Picnic essentials for elegant outdoor eating

With summer in full swing, picnicking season has well and truly begun. We’ve picked out a selection of the finest luxury picnic goodies that no self-respecting domestic goddess should be seen without.

The Basic Kit

Although during summer months, many of us may be seen traipsing about on public transport with distinctly unglamorous supermarket carrier bags filled with an assortment of tupperware boxes, there is a much more elegant and classy way to go about picnicking. Your pals won’t fail to be impressed as you unpack the bone china plates, polished stainless steel cutlery and coordinating food boxes from your Amberley Ascot Picnic Basket. The luxury willow basket has everything the discerning picnicker might need – from salt and pepper pots to linen napkins and tablecloth. Admittedly the hamper comes at a certain price, but consider how many outdoor eating occasions you might have over the rest of your life; this is an investment! There are crystal wine glasses for quaffing chilled rosé and a sturdy stainless steel flask for years to come when you’re more likely to be sipping Earl Grey. In fact, the basket is a bargain when you think about it.

Perhaps you’re not quite ready for the outlay required for the Amberley Ascot, yet fear not – this certainly doesn’t mean you need to scrimp on style. This summer you can add a couple of on-trend accents to your picnic kit thanks to the Liberty/Target collaboration. The rather eclectic collection includes clothing, bicycles, piggybanks, and… some adorable plastic platters and cups, which are perfect for fashionable picnicking! Arrange your cucumber sandwiches on the candy-hued melamine Sixty Print Platter and serve up Pimm’s in the crazy patterned Martha Grace High Ball Acrylic Cups. Perhaps try not to match your playsuit to your picnicware or this may be serious Liberty overkill.

If you’re in search of a sturdy picnic rug, look no further than the Peregrine Company, who have been handcrafting fine tweeds and wools in the UK since 1956. The Hurlingham Luxury Wool Picnic Rug is the perfect combination of comfort and practicality, incorporating a hard-wearing waxed cotton waterproof groundsheet and a super soft inner made of 100% British wool. A leather carry strap ensures that you can pack away the rug easily should rain stop play.

For Picnickers in the Know

Once you’re armed with the basics, why not show off and take along a few extras that will impress those poor plastic bag-toting souls? It is a truth universally acknowledged that disposable barbecues are far, far more bother than they’re worth. They take forever to light, are difficult to dispose of, cook enough food for one small child and worst of all: they bring out the primeval fire-making instinct in any male in the area. It is a little embarrassing for anyone to be lording it over what is essentially an aluminium tray, so if you must create a carnivorous feast, we recommend the sleek Barbeque To Go from Blomus. Created by product design supremo, Henrik Pedersen, the super functional coated steel barbeque will really do justice to your organic chipolatas and halloumi kebabs.

Extra stylish items for picnic fun

It is a bit of a chore to pack up and try to find shade during the midday sun, which is why we reckon a stylish parasol is a clever solution. In fact, Droog’s Shadylace Parasol is so lovely that you’ll probably want to put it up even if it’s not that sunny. Available in vivid green or simple white, the pretty lace allows a little sun to shine through, creating refreshing dappled shade. And if Chris Kabel’s design wasn’t fabulous enough, the shade is topped with an absolutely adorable tiny golden bird. Is it possible to be in love with a parasol? Definitely!

The sun is useful for many things: keeping us warm, ensuring we get enough vitamin D and… producing solar energy. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock since 1987, you’ll know that going green is the new black and eco-chic is oh-so-in. Harness the power of the sunshine with a Sun Jar – a rather clever little gadget that you’ll soon wonder just how you managed without! Made with a traditional Mason jar, the Sun Jar is filled with some snazzy modern technology (a highly efficient solar cell, rechargeable battery and low energy LED lamps). Charge it up during the day and once the sun sets, flip the on switch, et voila – a sultry golden glow. This has to be the best gadget ever for romantic picnicking à deux.

