• Days out
• Useful picnic links

Preparing in advance for a picnic in our country is obviously dependent on the reliability of the weather forecasts, which probably explains why such outings in Britain are based on "if the weather’s nice tomorrow we should have a picnic" type of scenario. Ideally, the weather should be fine with the sun shining against a bright blue sky and not a cloud in sight! Naturally, larger affairs require a more watchful eye on Jenny Ogwen’s weather slot but either way, allowing a modicum of preparation is the key to a hassle-free picnic. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you on your way:

• Some of the most enjoyable picnic meals are those that you can put together out of doors. Packing an assortment of simple food such as fresh bread, sandwich fillings, jars of pickles, bags of crisps, fruit, pork pies and a variety of bottled beverages ensures that you can be left to your own devices by creating your own meal to suit personal tastes. This can help to reduce the unwelcome prospect of having too many leftover sandwiches.



• Cool bags and boxes are essential for storing food on a picnic. If you can, take along two coolers ­ one for cold drinks and foods used frequently, whilst the other should be used for protecting perishable foods such as salad vegetables, fruits and cold meats. Prior to packing a cooler, fill it up with ice and leave to stand for around an hour or so. Remove the ice and place the food in the cool bag. Cool air travels downwards so place the remaining ice on top or (if you have them) use several frozen ‘gel packs’.



• Cool bags need to maintain a low internal temperature and, therefore, it would be most wise to have it in the car with you rather than putting them in the boot where it is considerably warmer. Most modern cars are fitted with air-conditioning, which will help in keeping the food cool during transit.



• On arriving at your picnic destination, put your coolers in the shade with the lids closed and covered with a blanket until it is time to eat. Do not leave coolers in the car because the temperature will rise.



• If you plan on taking hot food then wrap well in foil or store in insulated containers to help keep the heat in.



• The last thing to pack should be the food. Cold food and drinks should remain chilled in the fridge until it is time to pack the cooler. Similarly, hot food should be taken directly from the heat source (oven, microwave) and then wrapped in foil or packed into insulated containers. Never store hot and cold foods together.



• Pastries, bread and cakes should be wrapped in greaseproof paper/kitchen roll and then foil and preferably stored in airtight plastic containers, although plastic food bags are another option so long as they can be sufficiently sealed.



• A good tip is to freeze soft drinks the night before, as they will remain ice cold for the following day and will help to keep chilled any food packed with them.



• Bottles of mineral water not only make for an essential source of fluid replacement but can also be used for cleaning cuts and grazes and for washing hands, which is absolutely necessary when handling food.



• Most people like to take vacuum flasks filled with tea or coffee, whilst others opt for taking flasks filled with boiling water to make fresh hot drinks at the picnic site. If you really want to push the boat out you can take along a small butane gas stove and making hot drinks by boiling some bottled water in a small kettle. The thought of being able to indulge in a hot drink on a picnic is particularly welcoming if the unpredictable British weather decides to turn the air slightly chilly.



• Never leave food out on a picnic. Food that is not being used should be returned to its place of storage and throw away any food that has been out of its cooler for more than an hour. Hot food that has cooled should be stored in the cooler set aside for drinks and non-perishable foods.



• Ideally, there shouldn’t be any food left at the end of the picnic but, if the situation arises, any leftovers should be handled with care. If possible, any melted ice should be replenished throughout the day to help maintain a low temperature within the cooler. However, don’t drain the water from the melted ice, as it will be of benefit in keeping food cool.



• On returning home check the temperature of the cool box with a thermometer. If the temperature is above 4ºC then it would not be advisable to keep the leftovers. If you don’t have a thermometer then you should check to see if there’s any ice remaining in the cooler and dispose of any leftover food if all the ice has melted. However, as the popular adage goes, if in doubt, throw it out!



• If you plan on taking dairy products (milk, butter, margarine etc.) to a picnic be sure to monitor them carefully due to the fact that they spoil quicker than other foods. Try and avoid using mayonnaise and cheese in prepared salads or sandwiches. Storing some cheese and a small jar of mayonnaise separately in a cooler is the more suitable alternative.



• Picnic baskets or hampers are a must and many are purposely manufactured for picnics. Additionally, there is a growing range of picnic backpacks on the market that come complete with all the essential picnic utensils. These and other picnic accessories are available from specialist suppliers (see ‘Useful Links’) although many items can be found at your nearest camping/outdoor shop.



• Hot food and vacuum flasks should be packed into a picnic basket or hamper, that is if you have one or if you go picnicking so often as to warrant a purchase! Hampers are most convenient but not as necessary as a cooler. If you do not have a hamper (nor the compulsion to buy one) then several decent sized plastic/polythene (e.g. ‘Tupperware’) containers with tight fitting lids should suffice, whilst vacuum flasks can ‘stand alone’.



• If you do not wish to prepare any food or if immediate spontaneity has prevented you from doing so then put your hampers/containers and coolers in the car and drive to your nearest supermarket or deli and stock up on cold meats, bread, cheeses, crisps and so on. Additionally, most supermarkets stock ice-cubes so pour them into the cooler, pack in the food and off you go!



• If you decide to take wine on an outing you can keep it in a purpose-made wine cooler (available from specialist suppliers or a camping store) or put it in your cool box. A nice, crisp Chablis or Chardonnay would be most fitting but do ensure that there are plenty of soft drinks available for the driver!



• Do remember to take a couple of good-sized blankets to sit or lie on. If you’re in an extravagant mood and feel the need to indulge in luxury then you can actually buy specially designed picnic blankets from certain suppliers.



• If you think that you’ll grow weary of sitting on the ground then take along a couple of lightweight, folding chairs/stools. These are widely available and, once folded, do not occupy too much space in the car boot.



• Insects are a big problem when eating outdoors during the warmest months of the year, as they are inevitably attracted to the scent of food. Take along some insect spray to deter any unwanted ‘guests’. Furthermore, placing a few sprigs of fresh mint on your picnic blanket is said to keep bees away whilst sprinkling some chalk dust or talcum powder around your plate will prevent ants from approaching your goodies ­ the texture and scent of both are repellent to them.



• Accidents can happen, especially when there are children running around, therefore packing a first aid kit is an absolute must. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry.



• If you decide to go anywhere other than a designated picnic area make sure that you are permitted to do so. Upsetting the owner of private land would be a most unfortunate development! Furthermore, if picnicking in an area especially allocated for such activities, be sure to follow all of the rules that might be stipulated.



• If you are having a picnic with in the vicinity of other people, be considerate of their privacy by refraining from making too much noise. If you decide to kick around a football or any other physical sporting activity make sure that you will not be disturbing other people.



• Finally, respect your surroundings and remember to take some plastic bags for your rubbish because there’s nothing worse than a litterbug ruining it for everyone else.