IS your picnic kit ready for the sunny days ahead?

The beauty of al fresco dining is you can eat out without breaking the bank.

The beauty of al fresco dining is you can eat out without breaking the bank

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The beauty of al fresco dining is you can eat out without breaking the bankCredit: Getty

But investing in some affordable gear will make the occasion even more special… 

BAR-MY ARMY: Try the Keter Go Bar two-in-one drinks cooler and table, £35 at B&Q, plus get an extra 25 per cent off selected outdoor items.

SITTING PRETTY: Brighten up even a dull day with a jolly rug, like the turquoise groovy floral blanket by George at Asda, £10.

KEEP YOUR COOL: With space a premium on a picnic, get your water to do two jobs. Fill some plastic bottles and stick them in the freezer the night before. They can start the day as ice packs before melting into perfectly chilled drinks for lunch.

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RETRO COOLING: For good looks alone you can’t beat the Polar 12-litre retro-style cooler box, £22 from B&M. But for a carrier that still leaves cash for your crisps and sandwiches, the same store’s Scandi Coast 25-litre picnic bag is a snip at £7.

MAKE PARKING FINE: Don’t let parking charges ruin the day. Find somewhere for free on the Parkopedia app.

BOX CLEVER: Impress a date with a proper picnic set. For style on a budget, try the four-person Monaco picnic hamper from Robert Dyas, £34.99 down from £69.99.

PACK IT IN: Steer clear of wasteful food wraps with a set of three rainbow snack boxes from Dunelm for £4. For super-saving, and savvy recycling, reuse old butter and margarine tubs.

Most read in Money

WINE NOT: Sip in style with Wilko’s four-pack of Rustic Retreat ribbed wine glasses, £9. For kids, try Sainsbury’s pack of six coloured tumblers, £1.50.

  • Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Originally £199.99, now £99.99 at Robert Dyas

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Originally £199.99, now £99.99 at Robert DyasCredit: Monaco

BE ready for the summer with a Monaco 3m x 3m gazebo with folding sides. Originally £199.99, now £99.99 at Robert Dyas.

SAVE: £100

Cheap treat

Seasonal savings on this Hello Summer cushion

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Seasonal savings on this Hello Summer cushionCredit: Aldi

SEASON’S greetings from Aldi with this bright and breezy Hello Summer cushion for £5.99.

WHAT’S NEW?

LOOKING for some festival fun without the song and dance of huge prices?

Enter the ballot for £5 tickets to Ben & Jerry’s Sundaes On The Pier at benjerry.co.uk.

The festival takes place in Hastings, East Sussex, on August 6, with headliners Soul II Soul.

All proceeds go to local charity The Refugee Buddy Project.

Top swap

Dunelm’s £119 jute border circle rug

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Dunelm’s £119 jute border circle rugCredit: Dunelm
Original Factory Shop’s jute and cotton circular mat for £12

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Original Factory Shop’s jute and cotton circular mat for £12Credit: The Original Factory Shop

WHILE we love Dunelm’s £119 jute border circle rug, above, the £12 price tag on The Original Factory Shop’s jute and cotton circular mat, below, runs rings around it.

SAVE: £107

Shop & save

Two-for-£22 on 2.5-litre pots of Wilko paint, normally £15 each

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Two-for-£22 on 2.5-litre pots of Wilko paint, normally £15 eachCredit: Wilko

SPRUCE up your walls for less with two-for-£22 on 2.5-litre pots of Wilko paint, normally £15 each.

SAVE: £8

LEAH’S LITTLE HELPER

TO make healthier choices or opt for less packaging, look out for the Better Basket logo on Tesco products.

Deals on them include a pack of two meat and veg burgers, down from £1. 50 to £1 with a Clubcard.

Hot right now

 ALDI’S Glen Marnoch Highland and Islay whiskies, £16.99, won gold medals at the International Spirits Challenge.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

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Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

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Simple iPhone hack will stop you from making the BIGGEST charging mistake

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

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