I bought this book with reservations after reading one of the reviews saying that it does state the obvious, but I have to be honest there are some brilliant ideas in this book!!

It is set out in sections - Bike ride picnic, bbq on the beach and so on and this works really well as the author has gauged how much you are able to carry when on the particular type of picnic.

Admittedly there are 'recipes' for sandwiches which you could work out on your own, but I feel they are more suggestions, perhaps giving you ideas to try or the spark of inspiration for your own concoctions.

If you are sick of carrying a lukewarm ham sandwich and cocktail sausages to your picnic try this book!!!

These recipes are either over complicated for a picnic - you have to take half your kitchen with you - or way too simple (baguettes with salami and rocket... I could work that one out myself). It has some nice ideas for themed picnics though, such as on the boat, bbq on the beach, etc. My favourite of which is the winter picnic with a few great suggestion for a hot meal in the cold outdoors.

I own in excess of 300 cookbooks and aside from the obvious such as Nigella, Nigel Slater etc this is probably my most recommended book. Stunning photographyy and modern but simple recipes will prepare you for any picnic scenario. An indulgent picnic for two, beach barbecue, bike ride picnic, just about any excuse for a picnic that you can think of. Looking at the book will give you a feel good factor and have you itching to plan your next day out. I've tried many of the recipes and they've all become firm favourites. In fact I'd buy this book for the muffin recipes alone. Simple ingredients, short preparation time and straightforward instructions enable you to assemble a picnic that will wow your friends.