British weather is often unpredictable, especially in the summer months. As a Nation, we have an admirable attitude towards not letting the rain dampen our spirits or stand in the way of our weekend plans.

This blog post is dedicated to quintessentially British family barbecues and picnics in the park. At Farrar & Tanner, we have everything you need to set up a successful day outdoors, rain or shine, with your family and friends.

Drink’s Cabinet

The promise of a cold beverage on a hot day is enough to bring the whole family together. The chance to cool down and unwind with a crisp glass of fizz is a delicious way to start the afternoon. Our Drink’s Cabinet has you covered for every social event, indoors and out.

Homeware specialists, Culinary Concepts, have designed a stunning pair of baseless flutes made specifically for outdoor sipping. The long stems can be playfully inserted into the ground to hold your prosecco upright, completely freeing your hands to lie back and relax. It’s a genius twist on the classic design, ideal for boozy picnics and a smart choice for back garden lounging.

If a last-minute heat wave sparks impromptu plans, don’t forget the essentials like a corkscrew and bottle opener. Avoid making any sporadic purchases, and rely on wine specialists, L’Atelier Du Vin, for their selection of high-quality sommelier tools.  Their modern and expert designs are cleverly constructed to help with hosting and make summer nights more enjoyable. Their range extends from pocket-friendly gadgets to table centrepiece creations, so you can find the right tool for the occasion.

 For those who prefer spirits, it’s best to decanter your liquor from a glass bottle for ease of carrying and drinking. The traditional hipflask is the ultimate solution, and we have a complete range of designs from British brands like Royal Selangor, English Pewter and Pinder Brothers. Both practical and discreet to use, they’re ideal for outdoor drinking.

Head Chef

The picnic menu can be as minimal or indulgent as you like, but it’s important to pre-plan to ensure you aren’t stuck slicing a quiche with a spoon or eating potato salad with your fingers. Our recommendation is to pack some staple utensils and lightweight cookware to be prepared for all dishes and snacks.

It might not seem important to consider, but the right utensils and accessories will make a huge difference to your overall experience. The humble wooden chopping board is a bulky and awkward item to carry but is worth its weight in versatility. As well as its intended purpose you can create a charcuterie board or present snacks that may spill if sat on an uneven surface. Avoid the need to carry sharp utensils by packing a butter knife instead. A universal accessory that can be used to slice cheeses or fruit, it’s also handy for spreading condiments and serving up dips.

A family barbecue is all about the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. The sizzle of burgers on the grill, the smoky aroma of sausages, and the sweet taste of charred corn on the cob. But behind every successful barbecue is the chef, and their quality cookware. From sturdy stainless-steel tongs that give you control over the grill, to sharp steak knives that easily slice through meat, the likes of Opinel and Tramontina offer the best tools for perfectly cooked food and stress-free serving.

Investing in a proper apron is also a genius way to make life easier when taking control of cooking outdoors. Minimise mess to your clothes and outdoor area, with an apron with pockets that allow you to organise and carry all your barbecue essentials. Dutch brand Crafted Leather offers an array of apron designs that vary in texture and size to favour every family cook’s needs.

For a more intimate affair, why not consider a pre-made box of treats ready for date night? Our refined selection of Gift Hampers is each tailor-made to combine delicious little luxuries into one easy-to-carry box. Ideal for gifting to loved ones, they also make a quick and convenient picnic set-up. Choose from wine, crackers and cheese, or champagne and chocolates, to form part of a romantic summer dining experience.

Entertainment

Enjoying one another’s company and sharing conversation is the main premise of every social event but why not try to pre-arrange entertainment? It keeps spirits up and encourages everyone to get involved and have fun.

Our premium games specialist Manopoulos, offer travel-sized board games ideal for outdoor entertainment. They are small and lightweight to carry, and quick to set up for immediate gameplay. It’s a great option for players of all ages, keeping children settled, and engaging in fun with the rest of the adults. Assemble players of all ages to play a family favourite or get creative and learn something new.

Music is always a great addition to any family function, turning a simple gathering into a lively celebration. The right playlist sets the mood, whether it's classic tunes that everyone can sing along to or upbeat tracks that get people dancing. The key to making sure everyone can enjoy the music is a good Bluetooth speaker. Gingko offer a range of portable and powerful Bluetooth speakers that anyone can connect to and play DJ. With easy connectivity and the ability to move the speaker, it’s great to bring with you wherever you go and take the party with you.