What do You Need for a Picnic?

What could be better to celebrate a summer staycation than with a touch of family-pleasing outside dining? Picnics are the epitome of summertime food fun. So, are you prepared for peak picnic performance? Join Jaques of London, as we prove that life can always be a picnic when it comes to arriving with everything you need for a great day and ask the mouth-watering question... What Do You Need for a Picnic?

Picnic Blanket Does anything say 'picnic', quite like the image of a chequered blanket adorning a fresh summer lawn? Of course, we aren't fussy. Any sheet will do as your makeshift dining table or place to sit. But, if you want to stay dry, we suggest a waterproof base to keep the wet ground from interrupting your fun. When it comes to knowing what to bring for the perfect picnic, a blanket should be top of the any list... Just like it is here.

Picnic Basket – When it comes to packing your picnic food safely, few picnic essentials are more important than the perfect picnic basket. For the charm of an English luncheon, a traditional wicker basket may seem ideal. But, of course, if you are travelling in the summer heat, a large plastic cooler is the ideal way to keep drinks cool and sandwiches fresh.

Food & Drink – What would any picnic be without bringing along the right food and drink? At Jaques, we believe in the British classics when it comes to making our baskets burst at the seams. So, whether devouring pork pies, spreading jam or chowing down cheddar, keep picnicking tradition alive with the very best in staycation succulence.

Plastic drinks glasses, paper plates, plastic Cutlery – There's no need to empty the cupboards when it comes to taking mealtime outside. Pooh bear may be happy to go diving nose first for his favourite honey treat, and Paddington will happily end his lunch with a sticky marmalade paw, but we are sure we can do better. Keep the mess to a minimum with disposable eating accessories, just be sure to recycle with responsibility and don't count on the Wombles to do all the hard work. Of course, if you are planning on a more sophisticated dining experience, be sure to wrap your best china in soft towels to ensure that the only thing smashing about your day, is the picnic itself.

Rubbish Bags – No one likes a litter bug, so be sure to impress with recycling readiness and picnic prowess by bringing along enough bags to leave nothing but bug-pleasing crumbs behind. Better still, if the morning dew is still keeping the ground worryingly wet, you will have the perfect water proof seat ready and waiting.

Wipes – Picnics can be a messy experience, and we aren't just talking about the kids. Give your picnic table a wipe down, keep sticky hands from doing their worst and always be sure to pack wipes with you for your next picnic.

A Cutting Knife – Sure, you have your plastic utensils with you, but they may not stand up to the task of cutting the perfect door wedge sized sandwich. Don't leave yourselves tearing lumps from your loaf – Keep your picnic pristine, with a knife suitable for any cutting challenge.

Bottle Opener – If you're in celebratory mood, or simply seeking some bubbly brilliance to add to your al fresco adventure, a bottle opener is sure to come in handy. So, let's raise a glass to your successful picnic wish list and toast the great outdoors with a twist and a pop.

Chairs – If a wet derrière is your idea of the picnic pits, be sure to load the car up with enough seats to keep the wet grass at bay. Folding deck chairs are ideal for a last minute addition to your picnicking necessities and, better yet, if the rain suddenly sets in, you can fold and flee to finish your lunch in the back of the car – the true end to any classic British picnic.

Umbrellas – Come rain or shine, a large family umbrella is a great way to escape to the cool shade or stay dry from the downpour. Better still, an umbrella is a great way to offer a touch of picnic privacy from fellow diners.

Outdoor Games - And, finally, what would family fun in the sun be without some fantastic summer games to play? Whether basking in Boules, targetting excitement with our Velcro aiming game, or getting wet with our tin can alley game, no picnic would be complete without the power of play.

Now that you are picnic prepared and al fresco aware, the summer months ahead are sure to be full of outside eating excellence. So, the next time someone asks, 'What Do You Need for a Picnic?', be sure to give a nod to Jaques of London, your perfect picnic partner.