We sat down to chat with Restaurateur and Coastal-Living expert Jodie Pinney, owner of 3 stunning coastal properties @TheDunnsOrford and Partner in the wonderful family business and famous for its Seafood, Pinney’s of Orford, located in the picturesque village of Orford on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast. Here are her top five tips for planning the perfect picnic this summer;
01 - Find the perfect spot!
Make sure you’re comfortable, the vistas are beautiful and there’s room to lay out your picnic blanket and all of the goodies you’ve bought along. Remember to check the weather on the day for any last minute changes you might need to make.
02 - The food
I love a good selection, so there’s choice and options for everyone. Be aware of what foods melt or won’t keep well on a hot summers day. Finger foods are generally the best and can take being outside for a few hours. Think charcuterie board - curedmeats, cheese, crackers and dipping sauces. My faves are Peter’s Yard Seeded Sourdough Flatbread, topped with Pinney’s Oak Smoked Cheddar, Smoked in our traditional smoke house over whole oak logs, accompanied by Suffolk Salami with Red Wine and Peppercorns. Yum!
03 - Set the scene
Take blankets and throws which are comfortable to sit on. Take plates, cutlery and napkins from home to save using throw away plastic alternatives. Sometimes I like to bring a little posy of flowers to add a little touch of love.
04 - Think about the time of day
Have you got enough protection from the sun during a midday lunch picnic? Sun creams, umbrellas and hats are key. If it’s a golden hour sunset plan then maybe an extra throw or some citronella candles for when the light fades to keep any mossies at bay.
05 - Don’t forget the drinks!
A lovely ice cold bottle of wine always goes down a treat! Flint Vineyard Charmat Rosé 2021 is my current fave, described by the vineyard as zippy and sassy making it a perfect aperitif for any occasion! Pack a wine cooler in the cool box too and also throw in some tonic water and bottled water too to keep everyone hydrated.
Click here to visit Pinney’s or Orford website and shop the mentioned products above
Click here to book your coastal stay in one of the three Dunns of Orford’s properties
Follow Jodie on IG here @thedunnsorford
Our products we love for the perfect picnic:
SUNNYLiFE Beach and Picnic Blanket
SALT AND STONE Suncream