How to pack the perfect picnic

There’s something so enjoyable about eating outside. Maybe it reminds us of eating snacks in the playground as kids, or maybe it’s just because the English weather is so temperamental it's always a novelty when you can dine al fresco.

This summer we’re preparing to picnic like never before. Whether you want to treat your picnic like a full on dining experience with picnic baskets, glassware, plates, bowls and cutlery or you prefer to throw-down-a-rug and eat with your hands, we have all the things to pack for a picnic (starting with a lunchbox).

If you're stuck for meal ideas, our friends at Waitrose have picnic recipes and picnic food to inspire. Bring on the feasting.

Steer clear of disposable glasses and invest in stackable, lightweight reusable ones to give your picnic a pop of colour. No little ones invited? Coloured glass is a great option. And don't overlook jugs - choose a joyful, coloured design and we guarantee you’ll use it on repeat. 

A decent picnic blanket is the bedrock of any successful picnic. Look for ones that are hardwearing and easy to machine wash. Equally important is a picnic hamper to keep snacks safely squish-free, or a cool bag for a chilled glass of something lovely.

If you’re having a grown-up picnic, elevate your afternoon by accessorising with soft furnishings, outdoor lighting and speakers. We like draping festoon lights up high and dotting lanterns around to make the most of those dusky summer evenings.

Set the tone with vibrant plates, bowls, serveware and napkins to add a dose of colour to your picnic. Melamine and mango wood are ideal for al fresco meals because they're lightweight to carry and shatterproof, making them suitable for all ages. We love a classy food cover, too.

Add a little extra comfort to your picnic by layering with a mixture of outdoors cushions, pouffes or even low-level seating – ideal if you have older guests. The super organised among us may even want to throw in a folding picnic chair. And relax...

Waitrose has hand picked some of the easiest and most delicious picnic recipes to seriously raise your outdoor-eating game. Try beetroot scotch eggs, chicken and chorizo mini-pies and the 2025 take on sausage rolls - hoisin flavour!