable, these are well worth packing into your basket. Was £32 now £20 for a set of three from Andshine.
