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Who doesn't love a picnic? Whether you're going on a date, organising a children's birthday party or simply want to enjoy a bottle of wine with friends, picnics make a great outing.
Now - we know what you might be thinking - a picnic during the winter? Yep, it might be hard to believe, but winter picnics are totally a thing, and they're pretty damn cosy if you ask us.
Between the delicious hot drinks (um MULLED WINE) and warm, fluffy blankets, winter picnics get a 10/10. To help you see what we see, we've created a list of everything you need to have your very own wintery picnic.
So, what does a winter picnic actually entail? One of our favourite ideas for a winter picnic is a bonfire picnic, which is great if you live near a beach or even at your local picnic spot. If you are planning a bonfire picnic, just be sure that you are taking all the necessary precautions and are following the law.
Winter picnic essentials
Before we get to the fun part, we've rounded up a list of top winter picnic necessities you can't go without.
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Keep your soup, or beverages warm no matter how chilly it gets with this handy dandy thermos.
Any winter picnic is incomplete without a heavy-duty, waterproof picnic blanket. If you're not a fan of the stripes, there's also an adorable tartan design we're obsessed with.
Hosting a bonfire picnic? You won't get far without a fire pit. Measuring 50cm in diameter, this fire pit is perfect for burning timber and roasting some marshmallows.
Enjoy delicious picnic snacks while also saving the planet with this eco-friendly alternative to plastic plates.
What's a wooden plate without some wooden cutlery? These are disposable and biodegradable, perfect for your outdoor winter soiree.
This water-resistant cooler bag will keep all your snacks and beverages cool and fresh, no matter what.
Food ideas
Food is always the number one priority on our list, and a picnic is an occasion that calls for lots and lots of delicious food. Think scones, cake, sandwiches, soup, roasted marshmallows - the list truly goes on.
Containing everything from macarons to double chocolate biscuits, clotted cream fudge and cake, this hamper is the perfect winter picnic companion.
If you can't make an actual bonfire happen, don't fret. This marshmallow toasting kit contains everything you need to roast marshmallows, including skewers, a toaster and two flavours of marshmallows.
www.ocado.com
Who doesn't enjoy a quiche? Ready in 15 minutes, these mini quiches are perfect for packing on a picnic and come in five delicious flavours.
What's a picnic without some crisps? The Torres Selecta Spanish crisps are too delicious for words and never disappoint.
Eat along with some fresh bread and olives, and you've got yourself a picnic that dreams are made of.
www.tesco.com
Treat yourself to a selection of Tesco's favourites, such as pimento-stuffed olives, roasted tomatoes with mozzarella, and green and black olives - drooling yet?
www.fortnumandmason.com
Another hamper - but you can you blame us? Have yourself a Fortnum's feast with this collection of scrumptious biscuits, shortbreads and tipples.
Drink ideas
Whether you're looking to have a wholesome hot chocolate night or a boozy one with the gals, we've rounded up the very best drinks for your winter picnic.
Hot chocolate on a stick might be the most picnic-friendly (and genius) idea we've ever heard of. Simply pack some warm milk in a thermos, pop your hot chocolate stick in, and you're good to go.
Heat some of this stuff up before you leave the house, pop it in a thermos and enjoy the warm, cinammony deliciousness.
Whoever thought of wine in a can deserves a Nobel Prize in our opinion, and this Pale Rose case of 12 will get you through every winter picnic on the agenda.
Picnic and Pimm's are basically synonymous. Enjoy a classic Pimm's and lemonade straight from the can, best served chilled of course.
Sometimes, all you want to do is crack open a cold one, and this BrewDog 12 pack of bestselling beers will help you do just that.
www.tesco.com
At just 95 calories per can, White Claw's hard seltzers are not only a healthier drink option, but they're also pretty delicious.
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Dress ready for anything with the stunning autumn/winter collection from Tu Clothing
Winter picnic game ideas
Bring along a few cards or board games to amp up the fun on your next picnic date. Stuck on ideas on what to bring? Here are our top three picks.
A fun, chaotic and incredibly entertaining, Exploding Kittens is a card game full of surprises and excitement.
A game that will guarantee a lot of laughs, Obama Llama will have you and your friends shouting bizarre rhymes in no time.
We all know and love UNO, but this Extreme version has an extra level of difficulty thanks to the introduction of a random card shooter.
Winter picnic checklist
Food: Obvious but perhaps the most important, food is our number one consideration when it comes to picnics, and we suggest keeping things simple with some finger food, crisps, and antipasti - or if you want to be extra fancy - a meat platter.
Drinks: Whether you're opting for a cosy hot chocolate and peppermint tea vibe, or a six-pack of White Claw, drinks are a necessity for every picnic.
Games: Don't forget to bring along some cards or a fun board game to keep things interesting.