hampers - where can you use them?

[54321]

This should probably be under "other" but...
We were given a hamper (lovely six place settings, wicker, posh type!) as an xmas present last year, but we haven't a clue where you can go for a family day out and use them without looking like you are really OTT. Does anyone know/does anyone have one and make good use of it? (UK travels only please.)

Will this be the question that finally stumps mumsnet users I wonder!

Obviously can't take it long distances from where you park the car, would be nice to use it but can't help thinking "What on earth..."

Ok. I've got one - it was second hand mind. The answer is that you look like a right poser getting it out at family picnics - BUT I am afraid I don't mind that (I have deep rooted showmanship tendencies).

Buy a huge Cath Kidston tablecloth and a champagne cooler and use them all with relish!!!

We've got 2 (economy and posh) We use it whenever we go for a picnic. Last outing was to the Touring car at Silverstone a week ago.
Don't worry about lugging it long distances - that's what dh is for.
It also fits an the carry rack under ds2's Britax pushchair.
Why would you be bothered about using it instead of a carrier bag or coolbox? I think they look retro rather than OTT

Oh well, perhaps I'm just a right poser then

I think Enid has the answer - accessorise, enjoy and what anyone else thinks be damned!

sounds lovely, wish I had one. and a big cath kidston table cloth!

I agree with Enid but if you really need an excuse, go to one of those open air classical concerts - you'll find many people have the works: tables, champagne coolers, black tie, the lot. They're usually in the grounds of stately homes and you can take the children (although it's a late night but there was no school next day for us). We took ds and a small tent to a classical concert in the grounds of a stately home last year and had a fab time. I'd have loved to have had a hamper to take with me but we made do with bags and a cool box. Not quite the same!

Oh, and take outdoor candles, sleeping bags, proper glasses and a cosy rug too.

Take it for a test drive in your back garden (if you have one) and you may love it so much that you won't care what anyone else thinks when you take to a bit further afield!

Stump mumsnetter with a question? Never!

We took ours to Chester Zoo and had our picnic in the rain in the picnic hut - it never crossed my mind that we might look posey - I am thinking about taking it to the local park this weekend if the weather is nice. Enjoy it - any funny looks are only from the jealous!

Our local private school is hosting a Glyndebourne-type event to raise money for Cancer Research. They are saying to bring a picnic, hamper, even picnic furniture so if you need a place to pose, this could be it (you'll need to be within spitting distance of Notts/Derby.

I went to Henley years ago and people had their picnics by their cars. So as long as you are happy to eat by the car, take it with you. Personally I wouldn't trek miles with one.

And to counter all that name-dropping - we picnicked at Twycross Zoo a couple of weeks ago and ate next to our cars. On a blanket with Ikea plates and the elephants and all that goes with them as backdrop

whos cathkidston - does she post here?!

I have found her.

Anywhere National Trust would be perfect. Don't know where you live 54321, but Waddesdon Manor, Cliveden or Widdecombe (sp?) are worth a visit. (SE England)
PS - if you're not a member but fancy joining, the National Trust for Scotland is much cheaper but is still valid in England. (Spot the Scot! )

We don?t have a posh wicker one (sighs with envy...) but we have one of those rusksack cooler picnic bag things with all of the plates, cutlery etc. - we use ot all the time and enjoy long family walks followed by picnics - cheaper and much more fun than going round the shops followed by a take away.
Why not look at the National Trust membership and enjoy lording it around stately homes followed by leisurely picnics in the grounds? Alternatively, just enjoy going for rides in the countryside, find a good spot and enjoy. Agree about the blanket thing - there are some great ones out there that fold up small with the traditional check rug look on one side and a waterproof thermal foil side on the other. Oh and an umberella might be worth taking!!

oops - crossed posts Bobsmum - we obviously think a like on this one.

Thanks everyone, I don't think I will feel OTT now, just never noticed anyone using them these days. Will just go for it now!

Bobsmum - thanks for the Scot tip will look into that as have wanted to join the Nat Trust but always thought it was a bit pricey in England.

Cath Kidston cloth: haven't noticed those will have to look out for them it sounds like a John Lewis type hunt is it?

I wish someone would buy me one, I think they're great and give you every excuse for a picnic. Not sure about locations for picnics other than obvious Hampstead Heath type things in ondon or Blenheim Palce in Oxford (lovely) or any big days out like Longleat (near Bristol) or the Devils Dyke in Brighton where you can watch all the paragliders. If i had one I'd use it in my back garden alongside the barbeque!

Don't know where you live - we've just come back from a week in the Peak District and there are some lovely places there for a picnic. Also, Windsor Great Park is gorgeous for a family day out.