With the summer months and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to have yourself a right royal picnic.
And to make things so much easier Cartwright & Butler have looked to find the most Instagrammable royal gardens and parks that are perfect for a summer’s day picnic.
Their findings have revealed that Osborne House on the Isle of Wight is indeed the most stunning spot for a royal-themed picnic in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area.
So what makes Osborne House so special?
Firstly it was the former royal residency of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who would both flock to the property for a slice of respite.
Moreover, the Prince himself actually designed the property in the Italianate Style because the beautiful views over the Solent reminded him of the Bay of Naples.
And as such on a sunny you truly feel like you have been transported to the Mediterranean!
Cartwright & Butler have also shared their top tips to posh up your picnic, from the ultimate set-up to the royal-approved foods to bring.
The ultimate picnic checklist:
- Picnic blankets & cushions
- Picnic hamper
- Reusable / environmentally friendly plates and cups
- Tablecloth & napkins
- Cutlery
- Salt and pepper shaker
- Water jugs
- Coolbox and icepacks
- Citronella candles
- Flower posies
- Great Food & Drink - a feast fit for royalty (or just a foodie)
- Table décor to really posh up the picnic
Set the scene with décor
Swap old picnic blankets for pastel throws and cushions to make the occasion comfier and more stylish. You could even go the extra mile and bring the likes of bunting, flowers, and candles which will help make your picnic feel like an event and give it more of a sense of occasion. Even the smallest of details, like bringing napkin rings, can posh up your picnic with ease.
Pack your favourite food and drinks!
The most important part of a picnic, without a doubt, is good food. When creating a posh picnic, it’s all about putting a decadent twist on classics! Some of the best foods to take are:
- Sandwiches: go for smoked salmon (a reported favourite ingredient of the Queen’s) and cream cheese, or cucumber and tomato. Just make sure you use bread such as sourdough or a French stick that won’t go soggy during the day.
- Finger foods: crisps and dips, sausage (or vegan) rolls, scotch eggs, mini frittatas, cheese straws, olives, fruits.
- Salads: top tip, try avoiding using leaves as a base to your salad, as these can wilt through the day, opt for pasta or gran-based dishes with veggies. Take your dressing in a separate pot and add this to salad just before eating!
- Cheeseboard: a picnic is not complete without a cheese board, pack your favourite cheeses and accompaniments.
- Drinks: try something refreshing like iced tea with sliced lemon, raspberry lemonade, or fresh orange juice.
How to repel pesky bugs
One of the biggest annoyances at any picnic can be pesky bugs. To repel the likes of wasps, flies and other unwanted guests you can use citronella scented candles. You can also try natural remedies such as investing in herbs or flowers known for repelling insects, such as rosemary, lavender, marigolds and mint.
Games and activities to complete the day
Whether it be ball games such as football, badminton, or cricket, or taking some paints and crayons to sketch the scenery around you, fun activities are a sure way to complete the day! Just be sure to check the rules for the area you’re in.
For further picnic inspiration, go to: https://www.cartwrightandbutler.co.uk/blog/top-tips-posh-your-picnic-2022
