1
Marcella has found a new diversion.
The merest blink of sun and she has conjured up an impromptu picnic to
be enjoyed solo or with a few pals, depending on who is available (and prepared to flex the rules).

2
This might take the form of a post-swim DryRobe huddle on the seafront with Thermos flask of coffee, woolly hat and one of Ros Duke’s bubble-wrap blankets. If it’s a Friday, a takeaway box of Avoca’s flakiest croissants is the perfect accompaniment.

3
On a walk with Coco the Cockapoo near Killiney beach, Fred and Nancy’s
Airstream trailer provides coffee and traybakes for a “bench brunch”.
Marcella brings her chic Ecoset keep cup and gingham napkins.

4
Requiring more planning is the catch-up with her “support bubble”. A basket, bucket hat and curated cheeseboard with baguette is accompanied by some chilled rosé for a “pique-nique sur l’herbe” vibe.

5
Marcella has discovered Allta Boxes.
When meeting her competitive sister, the contents of an Allta Box trumps her smug sibling’s shoddy home-baking, rendering her satisfyingly speechless.

6
As for her office colleagues, Thursday
Zoom cocktail evenings have now progressed to a socially distanced
gathering, often a takeaway pizza in a quiet cul-de-sac. The glamour!

7
Marcella has mastered the mobile bar with a coolbox permanently stowed in the boot of her hatchback from which
she can serve mini bottles of prosecco, pinot grigio or cans of G&T.

8
As a treat for the kids, Marcella goes the whole hog at the weekend with
outings to the Phoenix Park: tartan rug, sandwiches wrapped in old-school greaseproof paper and Bonne Maman jars filled with shop-bought flapjacks are met with derision.

9
With summer approaching, Marcella is working on her “healthy glow” courtesy of Bellamianta. She is planning a nautical picnic complete with Rae Feather tote and Capri pants and has been perfecting her crab claws-and-mayo recipe.

10
As ever, the Irish weather often scuppers plans. Some days, Marcella finds herself with a takeaway coffee staring at the rain through windscreen wipers. It still counts as an outing but is not much of a picnic.

Illustration: Becky Donnelly