There’s something about a picnic that feels inherently optimistic: the first stretch of sun, a blanket on the grass, and a table (of sorts) built entirely around good food. A memorable picnic is truly effortless in feel, and while often thrown together at the last minute, we’re here to make it elevated but easy.
Whether you’re heading to the park, the coast, or simply your own garden, here’s how to build the ultimate luxury picnic, one that feels generous, indulgent and yet is entirely stress-free.
What are the best ready-to-serve picnic foods?
The foundation of any good picnic is food that travels well and tastes just as good cold if not better.
Our Smoked Salmon Convenience Pack is exactly that: beautifully sliced, perfectly portioned and ready to serve. Pair it with our Mel Bagel Toasts and a pot of Smoked Salmon Pâté for something light, elegant and effortlessly assembled on the spot.
For a slightly more substantial option, Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels are a picnic classic for good reason, soft, satisfying and easy to share.
If you’re looking to add something with a little more depth, our Sticky Maple and Sesame Salmon brings a rich, gently sweet glaze that feels indulgent without being heavy, ideal for grazing throughout the afternoon.
What savoury picnic classics should I include?
A luxury picnic should always balance refinement with familiarity, the kind of food everyone reaches for instinctively.
Our Handmade Sausage Rolls are essential: golden, flaky and available in two flavours; pork and Branston pickle or Old Spot with nduja. Alongside them, our Homemade Scotch Eggs offer something a little more substantial — perfectly cooked eggs available wrapped in seven different flavours, made to be sliced and shared.
For something steeped in British heritage, Mrs King’s Melton Mowbray Pork Pies are a must. Rich, traditional and undeniably satisfying, they anchor the table beautifully.
Our Artisan Charcuterie Selection adds variety and depth, a mix of cured meats that pairs effortlessly with everything else on the table. Serve with Fine Dining Rolls or Seeded Crackers for a spread that feels abundant without any effort.
And for something subtly spiced and unmistakably British, our Coronation Chicken brings a gentle warmth and creaminess that works perfectly tucked into bread or spooned onto crackers.
To finish the savoury spread, a tin of Cheese Straws adds a crisp, buttery bite, the kind of detail that elevates the entire picnic.
What sweet treats are best for a picnic?
Dessert at a picnic should feel playful and easy, something you can pass around without ceremony.
A selection of Macaroons brings colour and lightness, while our Lemon and Pistachio Cake offers something a little more refined, soft, fragrant and perfectly suited to a spring or summer afternoon.
For something quintessentially seasonal, All Year Round Summer Pudding in a Pot is hard to beat. Bursting with berries and neatly portioned, it delivers all the nostalgia of a traditional pudding with none of the effort.
Should I include cheese in a picnic?
Always. A well-chosen cheese selection turns a good picnic into a great one.
The Classic Cheese Box is perfectly balanced for sharing, a mix of British cheeses that pair beautifully with both charcuterie and something sweet. Add Seeded Crackers, perhaps a spoonful of chutney, and it becomes a centrepiece in its own right.
Are hampers a good option for a picnic?
If you want everything taken care of, a curated hamper is the ultimate solution, thoughtful, abundant and ready to go.
The British Artisan Hamper celebrates the very best of British produce, bringing together a selection that feels both generous and considered.
For something a little different, the Afternoon G&T Hamper adds a sense of occasion, perfect for long afternoons that stretch into early evening.
The Deluxe Hamper offers a more expansive spread, ideal for sharing with a larger group or marking a special occasion.
And for the most indulgent option of all, Forman’s Finest Hamper delivers an exceptional selection of smoked salmon, pâté, charcuterie and more, the kind of picnic that feels less like a meal and more like an experience.
How do I create a luxury picnic without overcomplicating it?
The key is choosing food that’s been made properly, so you don’t have to. A balance of delicate fish, savoury classics, something sweet and a few thoughtful extras creates a picnic that feels complete without any last-minute stress.
Layer textures and flavours, crisp crackers, soft breads, rich pâté, fresh fish, sweet desserts, and let the variety do the work.
Because the best picnics aren’t about cooking. They’re about gathering, sharing, and enjoying food exactly as it should be: outdoors, in good company, and with absolutely no rush at all.