Entertaining: 10 Top Tips for an Indoor Picnic Whatever the Weather
If it’s raining outdoors, never fear – you can still picnic in the greatest of style inside
Our unpredictable British summers are frustrating, to say the least: a morning of bright sunshine can quickly turn into a drizzly afternoon, scuppering any plans for an elaborate picnic with friends. However, don’t stow away the rug and Thermos flask just yet, as picnicking indoors can be just as fun as an alfresco feast. And with a guaranteed, rain-free room to spread out in (minus the creepy-crawlies), who knows – an indoor picnic might just be the answer to our prayers… or a rainy afternoon at least.
All hail the jam jar
If there’s one upcycling trick every interiors guru will hammer home, it’s to never throw out your jam jars. For indoor picnics, these makeshift decorating gems can be filled with cold drinks for the cutest drinking vessels, embellished with a few garden blooms to pretty up your eating area, or become tealight holders should your do extend into the night.
Check out more upcycling ideas
If there’s one upcycling trick every interiors guru will hammer home, it’s to never throw out your jam jars. For indoor picnics, these makeshift decorating gems can be filled with cold drinks for the cutest drinking vessels, embellished with a few garden blooms to pretty up your eating area, or become tealight holders should your do extend into the night.
Check out more upcycling ideas
Tie up a tent
If it’s just you and the kids and the weather outside is more monsoon-like than Mediterranean, then why not throw together a DIY tent job using a length of string and an old sheet or duvet cover?
The younger members of the household and their friends will adore settling down for the day – equipped with a tasty picnic lunch of course – and pretending they are camped out in the great outdoors. Try to ban all electronic gadgets and you’ll be amazed at how quickly their imaginations take over.
If it’s just you and the kids and the weather outside is more monsoon-like than Mediterranean, then why not throw together a DIY tent job using a length of string and an old sheet or duvet cover?
The younger members of the household and their friends will adore settling down for the day – equipped with a tasty picnic lunch of course – and pretending they are camped out in the great outdoors. Try to ban all electronic gadgets and you’ll be amazed at how quickly their imaginations take over.
Show off your feast
Picnics are all about tasty titbits and delicious finger foods to snack on throughout the day. And the benefit of decamping indoors is that you won’t be plagued by wasps, flies and all other manner of creepy-crawlies!
Stash your pies, pastries, sandwiches and drinks on a table, sideboard or multi-layered buffet so guests can help themselves. Glass drinks dispensers are a great idea for any gathering, and don’t forget to dust off your cake stands, too, as these are perfect for showing off your edible goodies.
Picnics are all about tasty titbits and delicious finger foods to snack on throughout the day. And the benefit of decamping indoors is that you won’t be plagued by wasps, flies and all other manner of creepy-crawlies!
Stash your pies, pastries, sandwiches and drinks on a table, sideboard or multi-layered buffet so guests can help themselves. Glass drinks dispensers are a great idea for any gathering, and don’t forget to dust off your cake stands, too, as these are perfect for showing off your edible goodies.
Stockpile bold blankets
Every self-respecting picnicker worth his or her egg and cress sandwiches needs a pile of pretty picnic blankets as a staple piece of outdoor kit. But even if the weather takes a turn for the worse, simply use one or two to set up camp indoors and cover the floor with big, beautiful wool and crocheted designs that are begging to be sat on.
Sitting down at ground level will also put a whole new perspective on your home and, as you glance upwards, it might just inspire you to rearrange a few pictures and treasures (or get out the fluffy duster and sweep away all of those cobwebs you’ve missed!).
Every self-respecting picnicker worth his or her egg and cress sandwiches needs a pile of pretty picnic blankets as a staple piece of outdoor kit. But even if the weather takes a turn for the worse, simply use one or two to set up camp indoors and cover the floor with big, beautiful wool and crocheted designs that are begging to be sat on.
Sitting down at ground level will also put a whole new perspective on your home and, as you glance upwards, it might just inspire you to rearrange a few pictures and treasures (or get out the fluffy duster and sweep away all of those cobwebs you’ve missed!).
Max out on floor cushions
Of course, another way to stake out your place on the floor is with huge, oversized cushions and beanbags. They will allow friends to lie back and enjoy nibbles, cool drinks and picnic food – even if the rain is coming down by the bucketload outside.
