Unlocking Spontaneous Joy: Your Guide to Last-Minute Picnics with Higgidy

A last minute picnic with Higgidy in a park setting, featuring a picnic blanket and food.

The British summer is famously fickle, often keeping us guessing about when the sun will make a grand appearance. May might offer a fleeting glimpse of warmth, only for June to deliver relentless downpours, and July to follow suit with unpredictable showers. While we optimistically cross our fingers for August, this unpredictable weather shouldn’t dampen our spirits for one of summer’s quintessential pleasures: the picnic! Instead of meticulously planning an outing that might be rained off, the best approach is often to embrace spontaneity. Seize those rare, glorious moments when the sky is clear, grab your blanket, and head outdoors for an impromptu feast.

But what if the weather truly refuses to cooperate? Fear not, the joy of a picnic isn’t exclusively reserved for sunny fields. An indoor picnic can be surprisingly delightful, offering a playful rebellion against the mundane. Imagine spreading a blanket on your living room floor, ditching the dining table, and enjoying your meal with a sense of whimsical abandon. For an even cozier twist, a ‘bed picnic’ offers ultimate comfort (just be mindful of those inevitable crumbs!). These alternatives prove that the spirit of picnicking is less about the location and more about the shared experience and delightful food.

A close-up of Higgidy quiche and rolls on a picnic blanket with cheese and crackers.

Higgidy & Joules: Celebrating the Spontaneous Picnic Spirit

To truly champion the art of spontaneous outdoor dining, Sussex-based pie and quiche maker Higgidy has partnered with the quintessential British lifestyle brand Joules. This collaboration celebrates those spur-of-the-moment picnics, rain or shine, and encourages everyone to find joy in the unexpected. Keep an eye out for their special packs in stores; they’re brimming with opportunities to win fantastic prizes!

As part of this exciting campaign, I was challenged to create my own beautiful, spur-of-the-moment picnic, wherever the whim took me. Higgidy generously supplied some of their newest creations: a succulent Ham Hock and Petit Pois Quiche and their delightful Vegetarian Feta and Red Pepper Rolls. These gourmet treats were the perfect foundation for our impromptu adventure. One particularly bright lunchtime, Damian and I decided to break from our usual desk-bound routine and venture to a local park for lunch. The sky was merely threatening rain, rather than actively delivering it, giving us ample time to enjoy our meal and make it home before the heavens opened. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless!

A picnic spread with Higgidy food, sandwiches, cheese, and homemade cakes.

Crafting the Perfect Spontaneous Picnic Spread

The beauty of a spontaneous picnic lies in its simplicity. You don’t need an elaborate array of dishes or hours of preparation. A quick dash to the local shop on your way to the park is often all it takes to assemble a decent, delicious spread. Think in terms of categories: a main event, some tasty nibbles, something sweet, and refreshing drinks. For our picnic, the stars were undoubtedly the wonderful Higgidy quiche and rolls. We complemented them with a selection of artisanal cheeses, classic sandwiches, and some crisps – essential for any picnic!

For our ‘something sweet,’ I was fortunate to have baked a batch of syrupy lemon, olive oil, and semolina cakes the day before. These little golden gems were perfectly moist and flavourful, serving as an ideal sweet treat. What’s more, they are incredibly quick to whip up, meaning if you decide on a picnic in the morning, you could easily have them ready by lunchtime. I’m excited to share the recipe for these versatile cakes next week, so stay tuned!

Higgidy’s Delights: A Taste Sensation

The Higgidy Feta and Red Pepper Veggie Rolls were an absolute triumph. Their flaky pastry enveloped a rich, savoury filling that was bursting with Mediterranean flavours. I must admit, I consumed a rather embarrassingly large quantity of them – a testament to their irresistible taste! Damian, who typically shies away from quiche, was also thoroughly impressed by the Ham Hock and Petit Pois Quiche. He genuinely enjoyed it, which is high praise indeed and a clear indication that Higgidy is doing something truly exceptional with their recipes and ingredients. The creamy filling, generously studded with tender ham hock and vibrant petit pois, encased in a perfectly crisp crust, was a revelation even for a quiche skeptic. These convenient, high-quality offerings make Higgidy pies and quiches ideal candidates for any last-minute picnic, elevating the meal from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort.

