Planning a picnic is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors and unleash some creative flair. Whether you’re in your backyard or at a local park, these picnic theme ideas will help turn a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.

1. Vintage Picnic Vibes

Step back in time with a vintage-inspired picnic, complete with retro dishes and attire.
Step back in time with a vintage-inspired picnic, complete with retro dishes and attire.

Transport your guests back in time with a vintage-inspired picnic. Dust off those enamelware dishes and set up a spread of homemade treats like cake pops and finger sandwiches. I love adding a twist by encouraging everyone to dress in their favorite vintage outfits!

A few helpful options:

  • Enamelware Dish Set: A classic enamelware dish set, perfect for adding a vintage touch to your picnic setup. Durable and charming, they make serving food convenient and stylish.
  • Picnic Basket with Blanket: A woven picnic basket with a matching blanket, ideal for transporting your homemade treats and setting a classic, cozy scene on the grass.
  • Vintage Teacup and Saucer Set: Charming vintage-style teacup and saucer set for serving tea or coffee, enhancing the nostalgic theme of your gathering.

2. Tropical Luau Picnic

Create a vibrant tropical paradise with a luau-themed picnic.
Create a vibrant tropical paradise with a luau-themed picnic.

Bring the beach to you with a tropical luau picnic theme. Decorate with colorful leis and serve a menu filled with pineapple salsa and coconut cucumber salad. In my experience, a little island music sets the perfect vibe!

Products that could assist:

  • Tiki Torches: Enhance your luau picnic with ambient lighting that adds a touch of island charm.
  • Hawaiian Flower Leis: Colorful leis to wear or use as decor, perfect for creating an authentic island feel.
  • Bamboo Beach Mats: Comfortable and stylish mats that add a natural look to your picnic setup.

3. Rustic Farmhouse Picnic

Experience the countryside charm with a rustic farmhouse picnic.
Experience the countryside charm with a rustic farmhouse picnic.

Embrace the charm of the countryside with a rustic farmhouse picnic. Think gingham tablecloths, mason jars, and wildflowers as centerpieces. I usually opt for a menu of hearty sandwiches and fresh lemonade to complete the theme.

Consider these options:

  • Gingham Tablecloth Set: Add a touch of classic countryside charm to your picnic with a set of gingham tablecloths. They are both stylish and easy to clean.
  • Mason Jar Set: Perfect for serving drinks or as rustic decor, these mason jars add a farmhouse feel to any picnic setting.
  • Wildflower Seed Packets: Create beautiful centerpieces with homegrown wildflowers. These seeds are easy to plant and bring natural beauty to your table.

4. Elegant Wine and Cheese Picnic

Indulge in an elegant wine and cheese picnic with artisan selections.
Indulge in an elegant wine and cheese picnic with artisan selections.

Host an elegant wine and cheese picnic for a touch of sophistication. Pair artisan cheeses with a selection of wines and add some fresh fruits for a balanced platter. I’ve found that a scenic location with a view makes this theme truly shine.

A few relevant products:

  • Insulated Picnic Basket: An insulated picnic basket keeps your wine and cheese at the perfect temperature. Great for transporting all your essentials to your scenic picnic location.
  • Cheese Board Set with Cutlery: A cheese board set provides a stylish way to serve a variety of cheeses. Often includes knives and utensils for a complete experience.
  • Portable Wine Glasses: Durable, portable wine glasses made from shatterproof material. Perfect for enjoying your wine outdoors with ease.

5. Playful Kids’ Picnic

Create joyful memories with a playful picnic designed for kids.
Create joyful memories with a playful picnic designed for kids.

Make it a day to remember with a playful kids’ picnic theme. Include activities like a hula hoop contest or a watermelon seed spitting contest. When my niece and nephew join, I always pack colorful snacks and games to keep them entertained.

Check these products out:

  • Hula Hoops for Kids: Brightly colored hula hoops provide endless fun for kids, encouraging physical activity and coordination.
  • Watermelon Seed Spitting Game Kit: This kit offers a fun and safe way to enjoy a watermelon seed spitting contest, complete with targets and markers.
  • Colorful Picnic Snack Boxes: These picnic snack boxes are perfect for packing a variety of colorful and appetizing snacks, keeping kids excited and full.

6. Great Gatsby-Inspired Picnic

Step into the roaring twenties with a glamorous Great Gatsby picnic.
Step into the roaring twenties with a glamorous Great Gatsby picnic.

Channel the roaring twenties with a Great Gatsby-inspired picnic. Incorporate gold-rimmed plates, mini chandeliers, and jazz music to set the scene. I love seeing guests dressed in their best flapper dresses and sharp suits!

Might be a good match:

  • Gold-Rimmed Dinnerware Set: Enhance your picnic with elegant gold-rimmed dinnerware for a sophisticated touch.
  • Portable Mini Chandeliers: Create an opulent atmosphere with portable mini chandeliers.
  • Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for Jazz Music: Set the perfect mood with a wireless speaker for playing jazz tunes.

7. Backyard BBQ Picnic

Enjoy a classic backyard BBQ picnic with all your favorite dishes.
Enjoy a classic backyard BBQ picnic with all your favorite dishes.

