Everything you need for the ultimate picnic – from food to baskets to blankets

Forget bars and pubs, 2020 is all about the socially-distanced picnic.

And as it happens, today is the start of National Picnic Week.

To celebrate this occasion, we have put together a list of everything you need to have an ultimate day out in the park.

From booze to snacks, blankets and baskets, there’s lots to pack before you head out.

Cath Kidston picnic basket, £85

Any self-respecting picnic connoisseur (yeah, we made that up) has a traditional wicker basket to carry their goodies in.

This option from Cath Kidston might seem a tad on the pricey side, but it doesn’t just include the carrier – it also comes with four plates, glasses and cutlery, as well as a built-in cooling bag for your beverages.

Sorella food hamper for four, £100

If you’re itching for a restaurant meal and can’t wait until 4 July (when it’s anticipated these will once again be allowed to open), this is a great alternative.

Sorella in Clapham Common is selling a picnic food hamper of delicious morsels such as truffle arancini, fennel salami, foccacia and more.

Yes, it’s expensive, but not if you share it with three friends (as is intended). And it also includes a 200ml Vault Negroni cocktail for each person.

World of Zing cocktail travel pack, £16

When it comes to premixed cocktails, you’re spoilt for choice this year, as many bars have put together drink-at-home kits of their finest tipples.

We recommend the affordable World of Zing travel pack, where you can choose from five different boxes, based on which spirit you prefer.

If you’re planning a long day in the park, best to get two.

The Cheese Geek kit, £50.00

What is a picnic without snacks? Can it even be called a picnic? No, not really.

With that in mind, order yourself the Tina cheese kit from The Cheese Geek – it will arrive with five fromages, paired with Peter’s Yard crispbreads and a condiment.

What type of cheeses you receive in the box is a surprise.

Aperol Spritz

If your idea of a perfect picnic is a glass of Aperol Spritz, you’re in luck.

You could buy a bottle, but the drinks company has actually just launched a prize draw where you can get not just the spirit, but win an entire Aperol-themed garden – complete with chairs, blankets, pillows and lots more merchandise.

Talk about good timing.

Hope & Joy tea and cake hamper

Picnics aren’t just about boozing.

If you’re isolating on your own, live far away from friends or just don’t want any company on your day out, this is the kit for you.

Dubbed the Relax Hamper, it contains everything you need for a mindfulness-themed day in the park, including calming chamomile tea, clementine and almond cake with citrus syrup and even a cute book on how to calm your mind.

Snugboy inflatable chair, £36.99

It’s one of the most popular park accessories this year.

This one from Snugboy comes in seven different colours and to inflate it, all you have to do is ‘drag it through the air’.

We’re sold.

Fourpure mini keg, £35

What’s better than a fresh pint from the pub? A fresh pint from your very own keg.

Fourpure are selling this adorable mini keg that contains five litres pale ale.

It’ll keep for two to three days once opened, so is great for a long weekend of picnics.

Dispatch deli meats, £25

Dubbed the Survival Selection, this pack of treats is the perfect picnic snack for meat lovers.

You get eight different types of charcuterie – from ‘nduja to Kabanos, pepper salami and breasola, and more.

Eat on its own or pair with freshly-baked bread.

Asda Ozark blanket, £10

There’s nothing more disappointing than arriving at the park and finding that the grass is wet from the night before.

But with the Ozark Trail picnic blanket, you don’t need to worry about that, as it has a water-resistant bottom.

It also fits four to six people, just in case you have a big household, and is easily rolled back up when you’re done, with Velcro fastening.

Aldi Reka speaker, £19.99

To take your picnic up a notch, bring a portable speaker and play your favourite tunes.

The wireless Reka from Aldi is rechargeable and is easily connected to your smartphone and table.

Time to get the picnic Spotify list sorted.

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