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.
Table of contents
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.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

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 whileย Thrifting with the Gals.ย

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.

Insider Tip
Parchment paper is heavy-duty, but once it is crinkled, it works great for wrapping. Just roll the paper into a tight ball and then spread it back out to wrap your sandwiches.
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.
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.
Now, the area is well-lit, and our guests can linger and safely watch the sunset after our Summer Picnic.

I hope you enjoyed these Inspired Picnic Table Setting Ideas.
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


Michele at Vintage Home Designs **/** Stacy Ling at Bricks N Blooms
Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

Pin It To Remember It
Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? To save, hover over the images and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button in the upper left-hand corner.



Rachel it is perfect! I love those dishes and your flowers look beautiful! xo
Stacy,
I really appreciate this. Love doing these together.
Sounds like a fun time! Everything looks so good also! Your Lazy Susans are so pretty!! Thanks for sharing!
Margie,
I’m so glad you stopped by. Thanks so much.
So pretty Rachel. Your lanterns you found look beautiful in copper. Great update.
You find amazing pieces while thrifting. NJ doesn’t have as many great thrifting spots.
The berry baskets are perfect additions to this picnic
Cindy,
I really appreciate your sweet comments.
Rachel = It is all so lovely and the new lighting just gives the space an Italian and “get away look”
Also, Rachel, where did you purchase the top you have on? I love it. So nice for summer or anytime.
Diana,
I really appreciate your sweet comments. The top is one I sell in my shop downtown. If I have your size left, I’d be happy add it to my online store and send it to you. If you are interested, DM me on Instagram or email me. [email protected]
Rachel, you summer table, and all of your vintage finds, are just amazing. I didn’t realize you have a pool. In the picture, it looks like it is endless and drifts into the pond. You certainly have a little piece of heaven there. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Miche,
I really appreciate your compliments. Yes, the pool is well above the pond but we wanted it to blend into the landscape. I’m glad you like it.
I’ve never thought of an evening picnic! Such a fun idea. Can hardly wait to try it out but it will have to be September at the earliest. Way to hot for me.
cindy,
thanks for stopping by. can you believe we had a fire in our fire pit last weekend? crazy weather.
I just love this creative tablescape and setting Rachel! The berry baskets were such a cute addition and I love those floral plates!!
michele,
thanks so much for your sweet comments.
Such a lovley outdoor table setting – I especially love the berry baskets. witht the navy napkins. And your Susan’s are gorgeous!!! Pinned!
Cindy,
I really appreciate your comments. Thanks for stopping by.
Everything about your picnic is just gorgeous, Rachel! I love it!
I’m so glad you like it Jen.
I love your beautiful, romantic, and lovely location/fabulous tablescape. I got to look in my yard and see can I create something half as beautiful
Ivory,
I appreciate your comments and thanks for stopping by.
Love all these ideas…looks so inviting for anytime.
Thanks so much for sharing.
I really appreciate this. Thanks for your comments.
These are all so beautiful and creative, Rachel! Your creativity constantly blows me away and is so inspiring. Can’t wait to try some of these ideas too. Late afternoon beach picnics are the best! Hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
You are so kind. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
I love every single detail Rachel! It’s all so gorgeous.
KIm,
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Love your outdoor setting and all the fun decor on your table! Thanks for sharing with us. I’m excited to feature your post this week at our Tuesday Turn About Link Party!
Michelle,
You are so sweet to do this. Thanks for your sweet compliments.
Such cute ideas Rachel, Pinned!
Ann,
Thanks so much.