How to plan the perfect picnic
A picnic in the sun with your nearest and dearest is one of the many joys of summer. Find out how to prepare the perfect picnic here.
Going for a picnic is a real treat, but it does require planning. Our guide is here to help make it as easy as possible, so you can spend less time prepping and more time soaking up the sun with your alfresco feast! We’ll cover off how to choose the best picnic spot, what you'll need, some essential recipes, plus fun family-friendly activities.
Location, location, location
How you plan your picnic will depend on where you’re hosting it. You might decide to pop to the local park, or go further afield to a nature reserve or the beach. It’s a good idea to choose your picnic spot based on any other plans you have for the day. Maybe you’re visiting family in a different county, or adventuring in the Lake District. Either way, here are a few things to consider when choosing where to host your picnic:
- Is it within walking distance, or will public transportation or a car be required?
- Is there sufficient shelter from the natural elements, just in case the weather changes?
- Does the picnic site have benches, rubbish bins, and public toilets nearby?
- Make sure you’re using common land and not private land.
Blankets, utensils, and other essentials
Once you’ve decided where you’re picnicking, the next thing you need to do is make sure you’ve got all the outdoor essentials. It’s good practice to carry a blanket or two, and if you’re travelling by car, why not take some folding chairs? Picnics are a good excuse to eat with your fingers, but if you prefer a mess-free meal then you could pack some reusable picnicware like plates, cups, and cutlery.
To prevent soggy sandwiches, don’t forget to bring a cool bag! These are also great for keeping your drinks nice and chilled, which is a necessity on a hot day.
Finally, get the party started with a wireless speaker so you can listen to your favourite tunes while you eat. Remember to be mindful of others around you, and keep the noise level to a minimum while in crowded public spaces.
Make more of the menu
Go all out to make your picnic feast pop with great offers available at Nisa Local. We’ve got Co-op Irresistible ham for your sandwiches, Co-op cheese and onion quiches, Co-op mixed olives and much more instore! If you fancy whipping up some homemade goodies, you could opt for mini sausage rolls and parmesan crisps, plus some no-bake chocolate biscuit cake or lemonade cupcakes for something sweet.
You’ll want to make sure your guests stay hydrated, so don’t forget to take flasks of water with you. You could even treat yourself to some Pepsi Max, which is currently on offer for £1.70 in a variety of flavours like cherry, raspberry, and lime.
Alfresco fun
After the food and drink has been enjoyed, why not kick the fun up a notch with some outdoor games? Family favourites like rounders or frisbee are great for getting the kids to burn off energy, or you could play some card games like Uno for a more laid back event.
Alternatively, if you’re picnicking on the beach you could go for a dip in the sea. Remember to always practice safe swimming, and avoid the water if you’ve consumed alcohol.
Hopefully, you’re now feeling confident about planning the ultimate picnic this summer. We’d love to see your set-ups, so make sure to tag us in any pictures on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.