This summer, we've been inviting some of our favourite foodies to share their expertise with us, on topics as diverse as how to lay the perfect summertime table, to the very best things to pack for a memorable al fresco feast. 

And now, with the season coming to close, we've brought together some of their wonderful suggestions to create a simple guide to throwing the very best summertime celebration imaginable. 

Step 1 | Prepare for Adventure

Summer is the perfect time for an outdoor adventure with a picnic in tow: so we turned to two friends of Fortnum's — restaurant critic, author and journalist, Jimi Famurewa, and travel and food presenter, Leyla Kazim — to get their expert advice on the best places, often away from the beaten track, to spread your picnic rug.

And while Jimi and Layla took us on a tour of London's lesser-known al fresco destinations, their creative suggestions are sure to spark ideas of your own, wherever you call home: from parks and pools, to outdoor cinemas, canalsides and urban farms, the possibilities are endless.

Step 2 | Set The Scene in Style

Tablescaping expert Paula Sutton dazzled us earlier this season with her guide to laying the perfect summer table, and whether you're planning an elegant and intimate feast or a more informal and impromptu gathering, there's much to learn from Paula.

"I like to use the most beautiful and dramatic serving dishes that I can find," says Paula. "Because the food is the main event, it needs to take be displayed to great effect."  We couldn't agree more!

Step 3 | Stay Hydrated...

An expert forager and an extraordinarily creative foodie too, Sam Cooper's recipe for an Elderflower and Alpine Strawberry Infusion has been our go-to (non-alcoholic) tipple for the entirety of the summer season.

And fret not, in case you're worried that making your own infusion might be beyond your kitchen capabilities: Sam's recipe contains just two steps, so staying hydrated during the (hopefully still balmy) late-summer days is delightfully simple. Bottoms up!

Step 4 | Pack Deliciously

"This Tamil spin on fried potatoes is very well loved and comes in lots of different variations. A quick dish, made by tempering hot spices, curry leaves and a delicious quick, crunchy spice mix and then dropping in waxy potatoes so they crisp up in the pan, it is great for an easy summer meal with friends."

Cynthia Shanmugalingam

Summer shindigs are nothing without a little savoury flavour — and while a BBQ is always nice, there's nothing quite like discovering something new and delicious, like Cynthia's Potato Poriyal. So long, uninspired picnic nibbles; hello, scrumptiously seasoned South Indian-inspired spuds...

Step 5 | Don't Forget the Scotch Eggs...

Cook, writer, sailor, gardener, beekeeper, Gill Meller is renowned throughout the food world both for his time as head chef at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage and for his best-selling cookbook ‘Gather’ — and earlier this summer, Gill shared his idea of a perfect picnic with us.

In Gill's own words: 'For some reason everything seems to taste better when you’re outdoors' — a statement that's particularly true of our Scotch Eggs, a savoury favourite which (call us biased...) no summer get-together should be without. 

Step 6 | Finish on a Sweet Note

"I’ve had these pretty peach shortcakes on repeat and they’re so easy to make; all you need is a bowl and a trusty spatula."

Benjamina Ebuehi

Because no summer get-together is complete without a sweet treat or two, these peachy little creations — courtesy of the extraordinary culinary mind of Benjamina herself — are the perfect addition to any al fresco celebration.

Rich with fresh flavours and summery colours too, they're just the thing to enjoy in the late-season sunshine. Or at any time of the year, really...