SAVINGS OF THE WEEK! PICNIC BASKET

THE picnic basket had its beginnings in the willow hampers popular among 18th-century coach travellers, who needed to stave off hunger on long journeys.

Today, the picnic basket is a way to turn a trip to the park (or even a meal in the back garden) into an event. In winter, it provides a touch of farmhouse chic when displayed in the kitchen.

People who like a bargain at any time of year will be happy to hear that some prices have been cut. If you are in the mood for romance, Cath Kidston’s patchwork-lined heart-shaped basket for two may suit. It comes with plates, glasses, cutlery and a bottle-opener and is £55 down from £95 ( cathkidston. The VonShef basket from VonHaus, pictured, is also for two. The price was £49.99 and is now £39.99 ( vonhaus.com).

The Monaco basket from Robert Dyas (traditionally British in style, despite its name) is equipped for four people to dine alfresco; it is £19.99, down from £34.99 ( robertdyas.co.uk). Sadly, there are no reductions on the handsome baskets from Fortnum & Mason. But you can just buy its salmon pate for £ 9.95 a jar ( fortnumandmason.com). AA