Going to the park is not a must for an extraordinary picnic. Have you ever considered having a picnic in your own backyard?  With planning and just a few simple considerations, you’ll soon become a picnic aficionado. Want to know the best part? Everything you’ll need can be found inexpensively by shopping your home or secondhand stores.

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.

Next, determine the seating, either on the ground or at a table. Both are wonderful choices, as long as comfort is taken into consideration. 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 a small dropleaf farmhouse table, while thrifting, it’s wheels make it ideal to roll outside for outdoor events. 

Let’s talk 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.

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? Consider serving dishes as well for 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. 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!

A picnic basket is a wonderful way to transport items from the kitchen  to your backyard picnic. There are other creative options to do this if you don’t have one. Using an old crate or bushel basket lined with fabric are both great ideas. 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 essential 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.

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? 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.