A close-up of Higgidy Ham Hock and Petit Pois Quiche and Feta and Red Pepper Rolls on a picnic blanket.

Picnics Are Better With Pets: Ringo’s Day Out

Ringo the dog happily participating in the picnic, looking at the food.

Of course, no family picnic for us would be complete without Ringo, our beloved dog, joining the fun. Picnics aren’t a very regular occurrence in our household, so he absolutely revelled in the novelty and excitement of the outing. His tail didn’t stop wagging, and his keen interest in the food, particularly the cheese selection, was quite endearing. Sharing these moments with our furry companions adds an extra layer of joy and memory-making to the experience. When planning a picnic with your dog, remember to pack plenty of water for them, a dedicated dog bowl, and perhaps a special treat or two so they feel just as much a part of the festivities. Always keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t consume anything unsuitable and be mindful of other park users.

Ringo the dog enjoying a piece of cheese from the picnic spread.

Close-up portrait of Ringo the dog at the picnic.

Enhancing the Picnic Experience: Games and Relaxation

Beyond the delicious food and good company, games are an absolute must for any successful picnic, especially if they involve sticks! Simple pleasures like throwing a stick for Ringo provide endless entertainment and a chance to stretch our legs. Whether it’s a frisbee, a deck of cards, or simply engaging in conversation and people-watching, incorporating activities adds to the overall enjoyment. A picnic is also a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from screens, breathe in the fresh air, and simply be present in the moment. It’s a chance to slow down, appreciate nature, and enjoy the simple luxury of al fresco dining.

Ringo the dog playing fetch with a stick at the picnic.

Tips for Your Next Spontaneous Picnic Adventure

Embracing the spontaneous picnic means being prepared for anything and everything, especially with the British weather! Here are a few tips to make your next impromptu outdoor dining experience a resounding success:

Keep a Picnic Kit Ready: Have a dedicated basket or bag with essentials like a waterproof blanket, reusable plates and cutlery, napkins, and a small rubbish bag. This significantly cuts down on prep time.
Choose Easy-to-Transport Foods: Think finger foods, items that don’t require heating or extensive assembly. Higgidy pies, quiches, and rolls are perfect examples. Sandwiches, wraps, salads in jars, and fruit are also excellent choices.
Hydration is Key: Always pack plenty of drinks, whether it’s water, juice, or a thermos of tea. A reusable water bottle for everyone is a great eco-friendly option.
Find Your Spot: Don’t overthink the location. A local park, a quiet spot in your garden, or even a spacious balcony can become the perfect picnic setting. The goal is to break the routine and enjoy the outdoors.
Embrace the Imperfections: A spontaneous picnic isn’t about perfection; it’s about making the most of the moment. A little drizzle, a few unexpected crumbs, or a slightly mismatched spread only add to the charm and the story.
Pack for Comfort: Besides food, consider a light jacket or an extra blanket, even on seemingly warm days, as the weather can change quickly. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also wise additions.
Entertainment for All: Whether it’s a book, a portable speaker for background music, or simple games, a little entertainment can enhance the relaxation and enjoyment for everyone involved, pets included!

A wide shot of the picnic set up in the park, showing the blanket, food, and Ringo relaxing.

The Joy of Simple Pleasures

In a world that often demands meticulous planning, there’s a unique and liberating joy in embracing spontaneity. Our picnic, made effortless and delicious thanks to Higgidy’s fantastic products, was a perfect example of how a simple act can transform an ordinary lunchtime into a cherished memory. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best moments are those that aren’t overly planned, but rather seized with enthusiasm and a good selection of tasty treats. So, next time you see a window of good weather, or even just feel the urge for a change of scenery, consider throwing a spontaneous picnic. With Higgidy, creating a memorable outdoor (or indoor!) feast has never been easier or more delicious.

This post is sponsored by Higgidy. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Domestic Gothess running and allow us to share these delightful experiences and recipes with you.