A friend has given us some strawberry plants in pots that are now
flowering, is it better to put these in planters or are they better in
hanging baskets?

i thought hanging baskets may be better as i could hang them near the
house which would deter the birds and slugs from easily getting to them.

Planting in the ground is not practical as i have a shady garden
although i could accomodate planters in a sunny location