True, after a few glasses of champers and far too much pasta salad, you may not feel like too much exertion, but surely you can manage a sedate game of boules? Uncle Karl’s beautifully-designed pétanque set has catapulted a game that was once reserved for men of a certain age into fashionista territory (Diane Kruger, Garance Doré and Vanessa Paradis debuted the boules set in St. Tropez dontcha know?) You probably won’t burn off too many calories playing pétanque, so if you’re looking to run about, go for Chanel’s chic boomerang. Return on investment guaranteed here. Sorry…

The Most Important Part of the Picnic

Soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the countryside are important, but the really interesting part of a picnic has to be the food and drink! The perfect picnic should be filled with hours of endless grazing and a glass or five of something chilled and refreshing. In an ideal world, frozen margaritas would be served, however this isn’t perhaps the most practical option unless you’re planning on bringing a considerable supply of ice and an electric blender. Purveyors of upper class epicurean delights, Fortnum and Mason have worked out an elegant tipple solution: Rosé Champagne Quarter Bottles. The delightfully diminutive bottles of pink champers come in their own miniature cooler bag – what could be more practical? You may be a kind soul and share these with fellow picnickers. On the other hand, you could just be crafty and ensure that you have your own supply of ice cold bubbly on tap until sundown.

Tuck into these yummy picnic delights...

A top class cheeseboard is a must-have for all-day eating but softer (and stinkier) French cheeses are to be avoided. Heat does rather unfortunate things to camembert, so unless you’re planning a fondue party rather than a picnic, opt for medium-hard cheeses. British cheese has been having something of a revival in recent times, and there are lots of varieties that will withstand the warmer temperatures well. The Cheeseworks Country Weekender selection includes an ample choice of tasty British cheeses including a half Baby Colston Bassett Stilton and a Godminster Cheddar Truckle, as well as accompaniments in the shape of Apple Chutney and two types of homemade crackers. Plus it comes presented in a luxury wicker hamper, ensuring you fit into the Country Set with ease!

Another good idea for snacking is a mix of salami – again this will survive the midday sun better than other types of cured meat like Parma ham or bresaola. Luigi’s Salami Sampler offers three rustic authentic salamis: a wild boar salami, a spicy Salami Abruzzese and a black-truffled Tuscan salami. Included in the pack is a handmade wooden board so you’ll be able to snack away happily whilst people try and work out the barbecue. Now that’s smart picnicking.

Strawberries and cream are everyone’s favourite summer dessert, but in practical terms, they just don’t work for picnics. Thus we suggest ordering some of the lip-smackingly yummy Strawberry and White Chocolate Cupcakes from Lola’s Bakery – they’re the special edition flavour for June. Using the freshest ingredients, the almost-too-pretty-to-eat vanilla-flavoured cakes are smothered in rich strawberry fudge icing and topped with a fresh strawberry. Admit it, you’re probably licking your lips already!

A voyage around the Med in a hamper!

Summer is on the horizon and what better to get us in mood for sunny days than a luxurious hamper offering a selection of delicious goodies from around the Med? If you’re not booking a yacht this year, Harvey Nichols’ Mediterranean Hamper offers a cruise around Europe in a box – with a slightly less painful price tag. Full of evocative flavours that will bring back memories of summer holidays past, the hamper proposes all you need to bring a little sunshine to your party or picnic.

Start your voyage in the Greek islands with some staples of the local diet; pure clear honey and mixed olives in extra virgin olive oil. Then it’s a quick hop over to Italy and aperitivo time – we have chargrilled artichokes, peperoni fritti and sun dried tomatoes. For an authentic Italian experience, add some Parma ham and a selection of salami, or perhaps some pecorino or mozzarella. This would make a wonderful starter, but if you like to dine light, serve with fresh bread and whip up a side salad. Dress with some organic Tuscan extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vingear – these are helpfully included in the hamper. Of you could create a more robust starter with the truffle risotto kit. Delizioso!

Finish up the journey in France with a chilled bottle of Corbières Rosé ’08 – which may just be the perfect summer evening vintage. Admittedly you won’t get the same golden glow that you might obtain from sailing around the Med but it’s a step in the right direction!

The Harvey Nichols Mediterranean Hamper is available online here.

Put your feet up and pour a drink...

You’ve just got back from another one of those days at work. Plink a couple of ice cubes into a glass and pour a decent measure of your favourite tipple. That’s better. Wait a minute. Rewind. What upholstered delight are you lazing back into?

Well if you’re looking for the ultimate in post-stressful-day furniture, you should be sitting in Natuzzi’s rather wonderful Sound chair. A chair with sound? Yes, this thoughtfully designed item from the clever people at Italian company Natuzzi  fuses a sleek, futuristic aesthetic with top class modern technology.

Crafted from the finest buttery soft leather, the armchair features built-in speakers that allow you to connect your mp3 player to a minijack system. Et voila, the dulcit tones of whatever is currently giving you aural pleasure streams out in crystal clear quality.

