Before this weekend my online friend and I was discussing the pleasant change in season – the arrival of Spring. In South Korea Springtime seemingly has sprung into force rather rapidly considering it was only a few weeks ago that we were battling the icy wind and temperatures revolving around minus degrees. As soon as the slightest rays of sun cast down on the soil, Koreans take every morsel of an opportunity to roll out a picnic blanket to unveil a hamper basket full to the brim of wondrous edible goodies. Popular picnic destinations include the Han River/Hangang – which flows long and vast through Seoul and several other peninsulas.
In the UK it may take a few more weeks until such an activity can take place (- April showers are approaching), however in order to plan ahead I have gathered a few suggestions as to what to include in a picnic basket.
The Picnic Basket
Cooler bags are ideal: nothing fancy is required to ensure you can indulge in a memorable family, friend or couple’s picnic. Although if you would like to adopt the traditional style wicker picnic basket here are a few suitable, affordable candidates…
Picnic Blanket/Rug
Around this time of year it’s quite easy to start being able to purchase a decent picnic rug for between £8-£15 at Supermarkets including Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda. If you are looking for a blanket of a particular style or with certain qualities i.e. Waterproof, then Ebay has endless options; some even being categorised by size.
Accessories
Personally I think it’s more convenient to use disposable cutlery besides these days there are plenty of companies which manufacture desirably designed paper plates, drinking straws, paper napkins and recyclable cups. Paperstyle sell coordinating items not only perfect for picnics but also special occasions.
If you would like to delve into attempting to prepare intricately detailed bento boxes or would like to prettily present some handmade sandwiches, bentoandco sell every tool and wrappers you could ever need to get you started.
Food Suggestions
- Pastrami, gherkin, and lettuce seeded bagels with American mustard.
- Spam fritter rice balls/seaweed wraps.
- Mustard mayonnaise chicken Onigiri (Japanese rice triangles).
- Chilled toasties – mature cheddar and baked beans are highly recommended.
- Feta, falafel, mixed leaf, mint cucumber yoghurt wholemeal wraps.
- ‘Tear and Share’ handmade sea salt and Rosemary Focaccia bread.
- An allsortment of crackers and bread sticks.
- Spreadable cheeses.
- Scones with ‘one serving’ pots of jam and a small pot of clotted cream.
- ‘Mark’s and Spencer’s’ ‘dining for two’ premade desserts e.g. Cheesecake slices.
- Hot chocolate or rose lemonade in a flask.
- Lindtt Lindor Chocolates.
Remember it’s all well to have everything prepared and specially selected for a day out, but what matters is the company and quality time you decide to make as a priority.
