Forget the World Cup, we’re going on a picnic!
According to a survey commissioned by organisers of Spirit of Summer Fair in association with House & Garden, picnicking is now the number one choice of summertime pursuits, whereas the forthcoming World Cup provides a wonderful opportunity to get a bit of peace and quiet!
Apparently BBQs and alfresco dining have ousted strawberries and cream as the epitome of a British summer and despite the disappointing weather in Britain last year and the recent airport closures thanks to volcanic ash, surprisingly we Brits are still optimistic when it comes to summer 2010.
Summer lovin’
Out of over 1,000 respondents, 63% believe predictions that this year we’re in for a hot summer and while we worry about global warming, a massive 74% think that summers were actually warmer in our childhood. Respondents were asked what comes to mind when they think of summer and it seems that BBQs and al fresco eating epitomises summer for 58% of us, while strawberries and cream only claimed a measly 7% of votes. A further fifth of respondents felt that ‘The Season’ with Ascot, Wimbledon and Spirit of Summer Fair, was the first thing that came to mind when they thought about an English summer.
It’s a perfect day
In terms of ‘a perfect summer’s day’, a picnic with family and friends tops the bill with 40% citing this as their choice, whereas surprisingly, the romantic image of boating on a lake only claimed 2% of the votes. Lazing around seems to be the preferred option as an active day out sailing or playing tennis only appealed to 5% of those asked. However, 21% would muster the energy for a walk in the countryside but only 17% would visit an English coastal resort.
Recipe for a perfect picnic
So while we love a picnic, 12% admit to buying the food and pretending that they made it themselves! According to 37%, wasps and insects are the bane of picnics, whereas only 13% complained about the hassle of carrying heavy bags.
But over a third of those asked, claimed they couldn’t find fault with picnics at all – even the military manoeuvres only phased 7% of those questioned. Interestingly, it’s the healthy food that’s the most popular, with hummus and dips taking first place with 37% of votes, strawberries in second place with 19% and the least popular items include sausage rolls at just 7.5%. Ironically, picnic eggs scrape last place, with only 4% choosing them as a favoured picnic food.
How to be a perfect picnicker
To help you out this summer, Penny Williamson from the London Ladies Club, exhibitors at The Spirit of Summer, offers some top tips to ensure that this national pastime of picnicking is a success:
Make your own refreshing wipes by heating scented flannels microwave in cling film and stuff them in a insulated container
No salad! Nothing worse than a flaccid or soggy salad
Copy the Bento Box idea: go for individual packaging using mini-wooden and cardboard containers rather than ubiquitous plastic
Recycle tiny jam jars for sauces and individual dressing
Proper glasses please – there’s nothing quite so horrid as thin plastic cups ...
Bio-degradable cutlery such as wooden chopsticks, large cocktail sticks .... and fingers
No fuss solution: half a lemon cleans, refreshes and conditions hands and is not sticky at all
Wraps and sushi make a great alternative to sandwiches
Lots of finger food then becomes enjoyable rather than finger-licking annoying
To stand out from the crowd, make a fruit salad and put it in scooped out pre-chilled, giant watermelon
Is the burger the king of BBQ’s?
With BBQs and al fresco eating epitomising the British Summer, are we all predictably serving up the same old burnt burgers and sausages each season? Well, according to Spirit of Summer’s survey, apparently not. A massive 70% claim they do not create the same old food each time but take a more imaginative approach, often cooking fish. However nearly 10% admit that the BBQ is the man’s domain and they hate relinquishing control! 17% claim they dread that they will have the same dull food or that it may not be cooked properly. They don’t have much to fear though, as nearly 94% have never suffered from food poisoning from a BBQ.
With a full sporting calendar and men busy with the BBQ, 83% of respondents admitted they were very much looking forward to peace and quiet and the chance to do their own thing while the World Cup matches are on.
Start the season at the Fair
These findings were not a surprise to Clarion Events, organiser of The Spirit of Summer Fair, that has seen an increase in the demand for products associated with picnics, al freso dining and ‘The Season’. Accordingly, the Fair brings together a collection of the season’s most beautiful things, from accessories, fashion and alfresco living to gifts, gourmet food and wine.
Royal caterers and private dining club Mosimann's provides the ideal venue to relax and indulge, as they offer a fresh and vibrant menu featuring the best seasonal ingredients in their stylish Summer Picnic with beautifully presented food, wine and Champagne.
Those looking for further guidance for summer events, style and colour consultants Red Leopard will help you make over your summer style, hat designer Caroline Morris will show how to make your own stunning headpiece and José Collado, wine expert at Harvey Nichols, will demonstrate why sherry cocktails are the new drink of the summer.
Tickets: To book tickets visit spiritofsummerfair.co.uk
Advance adult: £14.50
Advance child (13 and over): £6.50
Premium Tickets from £22.00 (See website for details)
Tickets on the door adult: £16
Tickets on the door child (13 and over): £7.50
Children 12 and under: FREE
