Picnic essentials for outdoor dining and a fantastique summer!

Summer is officially here on the 21st June and we’re ready for it! Are you?


To us here at La Basketry, summer months bring plenty of bright colours, fresh food and alfresco dining. And what better way to dine outdoors than a picnic?


To celebrate National Picnic Day on the 18th June, and the launch of our brand new, handwoven picnic baskets, we’ve put together a list of our ultimate picnic essentials, so that you can get out there and enjoy the summer the best way possible.


So, get ready to round up your friends, set a date, and make some beautiful memories!

1. A Picnic Blanket from Tartan Blanket Co.


 

First things first, you’ll want somewhere comfy and beautiful to sit, and we LOVE the wide variety of ‘gram worthy options at Tartan Blanket Co. (So worthy in fact, that you might have spotted one on our feed recently.)


Whether you opt for a traditional tartan, or fancy mixing things up with a stripe or herringbone pattern, these blankets are made from super soft materials - from recycled wool to cashmere - so you and your friends can sit stylishly in your alfresco spot.


Founded by Emma and Fergus, TBCo. focuses on creating a positive impact with their brand. By partnering with makers in India and inner Mongolia, they’ve made eco-switches to their supply chain, packaging, and future direction. They’re a family business through and through, and are launching a brilliant initiative: 1% for the People + 1% for the Planet, where donations from their revenue go towards making positive change.

2. Food glorious food! Grazing boxes from BERRY and Brie.


 

What’s a picnic without food? We don’t know about you, but picnics to us mean plenty of picky bits to enjoy, and graze boxes are the perfect choice! 


BERRY and Brie are a bespoke catering business founded by Mako Ndoro, a passionate foodie with a love for art and great flavours. With an eclectic mix of savoury options like this EPIC Signature Cheese Box, to this Sweet Treat Afternoon Tea (including our favourite French macarons), there’s something to suit everyone’s taste, plus, they’re so beautifully presented you’ll no doubt impress your friends with these!


Just the two of you? Try out this Mini Picnic Box, packed with artisan cheeses, olives, chutney and so much more, topped with edible flowers for that extra special summer touch.

 

3. A tipple or two. Summer cocktails from La Maison Wellness.


 

We’ve got the blanket and the food, but what about the drinks? We love the fresh and vibrant cocktails from La Maison Wellness, that combine mindfulness and bold flavours to create low- and no-alcohol drinks. Perfect for all-day grazing!


Our favourite? The Paris Dakar, a non-alcoholic sangria made especially for La Basketry, inspired by France and Senegal to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our world.

Make your own Paris Dakar 0% Sangria:

Ingredients

- 1 bottle of Zéra non-alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon

- 200ml Bissap (hibiscus tea)

- 60ml organic maple syrup

- A few bits of chopped pineapple & an orange 

- 1 tablespoon Orange Blossom Water

- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla paste

- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

- 1 cinnamon stick 

- Optional splash of soda water


Technique

Build in a carafe


Glass

Wine glass


Garnish

Pineapple leaves, orange & thyme


Delicious!!

 

4. Something crafty, of course.


 

A peaceful picnic outdoors is the perfect time to get your craft on and let your mind wander as far away from work and daily stresses as possible.


Great choices are things like knitting or crochet, or why not try your hand at weaving your very own twine basket with our DIY Twine Basket Kit? With easy-to-follow instructions available to watch on your phone, you can create a beautiful miniature basket using two different coloured twines and cotton rope.


A firm favourite with Stylist Magazine and ITV’s Lorraine, this little project makes for a great gift to a friend or loved one. Plus, throughout June, we’re donating 10% of every sale of the Twine Basket Kit to Mosaik Education in support of Refugee Month.

 

5. A picnic basket!


 

Last but not least, you’ll need somewhere to store all of your wonderful picnic supplies, and that’s where our brand new hand woven Picnic Baskets come in!


Our sturdy and stylish picnic baskets were lovingly designed by our founder, Tabara, and are handmade in two colour options - natural and yellow - by our highly skilled team of artisan women in Eastern Senegal. 


With plenty of space to store your delights and a strong handle to carry it with you, we know this one will be a firm favourite all summer long. 



Shop your Picnic Basket here and snap a photo of your ultimate picnic spread, tagging us on Instagram @labasketry.


Bon appétit!

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