You’ll be relieved to know that this isn’t one of our recipe recommendations.

In fact, it’s highly unlikely to be anyone’s recipe recommendation (at least we hope not). Instead, it’s a reference to recent weather reports that this Easter weekend is set to be the hottest on record.

Of course, we’ve heard this before, but when it comes to Easter picnics, by failing to prepare you’re preparing to fail. So, to make sure that you’re armed with an inspiring selection of picnic ideas for Easter – even if it rains – we’ve shortlisted some of our favourites when it comes to dining out(side).

Just remember that if you are planning to buy smoked salmon from John Ross Jr then make sure you order before Monday 30th March so that it arrives before Good Friday.

The perfect picnic hamper

• Everyone loves a Scotch egg. And this recipe, which features on the BBC’s website, is delicious. Just make sure you make – and pack – enough.
• Smoked salmon sandwiches on wholemeal bread are a staple. The beauty is that not only are they delicious, but they’re so quick and easy to prepare. Just make sure you pack fresh lemon to sprinkle over the top of the smoked salmon before eating!
• Pork Pies (a bit like the rain) are a very British menu item. But they do taste so good. This recipe for small pork pies with Quail’s eggs provides a fantastic twist on what is a traditional British snack.
• Scones are like the sweet relation of the pork pie in as much as you can’t get enough of them, particularly if they’re freshly baked and served with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
• If anyone has the skills to make a fantastic quiche it’s Mary Berry. Fortunately, she’s shared her secret to making a Quiche Lorraine with everyone else, too.
• If you’re prepared to indulge in a little chocolate this Easter then why not go all out and make sure you’ve packed cheese and pickle, too. Our favourite cheese buying experience to date has been at Neal’s Yard in London. However, if you can’t get to the shop then you can buy some of the world’s most interesting, tastiest and smelliest (poor postie) cheeses.
• Wine. This needs no explanation.
  For that perfect picnic, also make sure everything’s well chilled – particularly if it does turn out to be that scorcher that everyone’s hoping for. So, whether you’re picnicking, eating in or eating out this Easter, enjoy your Easter weekend from everyone at John Ross Jr.