One of Jamie’s food stylists, Christina, gives her top 10 picnic tips, which can make all the difference between a disaster and an outdoor feast!
I have a reputation among my friends as being “the prepared one” when it comes to eating outside. Perhaps it's just the nature of my job as a food stylist, but I’ve always had bits and bobs for all culinary occasions, and this is one of the secret to throwing a really great picnic.
One of the wedding gifts my husband and I received nearly three years ago was a super-cute picnic basket, lined with fabric and decorated with little buckles and a briefcase handle. It makes such a difference when preparing for an afternoon of outdoor dining.
It is really helpful to have something to make carrying and storing things easier – summer picnics should be about having fun and relaxing, not lugging loads of bags around! I have even been known to pack my leopard-print “granny trolley” and wheel it to the park – it looks ridiculous, but is the perfect way to transport a mass of goodies.
What you park yourselves on might seem inconsequential, but it can make a big difference, too. We have a beautiful yellow and red Brora rug that Ginny, Head Food Stylist in the food team, gave to me – it's such a delight, and makes me smile every time we shake it open in our local park in Hackney to chill with friends, or just on our own after work.
Let's be honest, though – the real difference between a good picnic and a half-baked one lies in what's in the basket.
For me, standard picnic staples include a few essential items. It might sound geeky but as a couple we have become known for bringing these things, which everyone laughs about but secretly loves and uses, too. Often it's more of a “What do we have in the fridge?” situation, but I always make the effort to pack those extra little bits that really do make a difference...
What to pack for a picnic
1. A jam jar
These are great for making simple shaken salad dressings like balsamic, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. It means your salad won't lose its crunch before you even arrive at the picnic!
2. Enamel plates
Light, unbreakable and much more practical than paper ones. For a start, they don’t go soggy when you put dressed salad on them.
3. Your favourite tipple
Chilled juice, wine, beer, cider, or a chilled flask of homemade flavoured water can be especially lovely, and won't add much sugar to the meal.
4. Ice cubes in a Thermos flask
So you can chill your drinks as you go and not worry about them melting. Try making some fun, flavoured ice cubes using fresh fruit or herbs to add extra tastiness.
5. Mixed salad
Bring a big bowl of hand-prepped mixed salad, ready to dress in situ using your handy jam jar.
6. Something a bit healthy
A tub of homemade houmous or yoghurt dip and chopped-up crudités – carrots, peppers, celery (whatever veg you have in the fridge).
7. Roasted veg
A large tray of some sort of roasted veg with garlic, some herbs, salt, pepper and oil – usually butternut squash, beetroots etc (again, use whatever you have to hand). You can add this to salads, sandwiches, onto crackers or whatever you fancy!
8. Homemade slaw
A homemade slaw is a million miles better than shop-bought – fact. Check out Jamie’s slaw with these lovely chicken baps. For veggies, I just use what I have left in the fridge, so you don’t have to stick exactly to this.
9. Sweet treats
If you're super organised you can try to bake some sort of sweet treat – vegan-friendly cakes, cheeky old-school tarts or indulgent brownies always go down a treat and are easy to eat with your hands.
10. Wet wipes and bin bags
You never think you'll need them, but you always do – picnics are messy!
Check out our tasty recipe collection for more picnic inspiration.
Hamper images by Simon Mackenzie
