The summer months of June and July evokes thoughts of soft summer rain, buttercups in rolling country fields, Sunday lunches, and traditional outdoor events.

Venturing into the great outdoors with a heaving picnic hamper is one of the great joys of summer, but before you settle into a shady spot to snaffle your sandwiches and scotch eggs, there’s plenty of prep to be done.

If you are setting off for Wimbledon this year, or maybe just enjoying it from afar, discover our guide to packing the perfect picnic for a glorious afternoon under the sun.

Pack a practical basket

They form the perfect foundation for a fabulous alfresco lunch this summer and so selecting the right one is essential. Shop a few of our editor’s favourites below and stow away your spread in style.

Pair the perfect rosé

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year partnered with luxury South African fruit and wine farm Babylonstoren, to produce the first official rosé for the iconic annual show. Babylonstoren RHS Rosé will be available at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and for a limited time at some RHS gardens. It will also be available throughout via Babylonstoren’s friends in the UK, The Newt in Somerset at shop.thenewtinsomerset.com, as well as a variety of independent wine stores and hospitality outlets throughout the UK.

Charl Coetzee, Cellarmaster at Babylonstoren, said to Licensing Magazine: “Babylonstoren RHS Rosé is an ideal accompaniment for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, both of which celebrate spring and the coming of summer. We’re thrilled to be working with the RHS and, like our partner in this exciting initiative, we’re looking forward enormously to our first sip of Babylonstoren RHS Rosé.”

Having a touch of class in the park is an opportunity we wont be passing up. Order your bottle online at shop.thenewtinsomerset.com

Every picnic needs a Plush blanket

Be comfortable, relax and celebrate the arrival of sunnier weather with an alfresco feast on these gorgeous picnic rugs.

Take Your Picnic to the Next Level

They say the devil’s in the detail, so don’t be left without a few of these key accessories that are often overlooked but surprisingly handy at outdoor feasts.

Pack your luxlo spirit for a luxe G&T

One of the hottest drinks to hit the low-alcohol market is the new LUXLO - a powerhouse gin alternative. Its lower calorie, reduced alcohol content, plus the ethical aspect of it being vegan, is what makes this our go-to spirit for special occasions. The master distiller at LUXLO has thoughtfully concocted a vibrant blend of juniper plus nine botanicals. Flavours include Blood Orange, Passion Fruit, and Pomegranate and Raspberry. LUXLO spirits come in 70cl or a stylish pack of four bottles at 5cl each. Cocktail mix options are endless with LUXLO.

Discover LUXLO spirits at luxlospirits.com

Luxury Biscuits by Pierre Marcolini

How is one to have a beautiful picnic in Hyde Park only to have no biscuits to satiate the sweet tooth? Queue the delicately soft creations of Pierre Marcolini’s new summer collection. You’ll find sublime creations such as Bergamot Amaretti biscuits, Orange Fennel Macaroons, a delectable Citrus Cake and intricate Pamplemoussettes (candied grapefruit strips coated with homemade milk chocolate.) Discover the full collection at marcolini.com.

The finishing touches

Add a little je ne sais quoi to any picnic with some delectable aperitivo and delightful cheese and biscuits.