Blog Tour: Summer at Skylark Farm by Heidi SwaIn

Title: Summer at Skylark Farm
Author: Heidi Swain
Published: 2nd June 2016
Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK

Good morning all. Today I am delighted to be the second stop on the tour for Summer at Skylark Farm. As part of my stop Heidi is sharing some summer picnic ideas and I am desperate to have a summer picnic now! Enjoy.

Individual Picnic Hampers Heidi Swain

Hello everyone! Thank you so much for popping along today to learn about my idea for turning a picnic into a very special and personalised treat! Amber and Jake in Summer at Skylark Farm enjoy many wonderful picnics down by the river and I’m all for that! I don’t think it matters how old you are, the prospect of eating outdoors is always exciting and this simple project can make the whole experience even more fun.
As you are probably aware I have something of a passion for all things vintage and a recent online search planted the seed of an idea that I thought it my duty to share. I’m a huge fan of baskets, especially the lined variety. Not only are they pretty they are also practical and can be teamed to match any interior and tidy away any amount of clutter. My most recent find were some tiny, lidded lovelies. At between £5 and £10 pounds and fully lined they were an absolute bargain, although I am sure if you were prepared to have a nose around car boot sales and charity shops and line them yourselves you could source them for even less.  
Pretty as they are for keeping the kitchen tidy I thought it would be rather nice to save them for picnics. Tailored hampers…what could be nicer? So basically all you need is the hamper and a little bit of knowledge about the recipients’ favourite sandwich combos and drink preferences and you’re good to start adding the treats.
Making them up for children is particularly fun as you can include all sorts of unexpected delights to keep them amused and no more arguing that the sandwiches have got muddled up because they are all packed separately!
Potential things to include along with favourite sarnies, drinks and sun cream could be – 
A puzzle of simple craft kit
Colouring books and crayons
A nature trail sheet tick sheet tailored to suit where you are picnicking (even if it is just the back garden)
A cuddly toy to help them find everything on the trail
Something to read when they are exhausted after the search!

Personally I would have loved to be given my own basket to play with when I was little and I’m sure I’m not alone! What would you put in yours? I think this year I will be adding:
A tiny chilled bottle of Prosecco and a straw (or lemonade if I’m responsible for the aforementioned children)
A yummy prawn, avocado and chopped walnut wrap
A tub of Skylark Farm inspired apple crisps (the recipe for which I’ll be sharing later in the week)
Summer fruits with perhaps just the tiniest spoonful of whipped cream
A notepad and pen (because let’s face it, if I’m rested and relaxed inspiration is bound to strike)
And finally a book – a nice summery read courtesy of Paige Toon of Milly Johnson perhaps
I think that little lot should see me nicely through the afternoon! Do get in touch and let me know what you would include in your bespoke hamper?
Heidi x


Summer at Skylark Farm is out in ebook now.