IT'S NATIONAL PICNIC WEEK

Time to grab the hamper – 11-19th June is officially National Picnic Week.  With a little bit of luck the weather will be kind and we’ll all have chance to throw down a rug, stretch out and enjoy some lovely food in the great outdoors. Here are a couple of clever picnic-ready, easy to do ideas to tempt you in to donning your flip flops and joining in the fun…

Pretty Italian Pressed Sandwiches – Pile them high with whatever you fancy (our favourites are pesto, parma ham, mozzarella, tomato and spinach with a drizzle of olive oil) - press everything down well (a plate with heavy tins on works well) and leave for an hour before cutting into portions and wrapping in greaseproof paper.  From williowbirdbakery.com  

Sandwich on a Stick – Perfect for the non-carb eaters. Or have a few versions of these for people to choose from and some bread rolls on hand so people can build their own combos. Image source: Hostess with the Mostess      

Ready to go salads – Just pop in to a plastic cup with a fork, and you're done. Check out these salad ideas on thechicsite.com      

Strawberry Jar Cheesecakes - So simple to make and mess free. Recipe and photograph from sainsburymagazine.co.uk    

PS> Like the pink striped picnic rug in our photo? It's from the lovelyindeed.com website. Go and have a look and find out to make one of your very own.