Host A Garden Party Picnic

Set The Scene

When you set up in a backyard garden, nature is your decoration! Whether it’s a simple well manicured lawn or a flower-filled oasis, you don’t need much else to set up the space. As you can see, my “garden” is a well manicured lawn surrounded by lush green trees.

You do want to make the dining table a focal point though, starting with a table and floor seating similar to this Moroccan inspired party.

1. Place indoor/outdoor rugs on the ground to help frame the dining space and create a barrier between the grass and your guests. If you don’t have one large rug you can place several smaller ones overlapping each other.
2. Set up a DIY low table for dining. Place a large board or piece of plywood on top of 2 end bases that are of equal height such as milk crates, wood crates or boxes. You could also use an adjustable height folding table with low stools to sit on.
3. Cover the table with fabric to hide any unsightly supplies and rough edges.
4. Add comfort with big pillows or cushions around the table for guests to sit on. Soft throws can also contribute to the cozy factor.

Music

I think this garden picnic can be enhanced with a playlist of Yacht Rock tunes. Search Spotify for a playlist called “Yacht Rock Top 100 Songs.” It gives a fun nostalgic and chill vibe!

Table Decor

I was inspired by this piece of purple and cream fabric. The pattern feels a little exotic to me so I included Moroccan-style lanterns and lots of gold decorations like votive holders and geometric shaped home decor items.

For more tablescapes to celebrate special occasions check out this colorful summer tablescape or a gorgeous pink and gray birthday table setting.

Centerpiece

Since the table is a bit more narrow than usual I kept the centerpiece to a minimal. Instead of one large floral arrangement or even several smaller ones, use brass candlestick holders as vessels to hold individual flowers. You can also place a few flower heads directly on the table as well as small air plants.

There’s just enough room at the ends of the table to place two gold lanterns. The overall look is an elegant mix of bohemian and exotic flair.

Place Settings

For each place setting combine modern and vintage dishes. Layer modern gold striped plates on top of vintage gold-trimmed plates from the thrift store. Mix and match the old with the new I always say!

Add gold utensils, gold napkin rings, and purple glasses with an edible flower garnish.

Unique Table Activity

It’s always fun to add something a little unexpected or unique to a party. With that in mind I provided each guest with a coloring page from a mandala coloring book. They’re small so they fit onto a mini clipboard that makes it easy to color on.

Included a mini box of colored pencils. Guests can take these home or work on them right at the table. These mandala coloring pages are supposed to be relaxing and are very on trend right now.

Easy Menu

Prepare or purchase gourmet sandwiches for an easy entree. How do you do that? Use interesting breads such as sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, wraps, croissants, biscuits, puff pastry, or pie pastry cups.

Make homemade spread to take mayonnaise, mustard, or cheese to the next level.

These mini club sandwiches are the perfect example of this idea, as are the mini roast beef sandwiches with blue cheese spread.

Make these into larger sandwiches or make enough for 2 mini sandwiches per guest.

Arrange a fresh food platter such as seasonal fruit, raw or roasted vegetables with dipping sauce, charcuterie skewers, or fruit and cheese skewers.

Include a cold side dish salad that’s nice and filling. My choice is classic potato salad, or pesto pasta salad. Each one complements the rest of the menu and are make-ahead. Other grain dishes can include couscous, orzo, and quinoa. 

I love crunchy chips for almost any gathering, especially when it’s outside. You can dress up kettle chips with blue cheese and balsamic glaze, or simply offer regular or flavored potato chips.

PARTY TIP: Make a pre-packed boxed lunch for each guest. Wrap a sandwich in paper and twine; fill small canning jars or Chinese takeout boxes with cold salads; add a bag of chips; put in single size desserts served in paper sacks.

Drinks

Welcome your guests into the garden with prepared jars filled with flavored lemonade or a signature drink. This grapefruit and gin sparkling cocktail is what I served in the purple glasses on the table, and it’s the perfect refresher!

For a more interactive approach, set up an iced tea station and let guests mingle as they pour their custom drink.

Dessert

If this is a celebration such as an adult birthday party, a bridal party or other special event, you’re going to want to serve cake! I highly recommend buying a cake from a trusted source, to save time.

In leu of cake, indulge in some single size desserts that you can make ahead.

Cake

Make the cake part of the decoration by adding fresh mint and berries to the top. Garnish the serving platter with flowers and babies breath to match your garden surroundings.

PARTY TIP: Dress up a store-bought cake by adding fresh berries to the top, and surrounding it with fresh mint leaves, flowers, and babies breath. Don’t eat the flowers unless you’re sure they’re safe! Just remove them before eating the cake.

Mini Desserts

If this is a simple ladies get-together you can forgo the cake and serve make-ahead mini desserts instead. Some of my favorite choices for this event are lemon bars, and stuffed strawberries.

Party Favors

The party favors for this celebration are mini cakes that come in pretty purple boxes that match the table color scheme. Find single serving pies in mini boxes in the bakery section of the grocery store. I found these at Walmart.

What To Wear

Since you’ll be sitting on the ground, I recommend not wearing anything too short or too tight as it can be tricky to get down on the ground with those on.

I suggest long flowy skirts, loose pants, and sundresses that are comfortable and easy to move around and sit in.

What To Do

Engage in some traditional garden party activities such as croquet or bocce ball.

Set up a giant Jenga or giant Connect 4 game. Make sure you have a steady, level base to put it on.

I hope you love these garden party picnic ideas as much as I loved creating them. Do you have anything to celebrate this month?