The moment that temperatures start to rise and the daylight lingers long into the evening, one thing is certain: dinner is moving outside.
One of the many joyous things about summer is that every meal has the potential to realise its true potential as a picnic, BBQ or general small-plate affair – crisps and dips, cheese and charcuterie, a rainbow of salads or even some grilled meats and veg, if you have the means.
For those days when you’re sprawled in the park, on a gentle hike through the great outdoors (we’re got you covered for that here) or simply sat on your fire escape, pretending it’s a balcony, here’s a Wish List for everything you need to for an outdoor dining set-up. Best enjoyed with blue skies overhead, but still designed to bring some sunshine if the weather isn’t on your side.
The Portable Fridge
Not your average cool box. This aesthetically pleasing design from Fieldbar keeps drinks cool for up to 50 hours, is lightweight enough to carry around with you and comes with a cross-body strap, for days when you want to take dinner to the park. €199, Fieldbar
The Picnic Blanket To Backdrop Your Flatlays
A picture-perfect picnic requires a picture-perfect blanket. This bow-adorned design by Gohar World is made from Shahi, an Egyptian textile that provides its striped finish. It even comes with shoulder straps, so you can roll it up and carry it around like a cute bag. £376, Gohar World
The Crowd-Pleasing Snack
No gathering is complete without crisps and dip. The hosts out there are already serving them up in style in an XL tin – this one from Bonilla A La Vista is a ready-made serving dish packed with 500g of perfectly salted chips. Should be enough to last you at least one sunny day. £29.95, Bonilla A La Vista at Fortnum & Mason
The Low-Alc (But Full-Taste) Sip
A glass of rosé, enjoyed outdoors, is a widely recognised symbol that summer has begun. Wednesday’s Domaine offers two low-alc versions that are permanently in our fridge: the new 6.5% Aprèm or the 0% Elan – all the flavour of a crisp, pale rosé, less ABV. From £14.99, Wednesday’s Domaine
The Drinks Holder You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ever tried to balance a drink on a grassy surface? It will, inevitably, get knocked over. Unless you have a wine stake: a handy little tool to balance your glass (wine, tumbler, even some mugs) above-ground. This one from Winestains is fittingly made from recycled wine barrels. AUD $45, Winestains at August & Alvina
The Small But Mighty BBQ
Not everyone has a garden, most love a BBQ. The solution: a compact grill that you can fit anywhere it’s safe to fire up. This sleek stainless-steel design from Hay is small enough for your patio and portable enough to take wherever you plan to dine. Burgers for everyone. €223, Hay at Finnish Design Shop
The Serveware That Protects Your Food
The days of trying to fit your serving dishes into a shady corner of the table are over. This food dome and tray set from Coro Cora is crafted by artisans from Usiacurí, Colombia, using natural fibres and techniques passed down for generations – to shield your snacks from the sun in style. €77, Coro Cora
The Pocket Cocktail
When the weather warms, our desire to fuss around with ingredients dwindles – but our want for something tasty does not. Keeping (still) canned cocktails in your freezer = instant aperitifs on tap. With its blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth and Campari, Whitebox’s Boulevardier is a bittersweet sip that’s set to be this summer’s negroni. £4.99, Whitebox at Selfridges
The Umami-maxxing Condiment Line-Up
Picnics are all about packing light. Avoid having to prep different meals for different tastes with Cabi’s trio of vinegars and sauces, which allow you to customise the usual picnic fare with the umami flavours of Japanese fermentation. (Add the peppercorn miso to a potato salad and thank us later.) $36, Cabi at Big Night
The Scene-Setter (& Insect-Repeller)
The only downside to alfresco snacking? The flies. A good citronella candle will keep them at bay, and Diptyque’s version is infused with lemongrass, to keep bugs away while delivering the fresh scent of summer. A perfect gift for any host. €65, Diptyque
