There's something quite fun and somewhat nostalgic about a picnic, don't you think? As soon as these warmer days arrive we British folk look to get out as soon as we can. Whether it's a spontaneous lunch in the park, an afternoon at the beach, or an evening watching the sunset with friends, eating outdoors has a way of making even the simplest meal feel like an occasion. But the only downside is that it can sometimes be a bit stressful. We've all experienced a squashed sandwich or a not-so-cold drink. So the secret to an easy-peasy, simple picnic is this...

1. The Roka Hampstead lunch bag

Designed with busy everyday life in mind, it's fully insulated to help keep your food fresh while you're out and about. The wipe-clean lining makes it wonderfully practical, while the magnetic roll-top closure and detachable shoulder strap mean it's just as stylish as it is functional. Even better, the two internal bottle holders help keep drinks upright and prevent spills, which is ideal when you're carrying lunch to your favourite picnic spot. This bag is perfect for a solo stroll or a couples date night as it's not too big and has 2 of the drinks holders.

2. The Hinza bag - the ultimate picnic hero

If there is one bag we simply couldn't imagine summer without, it's a Hinza bag. All of the Daisy Park team own one and we all love them, for a variety of reasons. Lindz uses hers for her daughters football days, Em uses it for the gym, Lizzie for storage but one thing they all use them for is also picnics. Its sturdy shape stands upright (no more toppled drinks or crushed strawberries), the durable material wipes clean in seconds, and it's roomy enough for everything from picnic blankets to fresh bread, games and sun cream.

Pop the matching cool bag inside and you'll have yourself the perfect companion for longer days out. They fit neatly inside the bag, helping to keep salads, dips and chilled drinks cool while making the most of the Hinzas generous storage space. Basically, we just can't recommend a Hinza bag enough! We've sold them for years and they're still just as popular as ever, if not more so.

3. Find your next picnic destination with a good book

One of the best things about picnics is that they don't need elaborate planning. Your local park, a quiet woodland clearing, a lakeside bench or your favourite stretch of coastline can all become the perfect dining room. But if you are looking for a bit of inspiration, or perhaps you're heading down our way on a holiday and want to find the best spot, be sure to check out our selection of walking and travel books. For example, we are based right on the edge of Exmoor National Park and have a few books on some beautiful walks to embark on in the area. We are also close to the South West Coast Path and have books for that too (just imagine enjoying a well-earned picnic looking out to a sparkling sea after a gorgeous long walk!).

Although it often seems like summer is all about jetting off on holidays, we think that actually, when it comes down to it, it's really all about those simple pleasures: long evenings, fresh air, good food and time spent with the people you love. We just hope one of the products mentioned in this blog can help you achieve some happy memories! Tap here to have a browse on our website, and we hope you have a wonderful rest of your summer.