How to create the ultimate summer picnic

Find summer picnic ideas for long days dining alfresco, from crowd-pleasing spreads to the best wicker baskets to pack everything in.

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By Joanna Kyte

 

Few things say summer quite like a sun-filled picnic. It can be as laid-back or as lavish as you like, but the secret to any successful picnic is a well-packed, crowd-pleasing hamper, charming culinary accessories and the perfect combination of food and drink. Read on to discover summer picnic ideas to see you through this summer – and the next.

A summer picnic idea is to nail the kit

The kit

For cutlery and crockery, look to HAY, the Copenhagen-born brand known for its contemporary, colourful pieces. Highlights include its pastel-hued plates and pleasing glass spoons – perfect for scooping desserts. Serax x Marni’s exclusive-to-Selfridges plates are decorated with daintily drawn flowers and are well-suited to lush picnics in the garden. More practical picnic goers might prefer stainless steel water bottles and mugs by brands such as Stanley, which promise to keep cold drinks cool when the sun’s out.

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PORTUGAL: Chin Chin Vinho Verde 750ml
PORTUGAL
Chin Chin Vinho Verde 750ml
€18.50

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The picnic basket

An idyllic, countryside setting deserves a faithful wicker basket by Les Jardins de la Comtesse, which will give you all the whimsical feels for a dream picnic. Look out for styles that have large handles or shoulder straps and buckles to keep the contents of your hamper safe. For sun-soaked, seaside destinations, a smart picnic idea is a flexible cooler by Yeti to make sure your food stays fresh. These sturdy boxes can withstand more adventurous locations and activities, too, such as rolling hills and long-distance hikes.

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The set up

No good picnic is complete without a blanket or two, depending on the size of your party. Pack a punch with bold versions that promise to spark joy come rain or shine. The alfresco pros at Heating & Plumbing London have roll-up picnic blankets in playful prints and snug wool textures. As well as offering suitably retro, high-end hampers, Les Jardins de la Comtesse also has roll-up blankets. Its blue-and-white gingham version is the stuff of cottagecore dreams.

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The food and drink

Find plenty of summer picnic ideas in our Foodhall, from Chin Chin wine to antipasti and fresh bread, decadent truffles to luxury confectionery and celebratory bottles of champagne. For a low-effort, maximum-impact picnic, opt for one of our ready-made hampers, which have been curated with our favourite brands in mind. Fancy building your own hamper with expert guidance? Gift yourself – or someone else – the foodie experience at Selfridges London and fill a signature Selfridges wicker basket with hand-picked treats aplenty.

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