Although there should be no rules on how and when to picnic – picnics are by nature spontaneous and wonderfully informal. Here is a list of the contents of the Times Hamper with some guidance on which foods go together and how to best enjoy them.

Falorni Proscuitto Crudo(130g) - from Greve in Tuscany. Airdried ham packed in 4 aperitivo -sized sealed packs that the Italians called ‘spuntini’ - spontaneous

Seggiano Roasted Vegetables in extra virgin olive oil (500g) - the finest vegtables grilled over hot volcanic (lava) rock and steeped in the local extra virgin olive oil. Includes roasted artichokes, peppers, tomatoes and baby onions.

San Vicario Organic Black Olives 280g -delicious organic black olives from Puglia.

Salted Marcona Almonds (125g) - the ultimate salted nut and perfect for a pre-lunch drink.

Mondovino Moroccan seed and nut crackers for red wine (125g) - a cracker made with extra virgin olive oil, roasted coriander, cumin and hazelnuts. Perfect with a glass of red wine and a dip.

Terrine de Sanglier (180g) - a robust wild boar terrine from Gascony just like Mama makes!

Cheese and cheese accompaniments:

Artisan cheeses from England and France specially selected by The Fine Cheese Co. and to accompany them a selection of Fine Cheese Co Crackers and Fruits for Cheese partners.

Here is some guidance from The Fine Cheese Co to help make the matches:

‘Cheese loves a touch of sweetness, hence our use of pure and intense fruit.

Enjoy the Quince fruit puree with the Cheddar and the baby Curworthy. Let our Natural Crackers provide the neutral foil.

To accompany the rich and creamy Vacherin, cut slices from our whole Pears in spiced and sweetened vinegar.

With the Langres, our Damson fruit puree makes a sensational contrast. Again use our Natural Crackers to provide subtlety and crunch.

The exquisite creamy and full flavoured St Maure goat log would be heaven served alone with our Rosemary Crackers’

Baby Vacherin Mont d'or 500g - decadent cheese made from the rich, unpasteurised milk of cows grazing on Summer alpine pastures, held in place by a band of spruce bark. Spoon its melting interior from its magic box.

Langres(180g) - from Champagne, soft-textured and aromatic cheese with characteristic 'crater'. The rind is washed with local Marc de Champagne.

Quicke’s Mature Cheddar (250g) - a generous wedge taken from Quicke’s traditional 12 month old, cloth-wrapped Cheddar.

St Maure log (250g) - classic goat log from Touraine that is 'ashed', then ripened around a stick of straw. Creamy and full-flavoured.

FCC Damson Fruit for Cheese (113g) - a sweet accompaniment for full flavoured, soft cheeses.

FCC Quince Fruit for cheese (113g) - a sweet accompaniment for hard, cheeses.

FCC Pears for Brie (350g)  - whole pears in spiced & sweetened white wine vinegar.

FCC Rosemary Crackers (150g) - fragrant and delicate for soft cheese.

FCC Natural Crackers (150g) - a neutral cracker for cheese.

For the cold meats:

Kitchen Garden Organic Plum & Cranberry chutney (550ml) - a wonderful seasonal combination of fruits to complement turkey and ham in a generous jar.

For after dinner

Seggiano Panforte di Siena (100g) - candied orange and lemon, with whole almonds, honey and spices. Serve in thin slices with coffee.

Mademoiselle de Margaux Chocolate Sticks (125g) - fine ‘twigs’ of dark chocolate with natural raspberry flavour.

For Afternoon Tea: Jing Gold Tip Assam Tea (50g) - the finest hand selected black Assam tea in individual wrapped teabags.

Artisan Biscuits Elegant & English Biscuits - Ginger and Lemon (150g) - two elegant flavours suffused in a slim, butter biscuit.

Artisan Biscuits Organic Hare & Tortoise Toffee Biscuits (100g) - charming and delicious biscuits for children in the shape of the animals with the story on the box.

Chocolate Spread (100g) - delicious French chocolate spread in a ‘boot polish’ tin.

Perfect pud: Wooden Spoon Fruit Compote - Rhubarb & Elderflower (340g) - sensational pure fruit compote - makes a wonderful instant pudding with cream, yoghurt, or ice cream.

Extras:

Glorious hand woven wicker picnic basket with robust handle and leather strap.

FREE Cheese Knife beautifully crafted stainless steel worth £12.95.