For picnics, whilst it is good to be practical, that doesn't mean you have to compromise on style. If you would like all the gear in one basket, Willow Direct do great picnic baskets for 2, 4 and 6 people. Or if you would prefer to build your own basket or picnic bag - choose from a selection of melamine plates and bowls, wooden boards and large platters. We also recommend adding a picnic blanket with a waterproof lining to your list - you won't regret it.

For more comfort - why not bring your own deckchairs, or floor cushions. We love to pack games to enjoy the sunshine after the food.

And don't forget the corkscrew!

"I recommend using a comfortable blanket – I love using a Wicklewood hand-block printed quilt I have. It feels very cosy and perfect when it’s too hot for a wool throw. You can layer a tablecloth or some colourful placemats on top.

Trays are always really handy when it comes to picnics especially if the surfaces you are setting the meal on are not very stable.

Set the mood with candles – but again you need to be careful with the surfaces- the last thing you want is to cause a fire! I would opt for hurricanes to keep things stylish and safe. A nice bottle of wine, some tapas and a good Spotify list will do the rest!"

Gloria Gonzalez, Directorio Deco.

For more picnic inspiration browse our Online Showroom or head to our Pinterest board

Eating al fresco is such a treat. We love making the most of it whenever the weather is good enough (and even sometimes when it's not. We're British afterall). When it comes to laying your table outside, don't think you need to play it safe! Have some fun with colour and prints that you might not put together on your indoor dining table. We love to start with a colourful tablecloth and some of our go-to brands are Penny Morrison, Wicklewood, SARAH K, Ashoka Designs and Sophie Conran. Then build up with placemats, bistro glasses, and coloured cutlery. 

Thinking practically, once you are outside you don't want to have to keep going inside. So trays are important for carrying lots in and out. As are ice buckets, wine coolers and jugs.

We always like to put fresh flowers on the table, we love using lots of different shapes and sizes of bud vases, as you can just pop a couple of stems picked from the garden in each. So simple, yet it fills the table with colour. We love bud vases from The Vintage List, Nina Cambell and Garden Trading.

"For an Al Fresco lunch or dinner, I would suggest Charred Beef with Chimichurri and four different yummy salads:

- New Potatoes finished off on the BBQ with Garlic and Rosemary

- A lovely Green salad

- Green beans with Mustard Zesty dressing

- Halloumi, Courgette and Red Pepper with Pomegranate Molasses, Za'atar, Lemon and Mint!"

Clare, Co-Founder of Doggart & Squash