All you need for a summer picnic (when it stops raining) | Checkout Picnic Guide, Summer 2014

1) China plates may look great but who wants to risk it when you can have smash-proof melamine picnicware? Apple print melamine plates £1.29 each and tumblers 79p each, dunelm-mill.com

2) It’s a crime that Habitat has been banished from the majority of our streets, we love this summery yellow woven picnic basket £32, habitat.co.uk (Hurry! It’s in the sale!)

3) Everyone loves POM-BEAR crisps, suitable for veggies and those on gluten-free diets too. Now in Smoky Bacon, Cheese and Onion, Prawn Cocktail and Very Cheesy. Pack of 6, £1.70, available nationwide

4) We’re addicted to this Danish chocolate milk with luxury cocoa and natural sugar, not just for the taste but the gorgeous packaging. We almost came to blows arguing over the last bottle in the fridge. Cocio ‘One’ has only 130 calories – not that you should be worrying about such things on a picnic. Available nationwide from June, £1.39 for 270ml, cocio.co.uk

5) For a romantic date these cute quarter bottles of Nicolas Feuillatte champagne are perfect, they come complete with a jacket and silky black wrist strap, so no one can steal them. Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 Brut £10, Nicolas Feuillatte 1/4 Rosé £12, Johnlewis.com

6) Thomas J Fudge have come up trumps again with their sweet range, from florentines, flapjacks and ‘blisscuits’, they are all dangerously good, so much so I had to hide them all from Ade. From £2.99, Waitrose.com

7) Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a new kitchen towel from Ora, yes napkins are prettier but when kids are around these win hands down. Each sheet is round and individually stacked atop a waterproof base – genius! From £1.89, www.ora-home.com

8) The best thing Cadbury’s have done since they got involved with Oreos – squares of Dairy Milk chocolate sandwiched between mini Ritz crackers (no, not the cheesy ones). 58p, all major retailers, cadbury.co.uk

9) When you don’t fancy lugging around a wicker basket, or if it’s a solo affair, this Sachi insulated back packer with detachable straps is ideal. £21, QVC.com

10) This large orange and white print blanket is great for both inside and outside use, that makes it an investment buy. Kinda. £19.99, TKMaxx

11) Summer eating = chips and dips, these textured and odd-shaped tortilla chips from Manomasa are fab. available in Chipotle & Lime, Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper and White Cheddar. Perfect for scooping up that salsa or hummus… RRP £1.85, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Amazon and Whole Foods

12) Wasps can potentially ruin a day out, especially the annoying vicious ones we have here that won’t leave you alone. In the summer I never leave the house without this insect repellent, it doesn’t totally keep them at bay but it certainly helps. £8.15, Boots.com

13) Sausage rolls should preferably be eaten warm, so if you can, bung these Donald Russell artisan ones in the oven before you head out. Supermarket substitutes just don’t compare. The salt beef is great for sandwiches, oh, and they deliver too so keep some stocked in the freezer. 8 mini sausage rolls £4.95, Salt beef £18. donaldrussell.com

14) Move over elderflower, there’s a new drink in town – Qcumber! Light and refreshing and even better with a splash of vodka, gin or even Pimm’s, it couldn’t get any more English summer. 330ml £1.49 and 750ml £2.39, Tesco, Ocado, Booths, Harrods and leading health food stores.

15) Not everyone is comfortable sitting on the floor, for such people or for older members of the family, it’s always good to have a couple of picnic chairs stashed away in the boot of the car. £14.99, TKMaxx

16) Designated drivers or non-drinkers can sip Shloer available in white or red grape, and not run the risk of a post-picnic hangover. Pack of 4, £4.29 Tesco.com

17) Wanna look super cool? Get some red cups! Did you know the lines on the outside indicate measurements for alcohol? You’re welcome. £5.30 for 20 including delivery, redcups.ie

18) A picnic isn’t a picnic without wine, and preferably a chilled fruity white such as Casillero del Diablo Devil’s Collection which has hints of pineapple, citrus and peach. Tesco £8.99

19) A washable and waterproof picnic blanket is an essential item for messy kids. This sweet kissing rabbit print one is lovely, a word of warning, don’t look at anything else when you shop for it, it’s my new favourite site. £36, Anorak

20) Children deserve their own hamper too. Carluccio’s stock the Bambini, with healthy grub such as pizzette, celery and carrot sticks.  Meanwhile the grown-up one contains regional Italian dishes, made fresh on the day. Please note, order 48 hours in advance. Bambini £10 each, Adult hamper £45 serves two, Carluccio’s