With picnic week already upon us, now is the time to dust down that rug and picnic basket and head outdoors for some al fresco dining.
There can’t be many things more quintessentially British than a picnic. Whether mid-shoot in the depths of winter, from the back of the car at the races, delicate dining at an evening concert, school holidays with the children or just embracing one of life’s finest rarities; a beautiful British summer afternoon, we Brits know how to picnic. In fact, we do it so well that we now have a National Picnic Week (12 – 16 June), which celebrates and promotes “one of the UK’s most enjoyable summer traditions”. When our summers are so wonderful, yet all too short it makes sense to embrace every opportunity that we have.
Whatever the location and event, let your picnic food do the talking and set the scene. A day at the races or polo means car park picnics, think full-scale al fresco dining from your car, complete with table, chairs, table linen, flowers and plated food. Pack dishes that are elegant but easy to transport such as poached salmon, crisp salads, artisan bread and summer fruits for a light dessert served with mascarpone and shortbread.
The diversity of evening events such as classical concerts, outdoor theatres and summer opera seasons create an al fresco cocktail party environment. Take inspiration from the Continent and embrace the best of local produce with antipasti platters comprised of local hams and smoked meats and fish and cheese platters sampling the amazing variety of West Country dairy produce. A flask of hot coffee and local chocolates provides the perfect end.
Picnics with the children create those wonderful summer memories that last for years. Choose easy food that they can pick at in between games sessions or adventures and classics that will take you back to your childhood. Homemade sausage rolls, flavour packed quiches, sliced vegetables with hummus to dip, chicken skewers and homemade fruit jellies.
But for the very best way to picnic this summer, go spontaneous. If you’re headed home and the sun is shining, pack up whatever bits you have in the fridge, a blanket and some drinks and head off into the outdoors. It doesn’t have to be the best meal, the greatest view or even very far from home, but trust me you’ll feel as though you’ve had a night on holiday, and isn’t that what summer is all about?
Katy