"There are few things as pleasant as a picnic eaten in perfect comfort" - W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor's Edge, 1943
While this post may seem trivial, I'm all for celebrating the little things in life and I'm inclined to agree with Maughman - nothing compares to a picnic done right. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful hamper for my birthday and a lovely picnic book. Ever since then I've learnt to appreciate how special and memorable a good picnic can be. I now consider myself a bit of a pro picnicker and thought I'd share my tips, tricks and favourite recipes.
2. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail - Making a list the day before of everything you're going to cook and bring is a great idea. Think small and light, nothing too bulky as it'll be a pain to carry - don't forget the wet wipes!
3. Tarts are the one - Tarts are a really great mess-free main meal for a picnic. I often use this recipe by Annie Bell (I really recommend her picnic cookbook), but I quite often change it up, for example it works beautifully with chorizo and red peppers.
4. Bring some bread - There's nothing worse than going hungry and bread is always guaranteed to fill people up. If you're near a good bakery, I suggest a couple of tasty baguettes as they're not too bulky and don't require a bread knife or board, you can just tear bits off. An alternative is a soft focaccia, or smaller bread rolls.
5. Make sure liquids are sealed - This might seem obvious but the quality of tupperware can make or break a picnic! Make sure lids are on properly and everything is stacked upright to avoid unwanted spillages.
6. You can't predict the weather - It is said that you can plan the prettiest picnic, but you can't predict the weather. A backup plan in case it rains is essential - even if it's just a cosy picnic at home!
7. Keep it cool - A cool bag is your best friend to keep food fresh and drinks cold, especially in warmer climates.
8. Relax! - Sit back, relax and enjoy picnic paradise!
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