The best way to truly enjoy the summer is al fresco dining. Whether this is on a sun-kissed patio or in the heart of the local countryside, there is something rather special about eating outside.
If you love your home comforts then fire up the BBQ and take the kitchen outdoors. However, if the nature lover in you adores the retro feeling of al fresco dining with a good picnic, then read on as I take a look at some of your best options for outdoor dining this summer.
Home al fresco dining
If you are planning a summer of al fresco home dining, then you want to make sure that you are prepared. Dust off the BBQ and check that it is in good condition. Whether it runs on gas, or you prefer a charcoal barbecue make sure that you have plenty of fuel on hand. After all, the last thing you want is for this to run out in the middle of cooking. Check your BBQ tools over as well and if they are looking a little worse for wear then treat yourself to a new set. Viners do a fantastic everyday set that has everything that you should need.
Turn your attention to your dining table. Whilst you may not want to bring your best crockery outside for fear of breaking it, there are still plenty of options available to you. You may want to invest in some crockery that you keep just for your al fresco dining meals. In addition to the standard plates and bowls, don’t forget some serving platters for things like bread and, of course, a large bowl for salad. A beautiful salad serving set like the birch one made by KitchenAid is a great addition that is sure to impress your guests.
When it comes to outdoor dining don’t forget to offer your guests plenty to drink, and have non-alcoholic options on hand, as the warmer weather can make it easy to become dehydrated. A pitcher is a great option for drinks like Pimm’s or a non-alcoholic cocktail and glass tumblers are less likely to fall over than wine glasses, as outdoor tables are often not as stable as indoor ones.
Don’t forget, if it’s very hot that you may want to add plenty of ice cubes to pitchers of drink to help keep it cool. It is always worth investing in a good quality ice cube tray. The Joseph Joseph Flow Easy Fill Ice Cube Tray, which has a lid to prevent tainting from freezer odours, is a great choice.
Prepare for your picnics
If picnicking is your thing, then you should consider investing in a cooler that will help you to keep your food cool. There is nothing worse than a picnic that has started to warm up in the heat. There should be enough room for your picnic and an ice pack, but don’t get anything too bulky if you are planning to walk some distance to your picnic spot. You could also consider some good quality lunch storage boxes like those from Villeroy and Boch that are sure to keep your lunch items contained and won’t leak.
A flask is also another essential item for a picnic. Not only do they keep hot drinks hot, but they can also be used to keep cold drinks cold, which is very handy when you are out and about. The Stanley flask is an iconic piece of picnic equipment that has a fantastic reputation for quality and durability.
