Traditional and Unusual Picnic Ideas

Whether it's a family affair with the kids or a posh opera in the park, there are some great traditional and even more unusual picnic ideas to make your soiree just perfect.

Everyone loves a picnic. There are no two ways about it. When you are lying on a rug, with the sun shining down, regardless of inside your hamper, you can guarantee it will taste better al fresco. But picnics don't have to be about cheese and cucumber sandwiches and a flask of tea. There are some great picnic ideas out there that cater for almost any occasion.

Family Picnics

It sometimes seems that you need to take the entire contents of your garden shed with you when you picnic with the family; bat and ball, frisbee, rounders set, rugs and so on. So keep the food simple. Whilst kids love sandwiches, wraps make a great alternative.

Foods that have their own outer layer, such as Cornish pasties, Scotch eggs and sausage rolls are easy to pack and survive being dropped on the floor once or twice.

Kids and adults alike love finger food, and it's fun to share. Try bringing a bag of carrot and celery sticks with an assortment of humus, tzatziki, sour cream and chive, taramasalata and other dips.

Posh Picnics

Everyone loves pizza and it tastes great cold, but if you are trying to impress, why not pack mini pizzas? They make great bite size snacks and look more classy than large slices.

For a special occasion, Schnaps fruit jellies are ideal. Simply pour your jelly mix into individual yoghurt sized pots and add Schnaps and fresh fruit before leaving to set. They look classy and taste great!

When it comes to entertaining, there are lots of great picnic ideas. Why not try a vodka melon? Simply make a hole in the top of a melon (any type will do) then, ssing a funnel, gradually pour in a 35cl bottle of vodka until all the liquid has been absorbed by the melon. Slice and eat for a naughty, fruity extravagance.