PICNIC? WE’RE HAVING A ‘BLANQUET’! Brits go mad for new extravagant picnicking trend here for summer

With 1 in 5 Brits revealing they have a competitive streak when it comes to picnics and outdoor dining, BLOOM Gin has coined a new luxury picnicking trend called ‘blanqueting’ – inspiring the nation to class up the grass this summer with the UK’s first ever blanquet.

The elaborate trend comes as a third of UK adults say they will be hosting more picnics this summer than previous years, with two fifths (43%) planning to host more creative get-togethers with friends and family as outdoor restrictions lift. People will be sparing no expense when it comes to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, with chairs (40%), fancy blankets (30%), cushions (29%) and even gazebos (16%) making it onto the must-have list for picnic planners.

ADDING LUXURY TO THE LAWN

To help Brits embrace blanqueting, BLOOM Gin has re-imagined the classic tartan picnic rug with a new limited-edition ‘blanquet’ that loved ones can feast around. Shaped like a banquet table, it measures an impressive 6.5 metres by 1.5 metres, and is big enough for more than twenty people to lounge on as outdoor lockdown restrictions lift this week.

Featuring a colourful and eye-catching gingham print, the one-of-a-kind Blanquet by BLOOM Gin (RRP £50) is primed for get-back-together celebrations with a Great British summer ahead. Perfect for rolling out in the park, on the beach, or in a back garden, it will be available to buy on Firebox, the platform for unconventional gifts, from Thursday 20th May.

The trend lands as BLOOM Gin celebrates the launch of its new Passionfruit Soda ready-to-drink gin and sodatonic this month, which joins the brand’s refreshing BLOOM London Dry Gin and wider botanically-inspired range. Bottling the flavours of summer, the low-calorie drink is infused with sweet and exotic natural flavours, starting with a core of delicious sharp passionfruit followed by a creamy vanilla. Great for on-the-go and outdoor drinking occasions, it’s best served with ice and a lemon wedge, or half a passionfruit.

THE ART OF BLANQUETING

BLOOM Gin, – renowned for its lighter-tasting, botanical London Dry Gin, – has teamed-up with hosting and etiquette expert Jo Bryant, and celebrated event designer Fiona Leahy, to offer picnickers tips and advice for hosting a blanquet and blanquetscaping – the art of setting a blanquet. These range from bringing your own cushion (BYOC) to adding a ‘wow’ factor with colourful parasols and vintage tableware.

Commenting on the new trend, Jo Bryant said: “The great outdoors has taken on a new meaning in recent months, as we’ve braved the elements to see family and friends in all weathers. Now, at last, the British Summer is finally here, and blanquetting is a great way to celebrate sunny days, easier times and larger get-togethers. Good blanquetting etiquette brings class to the grass through careful planning, thoughtfulness and generosity.”

Sharing her advice on how to blanquet in style, Fiona Leahy, added: “The blanqueting trend is exactly what people are looking for after so many months of being stuck at home away from friends and family. It’s the excuse we’re all looking for to host something extra-special for loved ones. It’s been so much fun collaborating with BLOOM Gin to style and create my very own moveable feast, and I can’t wait to see how people embrace the opportunity to get creative styling their own blanquet occasions this summer.”

BRITS HIT THE BLANQUET

According to the research carried out by BLOOM Gin with 2,000 UK adults, when it comes to food, cheese boards (35%), smoked salmon (30%) and expensive booze (25%) all feature at the top of the list, with a very decadent few even including lobster (13%) caviar (7%) and biscotti (8%) in their must-have menu.

Etiquette is also a hot topic, with passionate picnickers saying there are some big no-no’s, such as touching all the food with your hands (27%) and bringing surprise guests who weren’t invited (25%). People who don’t bring anything along, yet help themselves to other people’s food, is a pet peeve for a third (34%).

When it comes to finding the ideal blanqueting location, a quarter of Brits say a private garden or a location with good views and the chance to appreciate nature all make for the perfect outdoor occasion. A third of Brits are happy to roll out a rug come rain or shine.

Elaine Maher, global brand director for BLOOM Gin, added: “Everyone has been craving the chance to socialise with loved ones, and this summer is going to be all about making up for lost time. We know people are looking for creative ways to make get-back-togethers extra special, and the blanqueting trend is a novel way to do just that. Whether you are blanqueting with a big group or catching up with a few friends in the sun, our refreshing BLOOM Gin range is ready for good times to begin again.”