Top tips for keeping cool this Summer

So summer is finally here! From overcast skies and woolly jumpers to blazing heat in an instant we have been plunged fully into summer. The schools are out just in time to enjoy this glorious weather. Make the most of it, get out there and do whatever you like to do in summer, whether its Pokémon hunting or a picnic lunch in the park. We have some fabulous products and tips to get the most out of our British summer.

Picnicware

If you are aiming to head out for a picnic this summer in the park or on the beach, you’ll need some very essential picnicware items. The basics that you will need will be a flask for keeping drinks hot or cool, a picnic blanket, some securely sealed food storage and plates, crockery and glassesto drink and eat from. Other picnic items that can enhance your picnic experience are plastic champagne glasses for that extra special picnic and of course a fabulous bag to carry it all in.

Hydration

Keeping yourself hydrated is very important, especially in warmer weather. At home you can prepare a jug full of ice, fruit and water for healthy hydration or with a fruit punch for guests. Whilst on the move it’s great to be able to take a drink that is easy to carry and easy to use. Water hydration bottles come in all shapes and sizes, but are essential for keeping your thirst quenched. Children will also need to stay hydrated.  Water bottlesin fun colours are great for them and I’m sure the family dog would appreciate a bowl of chilled water from time to time also.

Stay Cool

Ice is the key to staying cool over the summer months. Ice packs are ideal for taking in a picnic bag or insulated food bag for keeping food cool from the heat. They can also keep a bag of drinks cool too. Ice packs come in many shapes and sizes. Some drink bottles can have parts of them frozen for keeping drinks nice and cool. Ice cubes and ice buckets are perfect for keeping your guests drinks and yourself cool. Try making homemade slushies with a slushie maker, great fun for entertaining kids too.

Iced Cold Brew

Would you ever have imagined that we’d be talking about tea and coffee here, and not a cold beer? Well the best way to enjoy your coffee and tea this summer is to cold brew it for creating the most fabulous iced teas and coffees. This method produces a smoother, less bitter drink and the full flavour that you’d expect. There are several products that can be used to create this. Start by using a Bodum iced coffee maker. Pour four parts cold filtered water gently over one part coarse ground coffee into the press and put the lid on, steep refrigerated or at room temperature for 16-24 hours. Press gently and add to a glass of ice and enjoy! Try adding milk if you prefer. Loose tea can be prepared in the same way and served over ice and lemon for a thirst quenching iced tea. Both can be replicated with a Kilnerjar, but instead of a press you could pour through a strainer and a muslin/paper cloth to create the finished product.

Al fresco dining

There’s nothing quite like a summer garden party or lazy afternoon with a barbecue cooking your food. One way of taking your cooking outside is to purchase a portable induction hob and you can then cook outside whilst mixing with your guests. Portable induction hobs can also be used when camping or caravanning if you have access to an electrical hook up. Always make sure though that you have pans that are compatible with the induction hob. Alternatively, you can use a barbecue or a smoker for some outdoor summer cooking. Barbecues are so versatile with the wide range of recipes and uses for cooking different meats, fish, vegetables and more. Smokersare portable and are great for smoking meats and fish with a great selection of flavoured woodchips. Being able to cook outside more is growing with the variety of options and leaves you to enjoy the summer with friends and family.

Fun activities with kids

There are many cool activities to try with the kids during summertime. Making ice lollies with fun moulds will also keep them cool and by adding your own fruits and juices, you know that the contents are healthy too. Making slushies with their own choice of flavours will certainly keep them cool in the summer sun or start the summer day with a fresh and icy smoothie, blended with ice, yogurt and fruits that will set them up for a day of fun.