How to Decorate Picnic Party Tables in a Park

You’ve probably noticed our recent love affair with picnics! Ideas for planning a Father’s Day picnic, a fish fry summer gathering, even a summer picnic wedding proposal! Well, here we are again with a more generic take on how to decorate a summer picnic party – for a birthday perhaps or simply because the weather outdoors is so inviting. As our examples show, a picnic can be styled in so many ways, depending on your location and your supplies. Get ready for some really fun inspiration and product picks! (*this post contains affiliate links)

10 Creative Ways to Decorate Picnic Party Tables in a Park

From woodsy to country to whimsical to vintage to an intimate picnic for two, these examples show the varied looks you can create for your outdoor gathering. And we’re pointing out the touches and tips we love!

1 – Recreating a “National Park”

Talk about creative! This picnic look was assembled for a teacher appreciation luncheon themed in honor of 100 years of National Park Services last 2016. While the parent-hosts recreated this indoors, you could certainly do something similar outdoors with all the fabulous woodland elements. Note the grass runners, camping  lanterns, tree stumps and log candle holders. You can see all the details in the full post at Taste With the Eyes.

2 – Pretty Picnic Luncheon with a View

Having a captivating view as your picnic backdrop is certainly a plus. This could be a pond in a park, a lovely wooded grove, or a city landmark like NYC’s Hudson River – as in this citrus-themed picnic setting styled by  Dreamers Joy Events & Design, featured on Celebrations at Home. See how a fruity color scheme can set such a fresh, appealing summer vibe. Love it!

3 – Classic Checkered Cloths + Multi-colored Balloons

Red checkered tablecloths and sunflower centerpieces are picnic classics. But add bright, colorful balloons – as in this setup at LA Griffith Park Crystal Springs, via Team Play Events – and you have a festive celebration! (Note: Best to choose balloons on sticks, rather than on string, to keep them more stable.)

4 – Picnic Setup by a Lake

There’s just something about picnicking under a shady tree by a lake that adds a restful feel to a picnic get-together. So even if the table elements and menu may be simple, as shown here on Scene Through My Eyes, you get to enjoy the cool breeze and watch the lakeside activities.

5 – A Covered Picnic Venue

If you happen to have a nearby facility like this picnic shelter at Si View Park, it’s a practical alternative to consider. You get some welcome shade from the sun (and shelter from an unexpected drizzle). Plus if it includes flooring, this may be a friendlier surface than bare ground or grass for elderly and very young picnickers.

6 – What’s a Picnic Without Ants?

Be on the lookout for fun decorative accents for your picnic table. Check out these oversized ants (see our product picks below) that Table 21 cleverly arranged into a unique “runner” leading right to the picnic goodies! Plus, there are more charming touches like the watermelon plates, the basketful of fruits and flowers, and more fresh berries, grapes, and oranges serving as colorful decorations as well.

7 – Vintage Picnic

Want to take a break from the usual casual picnic look? Go for a lovely, refined vintage feel – taking cues from this outdoor tablescape by Daley Decor, as featured on Lowell Sun. Note the dainty table linens (actual a dotted chenille bed throw!), etched wine glasses mixed with farm milk bottles, depression glass plates and bowls for the picnic fare combined with small jars for condiments. So pretty!

8 – Lorax-themed Birthday Picnic in the Park

Now, if you’re planning a picnic for a little one’s birthday, here’s a cute and doable example with a Lorax theme from Burlap Bag Lady. Here, details from the Dr. Seuss book bring even the simplest picnic setup alive – a green-frosted cake, colored marshmallows, cotton candy, and “Traffula Trees” made of fresh pineapple, watermelon and kiwi fruit cut into circles and mounted on skewers.

9 – Great! A gazebo!

If the picnic area you’ve chosen includes a gazebo, go for it! It provides a fabulous focal point for your decor, as seen in this adorable toddler birthday picnic in the park by Momma Society. Once you’ve chosen a color to unify the overall look, simply apply it in the bunting and the picnic buffet tables inside the gazebo, all the way to the picnic blanket, table, and floor cushions out on the grass.

10 – Picnic Party for 2 Under a Tree

Finally, we found this sweet picnic-for-two setting by Beaux Mondes Designs, via Vignette Designs. Instead of the usual blanket laid out on the grass, this takes a more genteel approach: a pair of folding garden chairs with cushions, individual picnic baskets, and a little folding table for wine glasses and a floral arrangement. A touch of Old World romance!

Our Picks for Picnic Decorations + Supplies

Clearly, your picnic can take on any style you choose. But to capture that classic “summer picnic” look, here are 10 basic elements we recommend.

1 – Welcome Hanging Outdoor Décor (affiliate link from Amazon) – A perfect way to set that summer sunshine vibe!

2 – Red Gingham Party/Picnic Supplies (affiliate link from Amazon) – This set includes large plates, napkins, and cups good for 48 guests

3 – Burlap bunting (affiliate link from Amazon) – These pennants have a classic swallowtail shape and are strung on jute rope. You may add letters to personalize them or decorate them as you please.

4 – Picnic Party Red Plaid Round Lanterns, Pack of 3 (affiliate link from Amazon) – A simple way to add an instant cheery touch to the picnic scene.

5 – Sunflower napkin rings (affiliate link from Amazon) – Handcrafted using natural raffia and a paper flower.

6 – Santiago Paisley Bamboo Food Domes, Set of 3 (affiliate link from World Market) – So practical for keeping picnic food bug-free, and in such pretty colors with paisley designs.

7 – Mini Picnic Table Condiment Holder (affiliate link from Amazon) – The cutest way to keep your sauces and spices handy (and wind-safe!) as you eat outdoors.

8 – Galvanized Metal and Copper 3-Tier Stand (affiliate link from World Market) – A truly versatile entertaining essential that can suit many occasions, while saving space and adding height to your food display.

9 – 12 Large 2″ Ants (affiliate link from Amazon) – Might creep out some picnic guests, but definitely an apt accent for a picnic setting!

10 – Family Reunion Photo Booth Props  (affiliate link from Amazon) – An easy, instant picnic activity that’s great for laughs and fun photo keepsakes.

What theme or look will you go for to decorate your picnic(s) this summer?

This post contains affiliate links and Bellenza, Inc. will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking the affiliate links. You can find our disclosure statement here.