The Italians are always good at design but they’re not always ahead of the pack when it comes to technology, however they have proved their savvy on this occasion. The ergonomic design of the chair means that it will force you to sink into its soft leathery depths and its simple chic style really makes it an investment for your interior. It’s available in a dizzying variety of leather finishes and hues so you’re certain to find something to fit in with your deco scheme.

If you’re coupled up, perhaps don’t buy this – it will inevitably lead to arguments and both of you making excuses to leave the office well before home time…

Natuzzi Sound Chair, from £2200/€2,450 – see the website for more details.

Diamonds aren't necessarily a girl's best friend!

A true domestic goddess knows how to make the most luscious and delectable chocolate truffles, which creates a slight problem for any potential suitor desirous of proffering gifts on Valentine’s Day. What should one offer the woman who has it all when it comes to cuisine?

Look to Demarquette, a fine chocolatier based in London. Award-winning owner Marc Demarquette hand-makes every sweet morsel using traditional artisan techniques and top quality ingredients, so you can be sure that his exquisite treats are really special.

Mr Demarquette has created some limited-edition truffles for the momentous day which will appeal to ladies with a taste for luxury. At £10 a pop, they’re not cheap, but what could be more glamorous than champagne truffles coated in edible glitter? The Valentine Glittery Champagne Truffle is made using one of the best brut champagnes: Dom Perignon. The exclusive bubbly is blended with a secret recipe of cocoas from all over the globe and the finest cream from Cornwall and Hampshire. The truffles are then dipped in the boutique’s prize-winning chocolate couverture before a delicate dusting of shimmering glitter.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend? Marilyn obviously wasn’t aware of these luxurious truffles!

See the Demarquette website for more information.

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Molecular Gastronomy Starter Kit, £74.95. Available online here.

Redoutable, Smoke and Sex Candles – Colette, €25. Available online here.

Jardin Majorelle Bouquet - Atelier Mayer, £57.50 – £92. Available online here.

Veuve Clicquot, La Grande Dame Rosé 1998, £260. Buy online here.

Caviar & Crustacean Blowout - The Fish Society, from £1,500. Available online here.

The 221 Trunk – The Conran Shop, £2,795. Available online here.

Kühn Keramik Napkin Rings, various prices. For stockists see online here.

Paris, London and Killer Heels biscuits – The Biscuiteers, £27.50. Buy online here.

Pompadour Day Bed – Soane, price on application. To find out more, see online here.

Lambda Olive Oil - Speiron, €150. Buy online here.

Cookery Classes at the Atelier des Sens, from 34€. Find out more online here.

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Le Dolci's cake club boxes include cupcakes, amongst other goodies

Need a sugar fix but too busy to bake? Forget weekly vegetable deliveries, Le Dolci’s cake club is an altogether more indulgent box of tricks. The concept is also ideal for workplaces (what better way to motivate your team), a perfect gift those difficult-to-buy-for-friends, or perhaps a treat for the man in your life – prove you’re a modern domestic goddess!

The cake boxes are delivered directly to your door and change each week – they can include cupcakes, scones, biscotti, banana bread and even Sicilian cannoli. Subscribers sign up for a weekly box, choosing from three different sizes from Mini (4-6 servings) to Grande (11-15 servings). Prices start from £14 + delivery and the boxes are delivered every Friday afternoon – just in time for the weekend.

Whatever goodies you find in your magic box, they’re bound to be delicious; the business is the brainchild of Lisa Sanguedolce, a student at Leith’s School of Food and Wine. Lisa was inspired to bake by her Sicilian grandmother and is now based in North West London. But what goes into the cakes? Well Le Dolci’s sweet treats are all made using seasonable, organic, fairly-traded and free range ingredients where possible, so you need have no concerns.

RIH loves the stiletto cupcakes!

Of course, chocolate cakes are the most popular choice. Lisa says: “The Break-Up Wake Up flavour is the most popular at the moment. It has white and dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, almonds and hazelnuts, with a sprinkle of fairy dust to change your luck in love!”

Le Dolci also supplies bespoke cakes with home made toppings. Running in Heels loves these stiletto cupcakes!

You can also order giant cupcakes, as well as for something a little bit different; a selection of authentic Italian baked goodies including biscotti, amaretti, cubbaita and crostata. If you have dietary requirements, Lisa can even bake gluten-free and lactose-free cakes.