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned backyard BBQ picnic. Set up with red-and-white checked tablecloths and serve classic BBQ fare like hot dogs and baked beans. In my backyard, this theme always brings neighbors together for a fun-filled afternoon.

Give these a look:

  • Red and White Checked Tablecloth: A classic red-and-white checked tablecloth that adds a charming and traditional touch to your BBQ picnic setup.
  • Portable BBQ Grill: A portable BBQ grill that is ideal for backyard gatherings, allowing you to easily grill hot dogs, burgers, and more.
  • BBQ Serving Set: A BBQ serving set including tongs, spatula, and fork made from durable materials, perfect for handling and serving BBQ fare.

8. Beach Bliss Picnic

Experience beach bliss with a picnic that brings the ocean to you.
Experience beach bliss with a picnic that brings the ocean to you.

Recreate a beach picnic without the sand by using starfish and seashell decorations. Serve seafood-inspired dishes and tropical drinks to complete the theme. I often add some beach games like Frisbee to keep everyone entertained.

Some handy options:

  • Decorative Starfish and Seashell Set: Enhance your beach picnic atmosphere with these realistic starfish and seashell decorations. Perfect for any seaside-themed event.
  • Portable Beach Umbrella: Keep cool and shaded with a colorful, portable beach umbrella. Ideal for creating a festive beach atmosphere at your picnic.
  • Seafood Serving Platter: Serve your seafood-inspired dishes elegantly with this durable and aesthetically pleasing platter, perfect for beach-themed gatherings.

9. Garden Tea Party Picnic

Delight in a garden tea party picnic with elegant settings and treats.
Delight in a garden tea party picnic with elegant settings and treats.

Host a charming garden tea party picnic with dainty teacups and floral table settings. Include a selection of teas and classic treats like scones and finger sandwiches. My garden always feels like a fairytale with this elegant setup.

These products might help:

  • Vintage Floral Tea Set: A charming tea set with floral designs to enhance your garden tea party experience.
  • Decorative Lace Tablecloth: A beautiful lace tablecloth that adds elegance to any garden setting.
  • Flower Centerpieces: Lovely floral centerpieces to create a fairytale atmosphere for your picnic.

10. Masquerade Picnic

Uncover the mystery with a masquerade-themed picnic.
Uncover the mystery with a masquerade-themed picnic.

Add a touch of mystery with a masquerade picnic. Encourage guests to wear masks and decorate with string lights and vibrant fabrics. I love the element of surprise and fun this theme brings to any gathering.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Decorative Masquerade Masks: Elegant masks to add a touch of mystery and style to your picnic gathering.
  • String Lights for Outdoor Use: Create a magical atmosphere with warm, ambient lighting perfect for evening picnics.
  • Colorful Picnic Blankets: Vibrant and comfortable blankets to make your picnic setting inviting and cozy.

11. Patriotic Picnic

Show your true colors with a patriotic-themed picnic.
Show your true colors with a patriotic-themed picnic.

Celebrate with a patriotic picnic using red, white, and blue decorations. Serve classic American dishes like burgers and apple pie. On Independence Day, this theme is a family favorite at my place.

May just do the trick:

  • Red, White, and Blue Tableware Set: A disposable tableware set featuring red, white, and blue colors to match the theme. Includes plates, cups, and napkins for easy cleanup.
  • American Flag Bunting Banner: A decorative banner with American flag designs to add a festive touch to your picnic area.
  • Patriotic Picnic Blanket: A comfortable picnic blanket in a red, white, and blue checkered pattern, perfect for spreading out on the grass.

12. Mediterranean Picnic

Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean with a themed picnic.
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean with a themed picnic.

Transport your guests to the Mediterranean with a Mediterranean-themed picnic. Serve dishes like hummus, olives, and flatbreads, and decorate with olive branches. I find this theme perfect for a relaxing afternoon under the sun.

A few suggestions:

  • Ceramic Serving Platter Set: These elegant platters are perfect for serving Mediterranean dishes like hummus and olives in style.
  • Reusable Picnic Blanket: A durable and stylish picnic blanket ideal for outdoor settings, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.
  • Olive Branch Table Decor: Artificial olive branches to enhance the Mediterranean theme and provide a natural aesthetic.

13. Fiesta Picnic

Bring the fiesta to your picnic with vibrant colors and flavors.
Bring the fiesta to your picnic with vibrant colors and flavors.

Spice things up with a fiesta picnic complete with colorful decorations and Mexican cuisine. Think tacos, salsa, and margaritas to get the party started. I love the vibrant energy this theme brings to any picnic.

You might give these a try:

  • Mexican Themed Tablecloth: A vibrant tablecloth with traditional Mexican designs to set the mood for your fiesta picnic.
  • Taco Holders: These taco holders will keep your tacos upright and mess-free, making them perfect for outdoor eating.
  • Colorful Party Banners: Bright and festive banners to add a splash of color and fun to your picnic setting.

14. Bohemian Picnic

Embrace your inner free spirit with a bohemian-themed picnic.
Embrace your inner free spirit with a bohemian-themed picnic.

