Let’s face it, barbecuing is the classic way to celebrate summer with food, but it’s not for everybody. If you happen to be lucky enough to have a suitable picnic spot within your 5k radius or even a patch of grass in your garden, shake out the picnic blanket and plan a lazy afternoon lolling around in the sun. When it comes to picnicking, simplicity is key, with handheld foods that are easy to manoeuvre. Leave the fancy tableware at home, napkins and nibbles should be all you need for a classic picnic, and of course a flask for something nice to sip on, but for those who would prefer something a little more put together (with minimal effort) see our guide for everything you need to pack for a memorable afternoon in the sun and keep reading for the pick-up and delivery picnic boxes to order now.

In Howth, Mamó have released their Lunch Boxes which would make a very nice picnic indeed and include smoked almonds, Andalucian Gordal olives, Tartine sourdough bread with house vadouvan butter, Bayonne ham, Coppa di Lunga charcuterie with McNally’s vegetable piccalilli, Higgins bacon and Howth nettle terrin. For dessert, almond tart with poached apricot. Order at www.mamorestaurant.ie.

For something a little less involved, Niall Sabongi’s Klaw Café (via Sustainable Seafood Ireland) have launched their Lobster Roll Kits, perfect for a picnic by the sea (within a 5k radius if you are lucky!). Add-ons include a litre of their famous Bloody Mary which should keep quite nicely in a flask. www.sustainableseafood.ie

In Dublin 8, Spitalfields have also introduced a sharing Picnic Bag for two which includes all the picnic classics such as devilled eggs, sausage rolls, freshly baked bread with porcini butter and crudités to name but a few. A bottle of red or white wine is also included along with cheese and crackers and some very appealing sweet treats. https://www.instagram.com/spitalfields_dublin.

In Cork, Good Day Deli are delivering their ever popular Kete Kai Boxes which contain an array of nibbles that are very picnic friendly and serve from two – four people. The boxes contain dukkah rolled eggs, Drummond House asparagus with candied hazelnuts, a selection of fresh baked breads, salad, fruits and cheese. Plus, there is cake and a bottle of biodynamic wine. The boxes cost €65 from www.gooddaydeli.ie.

Avoca stalwart Poulet Bonne Femme have also launched a delivery and collection service and their famous sandwiches are ideal for munching on a blanket under the sun, perhaps accompanied by a tub of their baby roasted potatoes dunked in their coronation mayo. www.pouletbonnefemme.com

Picnic baskets are the best thing about picnics to my mind, even if they are only used once in a blue moon. Etsy have a lovely selection of wicker ones that fit the bill. Or perhaps a picnic backpack that keeps everything as it should be is more to your liking – while not quite as pretty, they will help to keep everything at a safe temperature which is obviously a priority. Next has a nice selection of these. Or you could always take a leaf out of Jamie Oliver’s book and freeze some juice boxes for the little folk and use these as accidental ice packs while also providing slushy style refreshments when the sun gets too much to bear.