Picnic Ideas: Creating a Fabulous Backyard Picnic on a Budget

by Christa Lane @comfylanecottage

 

Going to the park is not a must for an extraordinary picnic. Have you ever considered having a picnic in your own backyard?  With a little inspiration and planning, you'll soon be on your way to becoming a picnic aficionado. Want to know the best part? Everything you'll need can be found inexpensively by shopping your home or secondhand stores.

Follow the tips below for a foolproof and fabulous backyard picnic.

 

Location is Everything

Whether you're planning a romantic dinner for two under the stars or a relaxing afternoon of tea with a special friend, finding the perfect backyard spot is essential. Generally, an outdoor setting that is both practical and pretty is the ideal place. Select an area where the ground is level and the view is scenic.

 

 

Pick Your Surface

Next, determine the seating, either on the ground or at a table. Both are wonderful choices, as long as comfort is taken into account. Soft blankets and even pillows make for a comfy setting on the ground. An outdoor patio or picnic table offers seating up off the ground. Bistro sets are another option. However, if you don't have an outdoor table, a smaller indoor table and chairs can be used as well. If you come across an old drop leaf farmhouse table while thrifting, and it's small enough to carry outside, grab it. Many have castors, making it ideal to roll outside for outdoor events. 

 

 

1. Patriotic and Stripped Patchwork Quilts (Clearing House Estate Sales)

2. Ornate Plastic Outdoor Bistro Set with 4 Chairs (Full of Surprizes Estate and Tag Sales)

3. Drop Leaf Country Table (Edward B. Beattie Auctioneers)

Get Creative With Linens

Let's talk about linens. Adding a tablecloth creates a softer effect; a vintage sheet or quilt works just beautifully. Cloth napkins are perfect for a picnic. Smart thrifters scoop up bargain linens and save them for special occasions. The fabric colors selected for these items help to determine your picnic color scheme.

 

 

Set the Scene

Once seating is determined, the fun part begins. Dishes! Whether you choose to keep it simple or create an elaborate tablescape, keep in mind your menu. At a minimum, you'll need a table setting consisting of plates, silverware and drinking glasses. 

 

But don't stop there. How will you serve your food? Remember to include serving dishes as well to hold all the food on your menu. Some picnic baskets come with matching dishes. However, dishes don't have to be from the same set to look wonderful. Mixing and matching dishes creates interest and beauty. A special tea set just for picnics might be found while scouring estate sales.

 

 

1. Vintage Blue Art Glass Lot Including Frosted Blue Compote, Pitcher, Avon Goblets and More ( Avant Garde Estate Sales)

2. Misc Porcelain Plates (Mcinnis Auctioneers & Estate Sales)

3. White & Cobalt Blue Handmade Ceramic Tea Set (Sisters in Charge Estate Sales)

 

Great dish bargains can be found at thrift and antique shops too. You'll not be disappointed at how pretty many of these dishes are!

 

 

Mix in the Unexpected

A picnic basket is a wonderful way to transport items from the kitchen to your backyard picnic. There are other creative options if you don't have one. Using an old crate or a bushel basket lined with fabric are both great ideas. You could keep a rolling cart stocked with picnic goodies and ready to go. An old red wagon filled with all your culinary goodies would work as well and look adorable lined with red gingham fabric. 

The next time you're shopping for used items, look around at all the creative possibilities for a unique backyard picnic.

 

 

Flowers, whether fresh or faux, are almost a must for the perfect picnic scene. Some thrift stores have an abundance of vases and will sell them for next to nothing. You'll pay a bit more for a fancier vase, but it will be the focal point of your table.Interesting old glasses and mason jars look pretty too. Adding sentimental or vintage pieces will help set the mood. Examples would include old books, art, photos, or radio. All of these items are the finishing touches for a fabulous picnic.

 

1. Signed M. Porter Double Handled Woven Swing Basket (Mcinnis Auctioneers & Estate Sales)

2. Group of 17 Antique Glass Bottles (Mcinnis Auctioneers & Estate Sales))

 

Don't Forget Lighting

The final thing to consider is lighting. If you're planning a day picnic, then shelter from the light might be helpful. If there's no shade from under a tree, then try using old umbrellas or a pretty blanket hung over a line to block the sun. If a night under the stars is on the menu, then lights will create a magical setting. String lights are just one of many ideas. How about candles or old oil lamps? 

 

1. Pair of Oil Burning Finger Lamps (Mcinnis Auctioneers & Estate Sales)

2. Pierced Tin Lantern with Extra Top (Mcinnis Auctioneers & Estate Sales)

 

You could even use an indoor lamp plugged in with an extension cord. Soft lighting is all you'll need. The moon and stars will do the rest. 

 

 

The next time you're planning a special occasion or small get together, give thought to dining alfresco. While out seeking secondhand treasures, keep an eye out for those items that would make for a memorable picnic. Don't be surprised if the neighbors take notice of your special backyard setting. It's just confirmation that you've created a beautiful thing.

About the Author

Christa Lane is an avid blogger with a passion for creating beautiful, cozy homes on a budget. She enjoys the challenge of turning others' castaways into both pretty and practical treasures. Christa shares her home and garden transformations @comfylanecottage on Instagram. Follow her for daily inspiration!

 

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