PICNIC time is upon us – but there’s a new way to do it.
A posh picnic party has now been given the name ‘Blanquetting’ by Bloom Gin and the trend is taking hold on social media.
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Want to create your own? I spoke to expert event designer Fiona Leahy to get her top budget blanquetting tips for you to try at home . . .
ASK GUESTS TO BYOC: Fiona says: “Get everyone to bring their own cushions, so that everyone has a padded seat at the blanquet. Pillows and cushions are so great to have in abundance.”
MY TIP: Bring indoors outside, use colourful beach towels. Wilko currently has a great sale on with two for £8 across plenty of cushion ranges.
FLORAL FORAGING: “Make the blanquet visually more ‘feastlike’ by dotting jam jars of summer flowers along the middle,” says Fiona. “I only use flowers that are from the surrounding areas so that it’s more natural. Cow parsley and daisy chain napkin rings are perfect.”
MY TIP: Get kids to help out and make these or you could pick up faux flowers at Poundland. Get six Kilner jar dupes at Hobbycraft, down to £5 from £6.50, which would look lovely.
PLATTERS FLATTER: “As well as a visually pleasing way to display food, pretty trays and platters are practical for passing and sharing. Vintage plates also work really well,” says Fiona.
MY TIP: If it’s a special event, you could head to the charity shop for cheap vintage-style crockery. B&M has a selection of wooden trays, starting at a fiver.
BRANCH OUT: Fiona says: “Position the blanquet under a tree and hang fairy lights from its branches or under a few colourful giant parasols for added wow factor.”
MY TIP: Asda has a stunning selection, including a long garland of fake leaves with fairy lights woven in, for just £7!
COLOUR IT IN: “Turn drinks into visual showstoppers by adding colourful fresh fruit or frozen fruit,” suggests Fiona.
MY TIP: Create a banging G&T with a handful of Co-op frozen raspberries, £2 for 340g.
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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Michelle Keegan teases glimpse at cleavage as she poses in rare plunging neckline on summery picnic
