With lockdown restrictions easing and shops reopening, Brits can finally start looking forward to a summer like no other.
After being stuck indoors for the past year with very little socialising among friends and family, it’s understandable if you’re eager to get out and start making up for lost time.
Whether it’s a traditional picnic which has been given a very glamorous makeover or an outdoor cinema experience you’re after, this summer is sure to be an unforgettable one – with lots of memories to be made.
So, if you’re ready to venture outside but are at a loss for ideas, we’ve rounded up seven ingenious ways to make the upcoming scorching months even more fabulous.
1. A VERY MODERN PICNIC
With sunnier spring weather meaning more time being spent outdoors, the traditional picnic as we once knew it has been given a very modern makeover.
Forget cocktail sausages, cold chicken nuggets and scotch eggs. This summer, the star of your picnic is set to be the bagel.
But after waiting over a year to let your hair down with friends and loved ones, a standard plain white roll just won’t cut it any more. You deserve better!
Instead, soak up the flavour of New York Bakery Co.’s Deli Sourdough bagel while enjoying a glass of fizz in the sunshine.
Soft and chewy for an authentic New York taste, top it with slices of tender turkey breast, a slither of tangy honey mustard, juicy tomatoes, sliced gherkins and crispy lettuce to give it that added crunch.
We might not be allowed to travel abroad just yet, but close your eyes and you could easily be mistaken for thinking you’re in a diner on Fifth Avenue.
2. MAKING LUNCH TIMES SPECIAL
Whether you’re back in the office or still working from home, one thing remains the same – a tasty lunch to look forward to makes all the difference when it comes to the day ahead.
It’s all too easy to get into the habit of grabbing a quick bag of crisps and heading straight back to your desk, so why not treat yourself to ten minutes of ‘you’ time and really enjoy a New York taste adventure.
But we’re not talking about your average, boring packed lunch that you quickly shovel down just to fill a hole.
Get those taste buds tingling with New York Bakery Co.’s Deli Four Cheese bagel, which is deliciously topped and baked with Mozzarella, Regato, Cheddar and Red Leicester.
Fill it with freshly sliced mushrooms and roasted onion, before scattering over some fresh rocket and juicy tomato slices.
Complete with a generous spoonful of tomato chutney to give it that little extra zing and you’re ready for a mouthwatering lunchtime line up like no other.
Not only will your tummy feel content, but you’ll be ready to tackle the afternoon ahead.
3. GLAMPING
With jaunts to the Maldives and the Amalfi coast potentially off the cards this summer, it’s likely Brits will have to look closer to home if they’re hoping to still have a relaxing get away.
But if setting up a campfire, gazing up at the stars and paddling in the streams is just the downtime you’re after, then why not book a glamping trip?
4. BRUNCH IN THE GARDEN
Whether you’re getting together with friends or loved ones to celebrate a baby shower, birthday, or engagement, try hosting a garden brunch party.
The main priority is to spend time engaging in conversation with your guests, so you want food that’s quick and easy to make so you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
However, it’s important not to compromise on the taste or quality of the treats on offer.
New York Bakery Co.’s Deli Loaded Everything bagel is topped with poppy and sesame seeds combined with delicious flavours of caramelised red onion and roasted garlic.
Try popping it in the toaster before filling it with melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, slices of creamy mozzarella and garnish with a sprig of basil.
It’s guaranteed to have them coming back for more!
All that’s left for you to do is to make some pretty name cards, place an elaborate floral display in the centre of the table and pop open that bottle of bubbly…
5. BEACH TRIP
What better way to enjoy the sunshine than to head to the beach.
Whether you fancy a day date with your other half, or a family day out watching your little ones splash about in the sea, it’s a cheap and cheerful way to spend the afternoon.
6. OUTDOOR CINEMA
Can you think of a better way to spend those long summer evenings than hosting an open-air cinema night? Nope, us neither!
A projector, video source and white sheet is all that’s needed – not forgetting those tasty treats to enjoy!
Our top tip is to peg a large white sheet on your washing or alternatively pin from it tree to tree, being sure to weigh it down at the very bottom so that it doesn’t flap around in the wind.
Add that warm and cosy vibe by decorating the space with warming fairy lights and providing comfy blankets for guests so that they can make themselves feel right at home.
7. GROW YOUR OWN GARDEN
Is there anything more satisfying than eating your own produce that’s been grown fresh out of the ground?
From sewing and puzzles to gardening, the past year has thrown out some unsuspecting hobbies which have proven to be surprisingly calming and therapeutic.
So it’d be a shame to throw them in now.
Instead, why not allow your friends to reap the benefits of your new hobbies, too?
You can grow a vast selection of flowers, vegetables, fruits, or even herbs and spices, while weeding is also a great way to help you relax.
And as the end of the season draws closer, you can pick what you grow and serve it up in tasty dishes for all to enjoy.
So why not host your loved ones over for a barbecue and treat them to a meal with the addition of your homegrown lettuce and juicy tomatoes? After, all sharing is caring.
There’s really nothing more satisfying than serving food freshly picked from your garden!
