Transform Your Picnic Table: 5 Inspiring Setting Ideas

Summer is in full swing, and there’s nothing quite like an outdoor meal with friends and family. But who says a picnic has to be basic? Elevate your next gathering by transforming your picnic table into a stunning setting. Whether you’re planning a casual brunch, an evening dinner party, or a romantic dinner for two, these 5 inspiring setting ideas will help you create the perfect ambiance.

See tips for pre-packing food for easy distribution at your picnic and creative tableware for an inspired setting. These budget-friendly ideas will help you create a unique atmosphere for any occasion, using simple touches that will leave your guests in awe.

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How To Set Up A Picnic Table Setting?

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a unique picnic-style table setting. Let’s break down how to put together your picnic table.

Picnic Table Center Piece

Summer blooms can easily be used to create a picnic table centerpiece. Look around your yard and landscape to find greenery, flowers, or even wildflowers to create your centerpiece. I wanted to keep my table simple and budget-friendly, so I began by gathering flowers from my garden. Black-eyed Susans and zinnias are plentiful.

The fresh flowers are loosely arranged in a vintage blue canning jar with a wooden berry basket as a riser.

In addition, I recently updated a couple of my old lanterns with a fresh coat of copper paint. Now, they are a perfect accompaniment to the new copper landscape lighting by AQ Lighting.

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Pack a Picnic Basket

After gathering the centerpiece flowers, I filled the picnic basket with many thrift store finds that were perfect for an inspired table setting.

Wicker plate chargers, vintage pie tins, and botanical dishes were interesting finds while Thrifting with the Gals. 

I couldn’t wait to find a use for a fun set of vintage wooden berry baskets that I found at a Flea Market. In addition, the picnic basket was one of my very first thrift store finds.

I wanted to pre-pack the Rotisserie Chicken Salad Croissants, and to keep them fresh, I was inspired to wrap them in crinkled parchment paper. I then placed the croissants inside the napkins, which I had tucked into the berry baskets.

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The Picnic Table Setting

Instead of using a typical check tablecloth, I opted to use a quilted blue and white throw blanket to cover the picnic table. Next, I began setting the table.

Creative Place Setting

First, I placed the woven plate charger and then added a vintage tin pie pan. Inside the pie pan are vintage botanical plates that fit perfectly in the pie tins.

Finally, I topped it off with the berry basket filled with a napkin and parchment paper, which holds the chicken salad croissants.

The lanterns were updated with this easy spray paint idea to match the new landscape lights.

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Simple Cutlery

To keep the cutlery simple and easy to carry, each table setting is tied together with jute string and rosemary sprigs.

I like to use inexpensive but fun tableware for a picnic, and these botanical plates were only 49 cents each at Habitat for Humanity Restore. Even the lovely stemware was a Goodwill find.

Each napkin is tucked inside a vintage berry basket, and parchment paper is pre-wrapped around a croissant. Check out this Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe.

If you like to entertain outdoors, here is another Easy Outdoor Table for inspiration.

A good party doesn’t end when the sun begins to slip behind the mountain. This is our favorite time of day and the perfect way to end a Summer Picnic.

Outdoor Lighting

To create a perfect atmosphere for your outdoor entertaining, it’s important to have good lighting.

We had previously relied on solar lights for this area, but they were unreliable and didn’t provide enough light for the area.

AQ Lighting to the rescue. These gorgeous, easy-to-install landscape lights were the perfect answer.

See how I painted these old rusty lanterns to match the new landscape lighting here.

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Now, the area is well-lit, and our guests can linger and safely watch the sunset after our Summer Picnic.

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I hope you enjoyed these Inspired Picnic Table Setting Ideas.

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Now for More Picnic Inspiration

Next up is Jen from Midwest Life & Style. She has created a romantic outdoor table for two.

Jen at Midwest Life and Style – Table for Two **/** Anne & Ann Marie at Simply 2 Moms

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Michele at Vintage Home Designs **/** Stacy Ling at Bricks N Blooms

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Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.