A moveable feast "t it
As picnic season approaches, Rachael Street selects the most glamorous gear for lunching alfresco.
lthough picnicking hasn't
always been an outdoors
at'l'air (the original meaning was a meal to which eyeryhody contrihutedl. its modern. open air incarnation llilx a special place in most people's heattx and childhood memories. 'l‘here ix nothing liner than tmmching on your lunch while enjoying the glories ol' the Scottish countryside. or haying your own harhequeue on the beach. But the humble picnic has also heen the setting tor lair share ol' monutnental moments in literature and lilm. All that l't‘exh air and warm chardonnay tnight he partly to blame. but there ix \omething ahoul tranxlerring an ordinary domestic eyent into a heautil‘ul outdoor setting that seemingly cannot fail to yield dramatic i'cxlllls. liM l‘orster w as paniculat‘ly fond of the all‘t‘esco trip think of (ieorge limerson collipttlsiycl} lx'lsxillg Lucy Honeychurch out in the Florentine hills in A Room ll'iI/i it View. or the ill—lated excursion to the Marahar ('ayes in .-l l’uuugt' to India. And while the Bo\ Hill picnic in Jane Austen‘s Ifmmu ends with the lead character insulting the mouse—like Miss Bales. it‘s all just l'uel l'or her simmering relationship with Mr Knightly in characteristic commanding style.
Although picnics are always yulnerahle to certain yat'iahle factors (the elements. the quality ol‘ the loud. the moods ()l. the attendees). they are neyer dull and transform a regular sandwich into a culinary treat. But there's nothing more ettihat't';t.\‘.\itig than turning tip with a grotty old cooler bag that has seen better days. or worse still. forgetting the cork screw. So make sure you haye the right equipment and you'll he one step closer to picnic heayen.
ilx
1. Victorinox Swiss Army Knives. Tiso. www.tiso.com. from £13; 2. 2-person picnic hamper. John Lewis. £99; 3. Vacuum jug. lnhouse. www.inhouse-uk.com. £39.50; 4. Atelier LCZ paper napkins. Fancy Dans, www.fancydans.com. £5 for 20; 5. Dilly Tiffin. Habitat. £15; 6. 4-person hamper, John Lewis. £39; 7. Tiffin Box. Debenhams. £15; 8. Picnic backpack/trolley. Debenhams, £30; 9. Tartan throws, Anta. www.anta.co.uk. £120
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28 Apt—‘2 Ma; 200:, THE LIST 1 15