A Sumptuous Summer Picnic: Tips for Elegant Alfresco Dining

Sun, maybe sea, summer breezes, peace and quiet, cooler boxes, and warm feelings.



Such a simple thing: having lunch outside in the sun on a blanket.



But such a great opportunity to celebrate summer and your time together.



A picnic doesn't have to mean sammiches and plastic cups. It can be as elegant as any meal in a dining room.



It only takes a little bit of preparation. Make it ahead and all you need to do is pack it up and go!



SD and I were out and about on Saturday and the weather forecast promised wall to wall sun.



Time for that picnic!



Here is an example of what you can achieve with some good planning and convenient cheats.



Puff pastry meat pies, tabouleh, honey glazed bacon wrapped chicken livers, and blueberry pie!













I'll be posting up recipes all this week.



In the meantime here are a few tips to put panache into your picnic:



1. Take your best china. There are only two of you so it isn't like there is that much chance of damaging it. Make sure you pack it securly with towels and it will be fine.



2. No plastic. Take real plates. Take real glasses. Take real cutlery. It is better for the environment and really enhances the flavour of your food. Plastic doesn't taste very good after all.



3. Make sure your food choices will survive several hours in a cooler and won't spill easily. The best way to avoid entertaining stress is to make choices that eliminate anything you may get stressed about. Chocolate souffle may be your favourite but getting in your cooler with the lobster bisque and fondue set may prove challenging.



4. Make everything make aheadable! I know I keep saying this but making ahead is key to good entertaining. Our entire picnic was done and in the fridge almost 24 hours beforehand. You don't want to have to get up and cook the morning you are going out. You want to have a lie in with your fella! Or at least I do.



5. As well as eating utensils and plates and glasses make sure you take the following: bottle opener, sharp knife/paring knife, tea towel, cloth napkins, blanket, large bottle of water.



6. Make a list and give yourself 20 minutes to pack and check everything. That way you won't miss or forget something. It really is a bummer to remember the wine and have nothing to open it with.



7. Anticipating a bug problem? Don't spoil your apetite with stinky horrible citronella. Take some insense sticks. Poke them in the ground around the blanket and light. The bugs hate the smoke. This works great at home as well for meals on the patio.



8. Having an evening picnic? Don't forget the tea lights!



Have you been picnic-ing? Let me know your alfresco dining tips!