How to Plan the Perfect Picnic: Picnic Essentials for your Summer Excursions!
The History of the Great British Picnic
Why picnic? A silly question really, akin to asking, why have a Sunday roast, go to the beach in the rain or put the kettle on? Much like all of these beloved British pastimes, picnicking is a custom that needs no explanation. Nevertheless, the roots of picnicking are as charming and endearing as one might hope. Popularised in the mid-1800s, the upper classes, in search of a less traditional and formal dining experience, took to the outdoors. Inspired by the romantic painters of the time, with the summer months came the opportunity to enjoy food with a more picturesque backdrop.
In 1738, London grocer Fortnum and Mason famously laid claim to the invention of the scotch egg (that famed British delicacy!) and made Hampers for those wishing to take their picnics to the summers society events, the likes of Henley Regatta, Ascot and Goodwood. Fortnum and Mason even opened an in-store expeditions department for sending picnic foods and home comforts overseas, for adventures further afield. Check out Rachel Walker's article on The Great British Picnic for more on how this delightful tradition became what it is today.
Picnic Essentials Checklist: How to Pack the Perfect Picnic
Today, the humble British picnic need not take you so far, and all you really need to make the affair a little more glamorous is your favourite bottle of English sparkling wine. We recommend our delightfully refreshing English Gent 2020, with its notes of blossom, elderflower and hedgerow it is the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon spent resting on the slope of a summer field (sadly, our gent is currently out of stock, but keep an eye out because he'll be back very soon!). Of course, our Classic Reserve NV is also a splendid choice, made for toasting it pairs delightfully with summer nibbles, scotch eggs, sausage rolls and ham sandwiches alike! With notes of orchard fruit, lemon zest and honeysuckle it is a delightful glass to enjoy whilst you take in the splendour of the great outdoors. Take a look at our our tasting notes for more details on what makes our Classic Reserve the perfect choice.
Now that you’ve packed the most important thing, there are some other bits you might want to include in your basket. Something for keeping your wine cool might be an idea and our Hattingley wine cooler happens to be just the thing. Made from double-walled stainless steel, it is the perfect vessel for keeping your bottle cool for hours on end. If you prefer to savour your English fizz, you might consider our Hattingley accessories bundle, with a waiter friend and sparkling bottle stopper, (perfect for keeping those bubbles in!) included with our wine cooler.
Don’t forget a picnic blanket, some flutes for your English sparkling and some of your favourite summer nibbles to top it all off. We think British strawberries, cucumber sandwiches, scotch eggs are a must-have in the perfect picnic spread.
To recap you’ll need:
- A picnic basket, we like the ones from The Basket Company Hampshire
- A picnic blanket, we think the recycled wool blankets from TBCo. are rather smart!
- Your favourite English Sparkling Wine (our English Gent and Classic Reserve are a jolly good choice!)
- Hattingley Valley Wine Cooler
- A sparkling bottle stopper (to save the bubbles!)
- Hattingley Valley Tulip Flutes, the perfect vessel for our wines!
- Your favourite picnic snacks
Finally, our top tip is not to overpack, you are going to have to carry that basket with you wherever you go on your adventures, so make sure it's not too heavy (and after all, nobody likes squished sandwiches)!
There you have it, all the essentials you'll need to plan the perfect picnic this summer season. Of course, a spot of sunshine wouldn't hurt. Unfortunately, one thing we can’t guarantee is the weather. But then again, what could be more British than a summer picnic in the rain…
