Whatever the size, there must be treats in your picnic basket!
Pick the right size Then tuck in the treats!
Out of the zillions available, how do you choose which picnic basket is perfect for your needs?
The first decision to make is regarding the size. How many people are going to be going on the picnic? This will help you decide on the size you need and whether you need an extra cooler or other carrier.
Baskets come in a variety of sizes, from the small lunch box for a single person, to extra large hampers that can easily transport enough food and dinnerware for as many as six people.
You have to consider whether you're taking posh plates and glasses or are you using disposable items which require less protection?
Many hampers come with straps on the lid to transport plates and utensils and keep them secure while traveling.
For a full family picnic one of the best options is a sturdy, wicker basket. Many of these also come with side compartments or dividers, which help you separate food - hot/cold for example.
Remember too that as well as room enough for the food for the meal, every picnic basket needs a treat or two tucked inside, just in case you need to have a nibble before the outdoor meal itself – or after it!
In the summer you might fancy a little extra something, when your al fresco lunch has drifted into a siesta and it’s still too sunny and warm to return home to the chores. In the winter, an extra treat or two will comfort you and keep you cozy!
A few sticks of beef or ostrich (low fat) biltong are great to chew on while laying out the meal. Or open up your hamper and take out some salted almonds, juicy stuffed olives or wasabi rice crackers.
Later on, when the sun is sinking, some sugar-coated almonds might have the edge over salted ones, or, if it’s chocolate you crave, then surely it’d be a treat to find some
crazy chocolate cookies
tucked up in a corner of the hamper?
Try them with a handful of fat, black cherries or a luscious ripe fig. Then lay back and relax on your blanket and cushions for a few more minutes!
