Picnic Get Set & Go...
Sunday 1st June 2008 by Elizabeth Richards
 We may not have the world’s most beautiful beaches, the bluest sea or the most reliable sunshine but at this time of year there’s one thing we do better than anyone. The good old-fashioned British picnic.
With friends or as a couple, in the park or the countryside, at the races or the school sports day, we’re never far from the opportunity to pack up a hamper and enjoy a picnic come rain or shine.
 For a more informal gathering and first class eco credentials, the PicnEco Bag  by Life’s a Picnic is a sensible summer staple.
This prettily printed jute bag contains a set of plates, cups, glasses, cutlery and napkins, all made from completely biodegradable, plant-based materials from renewable sources. When you’re done, chuck the bits and pieces in the compost, save the bag and stock up on refills from the website.
Keep meats and other perishable foods chilled with a durable and fully insulated cool bag . Try Sandstorm Kenya - they do a range of masculine safari style cool bags that are smart and functional.
 Cool bags and plastic tableware have their place but every self-respecting picnicker should own a classic wicker hamper packed with china crockery, metal cutlery and real glassware.
They can be heavy so choose carefully; looking for splinter-free wicker, sturdy inner straps and, most importantly, a strong and comfortable handle. Ticking all the boxes is the Natural Wine Lovers hamper from Fortnum & Mason which is available for two, four or six people.
 You’ll want something to sit on and these neat round hand-woven cushions from Lombok are the most stylish solution this summer. Made from eco-friendly water hyacinth fibres, they’re strong, sturdy and surprisingly comfortable – just the ticket for lumpy bumpy fields and beaches.
 If it’s a blustery day – and let’s face it, the British summer is nothing if not unpredictable – then you’ll want protection from the elements.
Up there with beach huts and donkey rides, the humble windbreak has long been a seaside icon so we’re investing in the beautiful design by Decorative Country Living which provides a cosy corner of shelter without attracting too much attention.
 For the more formal picnicking occasions – sports days, Ascot, outdoor concerts – it simply isn’t worth courting rain. Extra ammunition will be needed and a gazebo is the simplest solution.
EasyGazebos.co.uk sells a light, stylish and easily installed design which folds down into a carry case for trekking to and from the car.
 If you have space in the car and plenty of helping hands, a folding table makes a great alternative to dining on the ground. The Picnic Shop has a brilliant design in tough but lightweight aluminium alloy which snaps together in seconds and comes packed in a handy bag with shoulder strap.
Don’t forget to sweeten it up with linens – we love the new Cornelia tablecloth from The Linen Works in crisp white with a dusky pink stripe.
All that’s left is the sunshine – fingers crossed!
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