Brits go mad for new extravagant picnicking trend here for summer
- Two fifths of picnickers putting more effort into their outdoor eating experience since the first lockdown – some even impressing with a ‘live string quartet’
- Adding luxury to the lawn, blanqueting is to picnicking what glamping is to camping
- BLOOM Gin releases GIANT limited-edition blanquet, a banquet table-shaped picnic rug for decadent outdoor entertaining
- Experts join Britain’s top picnicker to share tips and advice for blanqueting and blanquetscaping
Monday 17 May 2021 – With 1 in 5 Brits revealing they have a competitive streak when it comes to picnics and outdoor dining, BLOOM Gin has coined a new luxury picnicking trend called ‘blanqueting’ – inspiring the nation to class up the grass this summer with the UK’s first ever blanquet.
The elaborate trend comes as a third of UK adults say they will be hosting more picnics this summer than previous years, with two fifths (43%) planning to host more creative get-togethers with friends and family as outdoor restrictions lift. People will be sparing no expense when it comes to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, with chairs (40%), fancy blankets (30%), cushions (29%) and even gazebos (16%) making it onto the must-have list for picnic planners.
ADDING LUXURY TO THE LAWN
To help Brits embrace blanqueting, BLOOM Gin has re-imagined the classic tartan picnic rug with a new limited-edition ‘blanquet’ that loved ones can feast around. Shaped like a banquet table, it measures an impressive 6.5 metres by 1.5 metres, and is big enough for more than twenty people to lounge on as outdoor lockdown restrictions lift this week.
Featuring a colourful and eye-catching gingham print, the one-of-a-kind Blanquet by BLOOM Gin (RRP £75) is primed for get-back-together celebrations with a Great British summer ahead. Perfect for rolling out in the park, on the beach, or in a back garden, it will be available to buy on Firebox, the platform for unconventional gifts, from Thursday 20th May.
The trend lands as BLOOM Gin celebrates the launch of its new Passionfruit Soda ready-to-drink gin and soda this month, which joins the brand’s refreshing BLOOM London Dry Gin and wider botanically-inspired range. Bottling the flavours of summer, the low-calorie drink is infused with sweet and exotic natural flavours, starting with a core of delicious sharp passionfruit followed by a creamy vanilla. Great for on-the-go and outdoor drinking occasions, it’s best served with ice and a lemon wedge, or half a passionfruit.
THE ART OF BLANQUETING
BLOOM Gin, renowned for its lighter-tasting, botanical London Dry Gin, has teamed-up with hosting and etiquette expert Jo Bryant, and celebrated event designer Fiona Leahy, to offer picnickers tips and advice for hosting a blanquet and blanquetscaping – the art of setting a blanquet. These range from bringing your own cushion (BYOC) to adding a ‘wow’ factor with colourful parasols and vintage tableware.
Commenting on the new trend, Jo Bryant said: “The great outdoors has taken on a new meaning in recent months, as we’ve braved the elements to see family and friends in all weathers. Now, at last, the British Summer is finally here, and blanquetting is a great way to celebrate sunny days, easier times and larger get-togethers. Good blanquetting etiquette brings class to the grass through careful planning, thoughtfulness and generosity.”
Sharing her advice on how to blanquet in style, Fiona Leahy, added: “The blanqueting trend is exactly what people are looking for after so many months of being stuck at home away from friends and family. It’s the excuse we’re all looking for to host something extra-special for loved ones. It’s been so much fun collaborating with BLOOM Gin to style and create my very own moveable feast, and I can’t wait to see how people embrace the opportunity to get creative styling their own blanquet occasions this summer.”
BRITS HIT THE BLANQUET
According to the research carried out by BLOOM Gin with 2,000 UK adults, when it comes to food, cheese boards (35%), smoked salmon (30%) and expensive booze (25%) all feature at the top of the list, with a very decadent few even including lobster (13%) caviar (7%) and biscotti (8%) in their must-have menu.
Etiquette is also a hot topic, with passionate picnickers saying there are some big no-no’s, such as touching all the food with your hands (27%) and bringing surprise guests who weren’t invited (25%). People who don’t bring anything along, yet help themselves to other people’s food, is a pet peeve for a third (34%).
When it comes to finding the ideal blanqueting location, a quarter of Brits say a private garden or a location with good views and the chance to appreciate nature all make for the perfect outdoor occasion. A third of Brits are happy to roll out a rug come rain or shine.
Elaine Maher, global brand director for BLOOM Gin, added: “Everyone has been craving the chance to socialise with loved ones, and this summer is going to be all about making up for lost time. We know people are looking for creative ways to make get-back-togethers extra special, and the blanqueting trend is a novel way to do just that. Whether you are blanqueting with a big group or catching up with a few friends in the sun, our refreshing BLOOM Gin range is ready for good times to begin again.”
Joining the brand’s existing ready-to-serve range – which includes the classic BLOOM London Dry Gin & BLOOM Gin and Rose Lemonade – BLOOM Gin’s new Passionfruit Soda (RRP: £2.50 per 275ml serve) is available to purchase from Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. To buy a limited-edition Blanquet by BLOOM (RRP. £75), visit www.firebox.com from Thursday 20 May, and check out inspiration for blanqueting via @BloomGin on Instagram. To explore BLOOM Gin’s full gin range, visit www.bloomgin.com.
*ENDS*
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Quintessential Brands owns an award-winning portfolio of world-class spirit brands, which is powered by a strong entrepreneurial vision and passion for innovation, backed by centuries of handcrafted distilling expertise.
Quintessential Brands Group was established in 2011 with the acquisition of G&J Distillers, the UK’s foremost gin distillery, which evolved from Thomas Dakin’s original 1761 operation and now produces an unrivalled quality gin selection. In Ireland, Dublin Liberties Distillery is our home of modern Irish whiskeys and First Ireland Spirits in Abbeyleix crafts award-winning Irish creams. Our French hub, L&L France, creates fine French fruit liqueurs, cognacs, brandies and vodka.
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