Several ways you can make dining out on a picnic table exciting with simple yet decorative settings

By Erica Puisis

Why not plan your next party on a picnic table in a park and don't think you need to settle for boring décor. There are many ways that you can liven up a picnic table, with both place settings and themed decorations that will make your party pop.

Here are some of our favorite picnic table place settings and decorations, with themes for a variety of occasions and seasons. Gather some inspiration, then make plans for a park feast featuring a picnic table that is anything but boring!

After all, Mother Nature supplies the perfect setting -  blue ceilings, fresh air and a lush green floor.

Choose from several easy themes for a picnic table

Picnic Table Theme #1: Lemons

Lemons can provide just the right twist to your picnic table décor with their cheery yellow hue. Some of our favorite ideas for incorporating this citrusy fruit into your look include:

Lemon Centerpieces

Slice lemons horizontally, then place in a wide-mouth vase full of water and insert fresh flowers. Place on the center of each picnic table. The cut fruit will provide visual interest and give your guests something to look at.

Lemon Placeholders

If you're looking to give your picnic table party a more formal feel, consider using lemons as placeholders for assigned seating. Simply grab a permanent marker and write each guest's name on a lemon. Place the lemon on top of a place setting, and everyone will know just where to sit.

Picnic Table Theme #2: Fall Harvest

If you have autumn on the mind, consider doing a picnic table themed around a fall harvest. The cooler temperatures are perfect for a get-together in your local park featuring football, chili, and hot apple cider.

To bring a festive feel to your picnic table, use gourds, pumpkins, Indian corn, hay bales, and more to create a harvest look.

Pumpkin Place Settings

Consider using mini pumpkins as the showpiece for each place setting on your picnic table. No two mini pumpkins will look exactly alike, but the overall look will be harmonious.

Fall Centerpieces

If you live in a climate with abundant changing leaves, round up some brightly-hued fallen leaves and sprinkle on the table for a rustic feel. For a centerpiece that steals the show, use bright orange pumpkins and Indian corn surrounded by deeply hued candles to create a cozy, fall vibe.

Picnic Table Theme #3: Wild West

Are you looking to make your next picnic a tribute to the Wild West? If you want your guests to feel like they are truly out on the range, we have some great ideas that will make the cowboys and cowgirls smile.

Bandana Buffet Table

Make bandanas the center of the show by creating a runner made from these decorated handkerchiefs. Stich them end-to-end and place the runner down the length of your picnic table. Spread your meal in dishes on top and guests can serve themselves.

Bandana Napkins and Place Settings

We've got a few ideas for incorporating bandanas into your place settings. If you're doing a place setting for each person at the picnic table, fold a bandana like a cloth napkin and neatly tuck it under each plate. Use two or three colors of bandanas and alternate for each place setting.

When a personal place setting at each spot isn't possible, you can still incorporate the bandana in lieu of a cloth napkin. Loosely press the bandana into a mason jar glass (to drink from), then put a fork, spoon, and knife into the jar for a place setting that can be taken on the go. The only thing your guests will need to do is also grab a plate and fill it up with their picnic favorites!

Haybales and Lassos

The Wild West theme can be enhanced with a few other items that might be found on the farm or at the rodeo. Bring haybales for auxiliary seating, if you're limited on the number of available picnic tables. Use rope to give a lasso-look to your buffet table. Loop the rope around various plates and desserts, or run it down the length of the picnic table.

Adding flowers in a variety of forms is a perfect and complementary way to integrate your picnic table settings with nature

Picnic Table Theme #4: Sunflowers

Sunflowers seem like a perfect choice for a summer picnic, and they easily brighten up a picnic table with their bright yellow petals. Naturally beautiful, there are many ways to use these big flowers in a way that will give maximum impact to your picnic decorations.

Sunflowers and Lanterns for Centerpieces

For a centerpiece that really shines, cut the heads off the sunflowers and lay them around lanterns in the center of the table. During the day, your guests will appreciate the beautiful flowers. Once evening falls and the lanterns begin to glow, the yellow flowers will serve as a warm complement to the light illuminating each picnic table.

Sunny Yellow Place Settings

Carry the theme of the sunflowers through to other aspects of your picnic table. One example is to use deep yellow napkins to wrap cutlery. Or, select yellow plates (paper or shatter-resistant plastic make good choices) for a pop of color.

Picnic Table Theme #5: Under the Sea

Whether your picnic table is by the sea or many miles from it, you can still bring a splash of ocean fun to a park near you. Channel your inner mermaid or surfer with these ideas for a picnic table theme that is both beachy and easy to pull off.

Seashell Place Settings

Use a beautiful shell as the topper for each place setting, perhaps accenting a blue, turquoise, or sea green plate. Shells large enough to make a statement can be purchased to minimize the hours of beachcombing necessary for this look (unless you live close to a beach with abundant shells). Just be sure that you sterilize anything that will be making direct contact with plates.

Another great idea is to use blue-hued mason jars, water bottles, or candles.  Though not nautical by nature, the blue glass is reminiscent of sea glass and the ocean's peaceful hue.

Coral and Driftwood Centerpieces

Seashells aren't the only calling card of the ocean. Coral and driftwood can give your picnic table a decidedly beachy look with minimal effort.

Use pieces of coral and candles to create centerpieces that are both elegant and easygoing. Or, anchor your buffet table with driftwood, placed in between your favorite picnic foods.

Shovels and Sand Pails

For a more whimsical look that is kid-friendly, you could also use plastic sand toys such as shovels and rakes, along with sand pails, to decorate your picnic tables. The sand pails can serve as unexpected flower vases or cutlery holders.

At the end of the day, clean up the tables and send the kids home with beach toys for their next trip to the ocean.

Plan Your Next Party Around the Picnic Table

Make your next picnic a party to remember with these picnic table decorating tips. With a theme and a little imagination, you can create an exciting and memorable event that your guests will enjoy from beginning to end!

How to have fun with picnic table settings