Photo credit – Royal Doulton.

Summer is finally here and I don’t know about you but I really can’t get enough of this gorgeous weather at the minute. The garden has become my new dining room, the bbq has never been so in demand! Waking up to sunshine makes me feel alive and puts a huge spring in my step, at the weekend if we have a clear day I love nothing more than packing up a picnic and heading off for the day to make the most of precious times with family and friends. Alfresco dining doesn’t have to be paper plates and plastic cups, there is so much stylish picnicwear out there which is worth investing in and can be used year after year. So I thought I would show you some of my favorites for packing up the perfect picnic. As you can probably tell from my edit, I love the idea of using fun prints from the great outdoors.

First up, if you’re heading off for the day you’re going to need a large cooler bag, I do love a traditional, wicker picnic basket but they’re not going to keep the prosecco cool for long on these hot summer days. So here are my favourite cooler bags.

1.Sophie Allport – John Lewis  2 Kate Spade – Amara. 3. Anorak.

No picnic is complete without a picnic blanket. I love these designs plus they each have a water resistant back and roll away into adjustable carry handles.

4.Sopie Allport – John Lewis 5.Anorak 6. Anorak 7. Anorak

Melamine has never looked so stylish! Here is a selection of my favourite outdoor dinnerware.

8. Kartell – Amara 9. Ombre wooden cutlery – Pipii 10.Royal Doulton – John Lewis 11.Palm Leaf plates – Pipii 12. Plan leaf bowls – Pipii 14.Royal Doulton – John Lewis

A flask is essential to take a coffee along but I also use it to store ice to keep the Pimms cool!

13. Orla Kiely – Cotswold Trading

And finally how cute is this Marshmallow toasting kit, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth and also great fun for the kids!

15. NOTHS

Here’s to more of this amazing weather and more picnics, fun and frolics in the sunshine.