Seek out heavy-duty fabrics that can withstand the elements, making your floor seating a versatile investment that will work brilliantly and comfortably both indoors and out. This modern home also has a sweep of interior faux grass to make indoor picnicking an even more enchanting prospect. Who needs sunshine when you’re this equipped, right?
Of course, another way to stake out your place on the floor is with huge, oversized cushions and beanbags. They will allow friends to lie back and enjoy nibbles, cool drinks and picnic food – even if the rain is coming down by the bucketload outside.
Seek out heavy-duty fabrics that can withstand the elements, making your floor seating a versatile investment that will work brilliantly and comfortably both indoors and out. This modern home also has a sweep of interior faux grass to make indoor picnicking an even more enchanting prospect. Who needs sunshine when you’re this equipped, right?
Add an individual touch
This is a fun idea for all indoor picnic parties. Grab a wicker basket (rattan, plastic or fabric versions will do the job just as well) and individually wrap up each knife and fork set in a serviette to hand out to guests. Also consider paper plates and cups – ideal for a speedy clean-up operation once your soiree is over.
This is a fun idea for all indoor picnic parties. Grab a wicker basket (rattan, plastic or fabric versions will do the job just as well) and individually wrap up each knife and fork set in a serviette to hand out to guests. Also consider paper plates and cups – ideal for a speedy clean-up operation once your soiree is over.
Covet the caravan look
Of course, if you are lucky enough to own or holiday each year in a caravan, these self-contained mobile units are spot-on for indoor picnics on the go.
These mini homes look cute and colourful decorated with a selection of boho-style cushions and throws in a clash of vibrant florals and geometric prints. Take inspiration from the gypsy vibe in your own home by hanging up strings of colourful bunting and serving food and drink on tin trays.
Of course, if you are lucky enough to own or holiday each year in a caravan, these self-contained mobile units are spot-on for indoor picnics on the go.
These mini homes look cute and colourful decorated with a selection of boho-style cushions and throws in a clash of vibrant florals and geometric prints. Take inspiration from the gypsy vibe in your own home by hanging up strings of colourful bunting and serving food and drink on tin trays.
Glug some pop
No proper picnic is complete without lashings of real lemonade served from a glass pitcher brimming with crushed ice and slices of fresh lemon.
Have a go at making your own traditional recipe or stock up on a stash of shop-bought bottles (the designs are beautiful enough to be a stylish feature in their own right these days) in a mix of cloudy, pink and clear lemonade varieties. And don’t forget striped straws for the ultimate old-fashioned picnic session.
No proper picnic is complete without lashings of real lemonade served from a glass pitcher brimming with crushed ice and slices of fresh lemon.
Have a go at making your own traditional recipe or stock up on a stash of shop-bought bottles (the designs are beautiful enough to be a stylish feature in their own right these days) in a mix of cloudy, pink and clear lemonade varieties. And don’t forget striped straws for the ultimate old-fashioned picnic session.
Hang up a hammock
Don’t have a gang coming round? Don’t let that stop you. Picnics for one are simply heavenly and a fast-track to kicking back, relaxing and forgetting about the world at large.
String up a hammock inside or on a covered patio and, for the most comfortable of spots, layer with a quilt and pillow. Then grab a good book and a few tasty snacks you can eat with one hand for an afternoon of pure, solitary indulgence.
See more ideas for hammocks and hanging chairs
TELL US…
Do you love to picnic indoors? Please share your tips, ideas and suggestions in the Comments below.
Don’t have a gang coming round? Don’t let that stop you. Picnics for one are simply heavenly and a fast-track to kicking back, relaxing and forgetting about the world at large.
String up a hammock inside or on a covered patio and, for the most comfortable of spots, layer with a quilt and pillow. Then grab a good book and a few tasty snacks you can eat with one hand for an afternoon of pure, solitary indulgence.
See more ideas for hammocks and hanging chairs
TELL US…
Do you love to picnic indoors? Please share your tips, ideas and suggestions in the Comments below.
Investing in a good-quality indoor/outdoor rug should be top of the list for all die-hard picnickers – it’s good to be prepared for changes in the weather. And this flexible and practical piece of kit can be moved between inside and out as necessary, so the changeable weather won’t get in the way of your fun.
Consider choosing a bold, bright colour in a busy pattern that won’t show the dirt as much as a plain, pale shade.