|
The Optima Company Limited
Water Lane
Storrington
West Sussex
RH20 3DW
Tel: (+44) (0)1903 744111
Fax: (+44) (0)1903 746440
http://www.optimacompany.com
A picnic basket is not just for Christmas!
This quite stunning picnic basket arrived in late summer for Sue, myself and family to enjoy in a variety of situations, the ideal companion for a variety of opportunities as we have found ever since. Until that moment I had thought them a luxury item, suitable only for a few select occasions, and hardly great value for money.
How wrong I was and how we can build pre conceived ideas which, in time, can be removed in a very short time. The arrival of this stylish and highly functional picnic basket signalled a change in my view on items like this, formerly luxury items seldom used, now essential items, fixtures in the modern boot.
Why such a changing outlook I hear you say?
Easy, get one, use one and then you will find a variety of situation where you, friends and family can make full use in a variety of situations and find fun, enjoyment and a high degree of satisfaction.
The Blue Tones Picnic basket has a lovely summer feel about it, and is a great alternative to some of far more expensive picnic hamper baskets on offer from the same company as well as other competitors. Be it a fun day at the races, the car park at a rugby event or a lazy afternoon with friends in the park, the selection of Picnic Baskets by Optima create the perfect picnic atmosphere. These picnic baskets are priced very competitively. The main difference between these and our more expensive baskets is the quality of the willow basket. However, these baskets are still quite robust, and represent great value for money. Founded in 1943 in London, Optima is one of the leading traditional manufacturers of fitted, English picnic baskets and picnic accessories.
Lucy, our three year old granddaughter was the first to fully appreciate the versatility of this latest arrival to our home. An August spell of good weather prompted her to plan and arrange a picnic in the garden, in fact under the ageing apple tree in the centre of our rear garden. It also happened to be close to her inflatable pool, and with so few days where the weather was suitable for such a day of pleasure the plans were put into operation. Sandwiches, cakes, cold drinks and crisps were neatly packed into the hamper, and Lucy carried it to a safe and sheltered position under the apple tree.
Despite our initial reservations, the prerogative of those with more than half a century of birthdays behind us, we loved every moment of our first family picnic of the year. The weather was kind to us, the bright and warm sun encouraged regular visits to the chilled drinks and food in the basket, the plates, glasses and cutlery given their maiden outing.
From that maiden voyage into our garden, initiated by the effervescent charm of Lucy, the basket and its contents have clocked up many road miles, and in doing so fully demonstrated the versatility and all round use to us and close friends.
The stylish wicker basket was greatly admired as we enjoyed pre match lunch and drinks at two rugby grounds where, for the couple of hours before the match, the car park groans at the appearance of so many similar boots opened for inspection, appreciation and full use of the contents. This has long been part of rugby heritage, sharing drinks, nibbles and more meaty contents of hampers and picnic baskets with friend and fellow spectators, a world apart from soccer crowds were insults are traded more often than sandwiches.
An unkind sweeping statement you may say?
No, highly accurate, indeed from many years of experience, most certainly an honest and truthful observation!
The items, all you need to enjoy any variety of picnic food, within the basket are stored inside with care and precision, no clanging and banging around when travelling. I wonder who designs such items. it takes a clever mind to design such \\\'tardis like\\\' items, so compact yet offering so much opportunity for those who like to travel and dine with a degree of style and sophistication.
From a slow start with the first outing in our garden and then to Harlequins and Twickenham the picnic basket picked up speed and reached other more interesting destinations, thus widening its appeal and encouraging others to appreciate its qualities and adaptability. With Belgian visitors staying with us it became the ideal companion as we spend several days on the south coast, enjoying long walks near Lymington and Milford on Sea, and with warm weather we and the basket became inseparable, the plates, cutlery and glasses both saving us money on restaurant lunches as well as providing us, and in particular our Belgian visitors, with plenty of photographic opportunities as well as conversation pieces to take home about the eccentricities of the British. Picnic baskets are still in their infancy in parts of Belgium but our latest blue toned wicker friend will have done a great deal to increase both awareness and sales!
Since then it has been to several outdoor concerts, including Henley and Sandhurst where it underwent a military inspection for security purposes, and it continues to pass the test.
Watching television the other day I found myself watching an award winning film from some years back, Paul Schofield in \\\'A Man for All Seasons\\\' and it reminded me of my new friend.
This was truly picnic basket for all seasons, not as I had originally thought, for the few sunny days of the summer. It has more than proved its worth in a variety of situations, stood the test of time and use and has fully underlined its versatility.
This has to be at the very top of your Christmas list, even if like me you purely associate picnic baskets with hot summer days.
What fool would do that?
Alan McColm
|
Alan McColm is QFOL's Restaurant Critic and Travel reviewer. Alan is working all over the country ... more
