Styling the Perfect Dorset Picnic

In partnership with Denby

By Megan Gibson

The season for picnics has finally arrived, and where better to celebrate the good weather than our gorgeous stretch of English coastline? Whether you’re a lifelong local or have just recently moved to the area, there are sure to be some charming spots still awaiting your discovery. In partnership with our friends at Denby, famous for their stylish and durable ceramics, I have comprised some top tips on how best to elevate your al-fresco dining this summertime, so you are fully prepped to take advantage of this precious sunshine!

Hit the beach!

The thought of picnicking at the beach may bring back unfond memories of sandy crisps and lukewarm sandwiches, but with a little bit of planning, the seaside can be an excellent place for an outdoor lunch.

DENBY TOP-TIP #1: WRAP YOUR SANDWICHES! Wrapping your sandwiches in greaseproof paper not only prevents them from falling apart during transport, but also keeps them fresh for longer. The paper can double as a sandwich holder - keeping your hands clean, and your sandwiches sand-free!

Mudeford Sandbank is an idyllic spot for a family day out. Accessible by car, ferry, or land train from Hengistbury Head, there are plenty of ways to get your picnic essentials to the spit without missing out on some adventure along the way. There are toilet blocks all along the beach with baby changing facilities on the far side of the bank, and dogs are allowed off lead all year round – so every member of the family can join in on the fun!

If a quieter spot is what you’re after, check out Cubs Beach on the ferry side of Sandbanks, with nearby parking and gorgeous sea views, this is the perfect place for a sunset picnic. For families with restless little ones, the Sandbanks play area is only a 10-minute walk away, right next door to an 18-hole minigolf course where children under 16 can play for £6!

Or perhaps you would prefer to avoid the sand altogether? Shingle beaches may not be the best for building castles, but that’s not to say they aren’t an exciting place for a picnic. Kimmeridge Bay, Wareham is a great place for hunting sea creatures in rockpools and practising eco-friendly crabbing with the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, based just beside the slipway into the bay.

DENBY TOP-TIP #2: USE LEFTOVERS! Shopping for picnics can be unnecessarily time-consuming and expensive. Using leftovers from your weekday meals not only helps eliminate food waste but saves you money too!

Picnic In the Park

Dorset boasts a large variety of playgrounds and country parks, so wherever you live, there is bound to be one within reasonable driving distance. If a casual lunch spot is what you’re after, why not set your picnic blanket down at Harbourside Park in Whitecliffe? Fit with an extensive playground area and lovely views of the harbour, this is a great place to spend a summer afternoon with the family. Older children can practise their tricks at the skate park or burn through some energy on the BMX track. If you’re planning a picnic with a larger party, then there are nearby cricket pitches available for hire at both Whitecliffe Recreational Ground and Poole Park. Who says sports day is only for schoolchildren!

DENBY TOP-TIP #3: FREEZE YOUR DRINKS! Remembering to stay hydrated is so important if you’re out in the sun (especially if you’re planning to do exercise!). By putting your drinks in the freezer the night before, they will not only stay cool for longer but can double as icepacks to keep your food fresh. Just remember to check the bottle is freezer-safe before doing so!

If you’re willing to go a little bit further out for your perfect picnic, then why not take a trip to one of Dorset’s many country parks? Pack up your basket and set your table at Avon Heath Country Park, or Moors Valley, both of which have large playgrounds for the kids, and nature trails for a range of fitness levels - perfect for families who like to spend an afternoon wandering through Dorset’s beautiful countryside.

DENBY TOP-TIP #4: KEEP SALAD IN JARS! Layering your salads in airtight jars helps keep them fresh in the fridge for longer and makes them easier to transport. When you get to your chosen location, simply mix your salad up, or pop it into a new bowl!

Off the beaten track

Perhaps this summer you would like to make a special excursion and explore what Dorset has to offer beyond your familiar spots – a stylish outdoor picnic is the perfect excuse to do so. The blue pool in Wareham is the textbook definition of a hidden gem, nestled in the heath woodlands of the 25-acre Furzebrook estate, this lake and nature reserve is a must-visit for any Dorset local. Pack up your picnic and take the family on a magical walk along the Gnome & Fairy Trail, take in the carefully conserved wildlife and try and find as many gnomes and fairy doors as you can!

DENBY TOP-TIP #5: SERVE CONDIMENTS IN A MUFFIN TIN! Whether it is dips or sauces, condiments can make the difference between a good picnic and a great one. For ease of transportation and storage, try serving your various condiments in a muffin tray wrapped in

beeswax paper. Just make sure to keep it upright on your travels!

If a wild woodland adventure is what you’re after, then you should take a trip out to the New Forest this summer. Stretching over 70,000 acres and teeming with rare wildlife, this forest is one of Dorset’s most extraordinary attractions. For light hikers and young families, Linford Bottom is a local’s favourite. For budding botanists check out Exbury Gardens. For a quieter spot with beautiful views, try Wilverley Enclosure (see if you can spot some ponies too!). With so much of the national park to explore, you have free reign to forge your own picnic adventure!

DENBY TOP-TIP #6: USE A SHOWER CAP! To avoid warm dishes, simply fill a shower cap with ice and store your bowls and plates inside. When you’re ready to eat, your dishes will keep your food cool. Ceramic dishes stay cold for longer than plastic alternatives, keeping your picnic food fresh whilst you eat!

Wherever you choose to picnic this season, I hope you consider trying some of Denby’s game-changing tips to make your outdoor lunch the best it can be - and make sure to check out their wide range of stylish ceramics in-store or online at denbypottery.com/

"Ceramic tableware is sturdier and more durable than paper options, so you don't need to worry about them blowing away in the breeze — and most can be popped in the dishwasher for easy clean-up once you get home.

"You can get picnic baskets with handy compartments to carry your tableware in, a backpack which frees up your hands and is easier to carry around, or you can also wrap tableware in a tea towel and carry it in any bag you have to hand. Don't forget to pack a cosy blanket and some comfy cushions so you can park yourself up wherever takes your fancy."

—     Jose Mudarra, Catering Manager from Denby

Wishing everybody a fabulous summer!

With love,

Megan.