What to do when you invite someone round, how to set the table, how to arrange the seating.  A few simple rules for you to remember.

PICNIC 

If you want your food to arrive at its destination in the best possible condition, you should choose your carrying case very carefully. 

The hamper is the classic picnic container. This, however, when very full becomes difficult to carry: for this reason, two-handled versions are more practical, as they allow you to share the weight. These hampers are, in any case, extremely useful for carrying plates, cutlery and glasses, which can be made of glass or china, or of some unbreakable material. Should they be china, we recommend wrapping each item in a serviette and placing the cutlery in suitable containers. 

Although not strictly essential, covered containers are certainly useful and practical, as they allow you to transport the food, without risking spillage of liquids. In order to verify that the container is watertight, half fill it with water, close and turn it upside down over the sink, moving it around in all directions. If not even a drop of water comes out, your food will be safe. 

During the hotter days, a freezer bag is essential. There are various types made of different materials and they should be filled with ice or specially designed ice packs and will keep drinks and food, such as vegetables and cheeses, cool for several hours. If you wish to reduce the amount of bags, you could also use the freezer bags for the transportation of the plates and cutlery, as well as any glass items. 

Don’t forget to take blankets and folding seats or, better still, stools which are just as comfortable and certainly less cumbersome. 

For drinks, Thermos flasks are extremely useful. They should be heated or cooled before pouring the drink into them. Small flasks are very practical and discreet for the transportation of small quantities of liquid, perhaps to add to the champagne or fruit cordial. 

IDEAL MENU FOR A LAKESIDE PICNIC (for 6 people)

Preparation

First serve the ‘Frittatine al forno’ with sweet potatoes and sage, then move on to the pièce de résistance of the picnic: the ‘pagnotta campagnola’, which should be sliced and accompanied by lime juice. You can prepare these dishes the day before and cook them the morning of the picnic.

The brownies, whose rich flavour will end the picnic beautifully, can even be prepared two days before and kept in an airtight container. 

Drinks to accompany the meal

Bring a freezer bag full of ice with you, and in it, put a bottle of lime juice, fizzy mineral water, a bottle of Chardonnay and finally a Merlot, to be sipped during the afternoon. 
Don’t forget a thermos flask of hot coffee, to be served with the brownies. 

Next month how to prepare the foods for your Picnic!