Create a relaxed vibe with a bohemian picnic using eclectic blankets and cushions. Incorporate natural elements and serve a menu of fresh salads and fruit. This theme always brings out the free spirit in me.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Eclectic Picnic Blankets: Colorful and eclectic blankets perfect for creating a relaxed bohemian vibe at your picnic.
  • Cushioned Floor Pillows: Comfortable floor pillows that add style and relaxation to your outdoor setup.
  • Wooden Serving Trays: Rustic wooden trays for elegantly serving fresh salads and fruits at your picnic.

15. Fantasy Fairytale Picnic

Enter a fairytale with a picnic filled with enchantment and magic.
Enter a fairytale with a picnic filled with enchantment and magic.

Step into a storybook with a fantasy fairytale picnic. Use whimsical decorations like fairy lights and serve a magical menu of cupcakes and tea. I love seeing guests enchant themselves with this dreamy theme.

Possibly handy products:

  • String Fairy Lights: Enhance the magical ambiance with twinkling fairy lights that are battery-operated for easy setup anywhere.
  • Vintage Picnic Basket Set: Add charm to your picnic with a vintage-style wicker picnic basket complete with utensils and plates.
  • Floral Tablecloth or Picnic Blanket: Create a cozy and whimsical ground setting with a floral-patterned picnic blanket or tablecloth.

16. Urban Jungle Picnic

Create a green oasis in the city with an urban jungle picnic.
Create a green oasis in the city with an urban jungle picnic.

Bring nature to the city with an urban jungle picnic. Decorate with plants and serve a healthy menu of smoothies and wraps. In my city loft, this theme is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle.

Try these:

  • Portable Picnic Blanket: An easy-to-carry picnic blanket, perfect for setting up your urban jungle picnic. Lightweight and waterproof materials make it ideal for any surface.
  • Indoor Potted Plants: Bring a touch of greenery to your urban space with easy-to-maintain indoor plants. These can add a refreshing vibe to your city loft picnic scene.
  • Reusable Smoothie Cups with Lids: These reusable cups are perfect for serving healthy smoothies while being environmentally friendly. They come with lids to prevent spills during your picnic.

17. Minimalist Zen Picnic

Find peace and simplicity with a minimalist zen picnic.
Find peace and simplicity with a minimalist zen picnic.

Simplify your gathering with a minimalist zen picnic. Use neutral tones and natural materials, focusing on a calm atmosphere. I find this theme perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature in a serene setting.

A few choices to try:

  • Woven Picnic Basket: A natural woven picnic basket that provides an elegant yet practical solution for carrying your picnic essentials, enhancing the minimalist zen vibe.
  • Bamboo Picnic Mat: A lightweight bamboo picnic mat offering a natural setting perfect for a serene gathering, seamlessly blending with nature.
  • Ceramic Bowl Set: Neutral-toned ceramic bowls that add a subtle touch of elegance to your picnic tableware, ideal for serving snacks peacefully.

18. Artistic Picnic

Express your creativity with an artistic-themed picnic.
Express your creativity with an artistic-themed picnic.

Unleash your creativity with an artistic picnic. Provide paints and canvases for guests to create their masterpieces while enjoying the outdoors. I love seeing the beautiful art that comes to life during these gatherings.

You might like:

  • Portable Painting Easel: A portable easel is essential for outdoor painting sessions, offering stability and easy setup, making it ideal for an artistic picnic.
  • Acrylic Paint Set: An acrylic paint set provides vibrant colors and quick drying times, perfect for creating art in an outdoor setting.
  • Canvas Panels: Canvas panels are lightweight and easy to transport, offering a great surface for creating artwork during a picnic.

19. Zen Garden Picnic

Achieve tranquility with a zen garden picnic.
Achieve tranquility with a zen garden picnic.

Find tranquility with a zen garden picnic. Use sand and stone decorations and serve a menu of sushi and green tea. In my experience, this theme is perfect for a peaceful afternoon of relaxation.

A few things you might like:

  • Portable Zen Garden Set: A compact zen garden set including sand, stones, and a rake, ideal for creating a tranquil atmosphere during your picnic.
  • Eco-Friendly Bamboo Sushi Tray: A stylish bamboo sushi tray perfect for serving sushi in a natural and elegant way.
  • Green Tea Assortment: An assortment of premium green teas to complement your sushi and enhance the zen experience.

20. Winter Wonderland Picnic

Warm up with a cozy winter wonderland picnic.
Warm up with a cozy winter wonderland picnic.

Embrace the cold with a winter wonderland picnic. Decorate with snow-like elements and serve hot cocoa and cozy treats. Even in winter, this theme brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Outdoor String Lights: Create a magical winter atmosphere with warm white outdoor string lights. Perfect for illuminating your winter picnic setting.
  • Cozy Picnic Blanket: Stay warm and comfortable with a thick, woolen picnic blanket. An essential for keeping the chill at bay.
  • Insulated Flask for Hot Drinks: Keep your hot cocoa or tea warm with an insulated flask, ideal for outdoor winter gatherings.