How To Pack The Perfect Picnic Hamper

With the summer holidays in full swing, and the English sunshine (just about) holding on, it’s the perfect excuse to make the most of the great outdoors and indulge in a sumptuous summer picnic. Whether you’re discovering the wonders of our beautiful countryside, or simply enjoying the luscious green space in your local picturesque park or back garden, Farrar and Tanner are here to ensure you picnic in style this summer.

To make your picnicking experience as stress-free as possible, and ensure you don’t go without those essentials, we have highlighted our top picnic pieces to cater all occasions. Dazzle the family, friends or a special someone with a quintessentially British spread or lavish alfresco fiesta; whatever your intentions, we are here to cater to your every need, for a truly enviable picnic experience.

Whether you favour a fine-dining feel, a free-for-all family fiesta, or a romantic sunset date, we’ve got you covered with everything from serving boards and glassware, to alcohol, utensils, nibbles and even garden games. Here at Farrar & Tanner, we think about the little things, so you don’t have to.

Here are some of our favourite picnic must-haves for Summer:

The Corkscrew

L’Atelier du Vin Oeno Motion Tresor in Premium Wooden Gift Box

Gracefully pop open those all-important bottles of fizz with ease using this elegantly crafted Oeno styled lever sommelier, crafted by L’Atelier du Vin. With an integrated foil-cutting blade and ergonomic design, to fit comfortably in the hand, it will fit perfectly into your picnic basket.

Serve in Style

Tramontina Teak Wood Serving Board

Whether you’ve whipped up some homemade horderves, or indulged in your favourite tapas treats, serve them with pride on this striking serving board from Brazillian heritage brand Tramontina. Constructed from the finest teak wood, featuring warm tones and a beautiful sleek finish, its mineral oil coating provides microbial protection, making it perfect for spontaneous outings!

If you’d rather a slightly more compact version, take a look at the Tramontina Teak Round Chopping & Serving Board. Featuring the same, unique teak wood finish, this superbly rounded board measures a nifty 40 x 30cm, making it not only the perfect size for packing, but also for serving your finest charcuteries or selection cheeses.

The Drinks Cabinet

At Farrar and Tanner, we take enormous pride in offering a meticulously sourced fine wines and spirits from around the world, hand-selected for their taste, renown and heritage. Each presented in a personalised wooden gift box (so that everyone knows it is truly yours!), we’ll leave it up to you whether you choose to share your favourite tipple this summer – we’re sure it’s been well earned!

For the gin connoisseur’s, look no further than the Cotswolds Wildflower Gin. Hand-crafted in small batches to achieve a smooth London dry style with a Cotswolds twist, this Cotswold meadow inspired gin features refreshing essences of cornflower and lavender and would make a scrumptious gin spritz! Or if you’re more taken by a summer cocktail, then you may prefer to tantalise your tastebuds with the Chase Pink Grapefruit Gin, handmade on the Chase farm in Herefordshire. This premium gin has been carefully crafted with pink grapefruit and pomelo, conjuring a fusion of zesty and fruity notes, ideal for pairing with a rejuvenating tonic and delicately garnishing with a grapefruit wedge for the cocktail of picnic dreams.

If you fancy something a little more classic, then perhaps we can tempt you with a luxurious prosecco hamper, featuring the finest Bottega Gold & Chocolates. You’re sure to be everyone’s favourite person when you crack open this glimmering bottle of prosecco. Showcasing a fresh and lively flavour, British summers just wouldn’t be complete without a glass of sparkle. And did we mention the mouth-watering milk and dark chocolates, presented in traditional Kilner jars? Guaranteed to be a hit with adults and little ones alike, these decadent confectionaries may well disappear in the blink of an eye, but at least you’ll have some handy storage jars ready for the next nibble!

If you’re feeling extra lavish and want to minimise stress, then why not let us do the packing for you and indulge you in a ready-to-picnic Châteauneuf Du Pape Red Wine with Artisan Cheese and Rillette Personalised Hamper. Including a variety of exceptional handmade appetisers from the Snowdonia Cheese Company, Cornish Characuterie and Popti Cornish Bakery, you can round off the meal with a delicious glass of Châteauneuf Du Pape, all packaged exquisitely in a personalised wooden box, which you can re-use for your future adventures again and again.

Fine Dining

Of course, when brunching, lunching or feasting in style, it is of the upmost importance that you’re equip with a picnic ‘kit off essentials’. Think of it as your first-aid kit for alfresco fine-dining.

No picnic basket would be complete without a set of classy utensils, just like this stunning Robert Welch Stanton 42 Piece Cutlery Set. Made using the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel, this cutlery set combines traditional and modern elements in a balanced and elegant form. With long tines and hardened steel blades for durability, this set will cater for six people, and even includes an additional six free latte spoons, in case you’ve got a barista, or budding coffee connoisseur in tow.

And of course, you’re going to need a glass or two (or four), to serve those scintillating spirits, cocktail concoctions, tranquil wines or your favourite, most scrumptious soft drink. Whatever your tipple, provide a flair of sophistication when you serve your guests with the most sublime set of Mikasa Etched Gin Balloon Glasses. Offering both beauty and versatility, these balloon glasses are capacious enough for serving a G&T, but equally well-suited for a large red, these will make a stunning addition to your dinner or lunch table. Each with a precision-etched design, all different yet co-ordinated, these beautiful glasses will set off your drink of choice perfectly.

Or if you’re in the mood for something with a little more sparkle, this gorgeous LSA Moya Champagne Serving Set, comprising of six picturesque flutes and matching ice bucket, will surely be the talk of the picnic. Whether you’ve got an occasion to celebrate, or you’re just wanting to unwind with something a bit more special, these charming, tulip-bodied glasses are bound to make a lasting impression, alongside a complimentary ice bucket to keep that all-important bottle chilled to perfection. This really does provide the crème de la crème of any luxurious picnic experience.