And the downside? Lisa says: “All of this baking has to be personally taste tested by me for quality control, so although it is a wonderful job it is taking its toll on my waistline!” It’s a tough life.

For more information, see Le Dolci’s website or you can also check out Lisa’s blog.

We were all of a flutter when the nice people at Ladurée teamed up with the lovely Monsieur Louboutin back in September but somehow (sorry Christian) we found the boxes a tad kitsch. They didn’t quite live up to our expectations which were, admittedly, pretty high.

This time Ladurée has collaborated with every fashionista’s  boho-luxe Italian label of choice, Marni. Yes, the same Marni that is oh-so-expensive and oh-so-uber-ultra-far-too-cool. (Insert scream of joy here).

And the collaboration is every bit as glorious as you might imagine: a pretty gold and mahogany coloured box with a polka dot design is adorned with a hippy chic paper flower, typical of Ms Castiglioni’s design aesthetic. And inside? Just as fashion-food fabulous. Delicious and almost-so-adorable-you don’t-wan’t-to-eat-them (almost) chocolate-flavoured  macaroons are lined up for your delectation, each garnished with a luxurious and festive sliver of gold leaf. Is your mouth watering? Are you about to run out of the door and hammer down the door at the nearest Ladurée boutique? Well you’ll have to wait until December 1st when these goodies go on sale. We apologise in advance if any planned party ensembles are just a teeny bit tight. We did warn you…

For a list of stockists of these delectable delights, see Ladurée’s website.

Some of the members of the British Royal family may be happy to collect rent on their extensive portfolio of properties, create ranges of organic biscuits or dress up as shady historical figures, but not so Mr Linley. David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley is the son of Princess Margaret and also makes furniture of a similar pedigree to his own. He may be thirteenth in line to the throne, but David Linley has been creating bespoke furnishing since before Prince Harry was in nappies.

Inspired by the classic designs of the thirties, the cafetiere set is made in pewter and rosewood. It may have a Royal-sized pricetag of £975.00, but this is, without doubt, a quality piece which may stand the test of time better than your relationship! The set includes a cafetiere, cream jug, sugar pot and circular tray. If you’re feeling flush you could invest in the pewter teapot too and give some gloriously extravagant tea parties with your girlfriends. They’ll still be around once the caffeine (and new relationship) rush has worn off…

You can buy the Cafetiere Set online here.

Although they work as a team, Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Deygas produced the magical illustrations for the candles individually, with Kuntzel drawing the Beast: a refined, urban Bear and Deygas sketching Beauty: a chic and stylish doll. And the olfactive experiences of each character? The Beast candle features a sexy, heavy fragrance with top notes of patchouli and java vetiver layered over violet leaf and a base of woody accords. A prettier and lighter scent, Beauty’s frangrance is a feminine melange of Egyptian geranium, blackcurrant berries and violet leaf with bases notes of sensual tea rose and sandalwood. The candles are adorably packaged and although they would make a lovely gift for a new home, or to celebrate an engagement, perhaps you deserve some spoiling too?

The trailer for the candles’ launch: we can almost smell them through the screen!

[youtube width="550" height="400"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5PDr2gT3Tc[/youtube]

The candles will launch instore at the following Diptyque boutiques:

September 3rd

September 4th

September 9th

September 10th

www.diptyqueparis.com

The nice people at Harvey Nichols have obviously cottoned on to this superior idea and come up with a simply fantastic Campari Aperitivo Hamper. Aside from the love-it-or-hate-it scarlet liqueur, the box of goodies also contains chargrilled vegetables, peperone fritti, grissini, spiced black olive paste and some yummy lemon olive and balsamic vinegar. A veritable feast! If you’re a real aperitivo pro, you should probably pick up some aged prosciutto crudo, a few slices of coppa and a selection of your local deli’s finest salami too. If you’re an apertivo pro and a gourmet (or greedy person, depending on how you view your relationship with food), you could also purchase some piquant pecorino, a slab of creamy dolcelatte and some fragrant asiago. This really is a stylish snackerel. All you need now is a Mastroianni-type male (preferably one who knows how to mix a mean campari and soda) and a spot of late afternoon sunshine on a beach/garden/balcony in Capri/Provence/other idyllic location.

You can purchase the Campari Aperitivo Hamper on the Harvey Nichols website.