Playtime: Proper Picnics

Sara Whatley is singing the praises of the proper picnic this month as the Whatley clan make the most of the summer 

Sometimes the simple things in life can be the most fun, and nothing could be more wholesome and warm-hearted than a summer picnic. I’m picturing a proper home cooked Enid Blyton style picnic, not a grab and go pre-made sandwich and crisps from the supermarket.Let’s do this properly! 

Children and adults can enjoy this simple, cost- effective activity together and make loads of happy memories for the whole family to savour. And don’t forget, picnics are not just for lunchtimes, how about a breakfast or dinner picnic? 

Get the kids involved in the kitchen planning and preparing the picnic and they will enjoy eating their delicious creations even more. My children love having a special job to do – shelling peanuts, chopping mushrooms, stirring the sauce – and not only are they helping out around the house, they are also learning the important life skill of cooking. 

Once your delicious feast is prepared it’s time to transport it in style to your picnic spot. A classic wicker picnic hamper looks just the part, plus a picnic blanket, matching plates and cups, proper cutlery, and napkins too. 

The final question is where to enjoy your picnic. Setting up near a play park will ensure that little ones won’t get bored once their tummies are full, or a beach picnic holds untold entertainment for all the family. 

It’s quite satisfying to reward yourself with a picnic after an achievement; climbing up a big hill, or going on a long bike ride for example. And there is something about enjoying a picnic in a dramatic setting which makes it taste all the sweeter – find a waterfall, a clifftop overlooking a beautiful seascape, in a big wood, or a large open field full of swishing grasses. 

Failing all else, a picnic in the garden can be very special too. Setout rugs and cushions, and if you can, create a canopy from an old sheet or suchlike. Evening picnics can be made magical with the addition of fairy lights and lanterns dotted around the garden. Then it’s easy to slip the children from the garden to their beds, bellies full of good grub and hearts full of cheer. 

Picnic Food Ideas 

• Chicken or halloumi skewers 

• Sweet or savoury homemade scones 

• Layered salad jars (keeps the dressing at the bottom and the lettuce crisp at the top) 

• Homemade pasties (think family favourites for fillings – chicken korma, sausage and mash, feta and med veg) 

• Homemade pink lemonade 

• Heaps of fresh strawberries