If we’re having a classic British summer, I will often decide on a Thursday to throw a weekend picnic, once the weather forecast is more certain. But you can do a lot in just a few hours spread over a couple of days. Focusing on little details is what people remember, and a little bit of effort makes a spontaneous outdoor moment feel special. Ditch the plastic bags and decant everything into proper containers; it looks smarter and leftovers are easier to carry home. For drinks, I love slimline, single-serve cans, as they’re more portable than glassware and easy to keep cold. Brighten up cans with colourful paper straws that match the flavour: vibrant green for a Fever-Tree’s Sparkling Mexican Lime Soda or bright orange in its Ginger Beer.

Setting the scene

To elevate a last-minute back garden picnic, drape paper streamers from trees or dot candles around with glass hurricanes to protect from the wind if it goes into the evening. Swap clingfilm for baking paper wrapped with ribbon if you want sandwiches to look fancy in seconds. You don’t need a whole table wardrobe to make it picture perfect; have fun with mismatching plates and napkins, and sit on your favourite tablecloth instead of a blanket for a pop of colour.

Keep things interesting

I like to surprise people with a drinks menu that’s as well thought through as the food. I always have something bubbly, like Fever-Tree's Pink Grapefruit Soda. To make the perfect G&T – or a V&T for my friend who prefers white vermouth – it has to be their Mediterranean Tonic Water. I'm obsessed with growing herbs in my garden, so the lemon thyme and rosemary in this tonic always get me; it's like being instantly transported to Provence. 

When lunch starts stretching into the afternoon (as it always does in summer), I love making a ginger mule: fiery ginger beer, fresh lime and, if anyone fancies a little extra something, add a splash of rum. The warmth and spice of the ginger on a hot day is just chef's kiss, with that little hint of lemongrass keeping it feeling fresh and summery.

The snacks to pack

Upscale picnic food is simply great food that travels well. Avoid dishes that wilt, sweat or become a soggy disaster by the time you've laid the blanket out on the beach or local park. A pastry tart is always a crowd pleaser, whether sweet or savoury. My favourite is an anchovy tart, which I can throw together in 20 minutes and can be pre-sliced and wrapped up to go, or transported safely in a tin. I always say that if it needs to be served the second it's made, leave it at home.

If I’ve got time, I’ll roast a whole chicken the night before. It’s genuinely better cold the next day. I pull it apart and pair it with a big farro, pearl barley or grain salad with lots of herbs, a punchy dressing and feta cheese. For something sweet, strawberries with clotted cream feels very British summertime and is easy to dip!

Individual meringues travel brilliantly to make a kind of last-minute Eton mess. And fruit, always bring fresh fruit, like a bag of cherries or whatever is in season. I always choose fruity drinks that feel sophisticated, like lemonade made with real Sicilian lemon juice and zest. I'm instantly transported to Italy.

Always, always bring more food and drink than you think you’ll need. I love being outdoors knowing we've got a good spread to last us into the evening. Just you, your friends and not having to leave to top up picnic supplies.

Enjoy a range of delicious drinks and sip into summer at fever-tree.com