The Ultimate Picnic & Outdoor Entertaining Guide

Pick-y dinners in the garden, nibbles on the balcony and picnics that last all day long. Ahhh, must be al fresco season. Whether it's your turn to whip up a garden feast for the whole family or you're on a mission to host the most Pinterest-worthy picnic your local park ever did see, consider us the fairy godmother of outdoor entertaining, here to save you from your cobweb-laden patio set and nicked-from-your-dad's-garage-and-definitely-seen-better-days cool bag. From cushions that'll turn your garden into an Ibiza beach club to drinks coolers and fancy-schmancy tumblers to help you bring your picnic A game, take your outdoor space to a whoooolleee new level with our sunny homeware at up to 60% less*.

Oh, and we're not quite done yet. Need some inspo on what to pack for the picnic of all picnics? Or how to jazz up your balcony on a budget? It's your lucky day...

Al fresco dinners

The lawn is mowed, the patio's been jet washed and al fresco dinners are calling your name. Sorry, what's that? Your garden's not ready? Say no more. Any outdoor entertaining area needs a jug, plenty of tumblers and a platter or two for nibbles (psst, opt for melamine or bamboo to avoid breakages). Patio set seen better days? Divert their eyes with an outdoor rug and a set of tropical print seat pads. Wanna know the best bit? We've got it all for up to 60% less*. Hmm, now where did you put those BBQ utensils...

A balcony soirée

Garden envy? Never heard of it. With a sprinkling of outdoor cushions here and a splash of outdoor candles there, your balcony is about to become the perfect cocktail for outdoor entertaining this summer. Planning a candlelit balcony picnic for two? Weave solar powered fairy lights through the railings for a romantic finishing touch. Hosting a full-blown gathering? Fill up a few drinks dispensers with fruit punch and ice to save having to keep going back and forth to the kitchen. Little touches in a small area go a long, long way.

Picnic in the park (the adult version)

Gather the picnic basket and that gingham picnic blanket, because it's officially picnic season and what better place to host a soirée if you're sans garden than in a park! The key to setting up a successful "adult" picnic is all in the details. A fancy jug to dish out sparkling water, highball tumblers to drink said fancy water in and a cool bag that doubles up as a handbag. Oh, and not forgetting the Instagrammable tartan backdrop (blanket) of course.

'Tastes like summer' punch

Fancy putting that fancy new jug to use? Nail outdoor entertaining with this foolproof recipe that packs a punch (sorry...)

* 1 cup cranberrry juice

* 1 cup apple juice

* 1 cup orange juice

* 2 cups sparkling water/soda water

* 1/2 cup chopped strawberries

* 1/4 cup chopped mint Top tips coming up...

* Add ice to the cups, not the pitcher to avoid watering down the punch

* Chill the juice for at least 24hrs before mixing

* Garnish the glasses with orange slices

  • Barware

Picnic in the park (the kiddie version)

Summertime means impromptu park trips AKA last-minute picnics. Take the stress out of packing and have a bag for life ready to go at all times full of kid-proof bamboo tumblers, colourful cushions, beach towels and plastic plates and cutlery. The trick is to overload their senses with colour in the hope that they don't notice the broccoli that's crept onto their plate. (Let us know how that goes...)

While you picnic, they play...

If you've any hope of making it through at least one adult conversation without 32483 interruptions, then listen up. The trick to a successful picnic is family fun. And when we say family, we're talking about the kids. From outdoor play tents for miniature escape artists to picnicware play sets, scooters and water pistols, we sell it all (for up to 60% less*) so you never have to try and keep 'em entertained with nothing but cucumber slices for assistance ever again... (you're welcome.)

Let's skip to the good part...

The food, duh. You can put on the most Instagrammable of setups, but everyone knows a successful picnic is all about the food. Although there's nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned egg mayo roll and a packet of ready salted crisps, we're here to zhuzh up your picnic picks and give you all the picnic food ideas one could ever need. Deviled egg anyone?

  • Sandwiches

    The staple of any successful picnic... the humble sarnie. Opt for a rustic sourdough bread to avoid a soggy base and vary your fillings with a spin on the classics. Mozzarella, chicken and pesto is a delicious combo, as is roasted veggies and hummus.

  • Pick-y bits

    The classics are classics for a reason. Scotch eggs, sausage rolls and mini quiches make for the perfect buffet spread (and they're minimal mess, too). Throw in some cold meats and cheeses for the non-sandwich eaters.

  • Crisps 'n' crackers

    Cold food is always good... while it lasts. Make sure you pack plenty of dried food (crisps and crackers, we're talking to you) to keep you going 'til sunset and beyond. You don't want to have to go on a hunt for more food!

  • Sweet treats

    Chocolate + sun = a recipe for disaster, so why not recycle your old jars and make mini strawberries and cream cheesecake jars? Too much effort? Fill up some tupperware with some pre-washed berries and grapes to dish out. Et voila, dessert done.