You know it’s time to roll out the Komorebi picnic blanket when temperatures feel just right for picnic season. The weather is so pleasant that it feels like a crime not to enjoy a lovely spread in the nearest bit of outdoor space available. The elements of a perfect picnic? A beautiful location, cohesive theme, delicious food, comfy blanket and fun accessories.
Location
As with real estate, the location of your picnic is the most important consideration. It will help inform both attire and food—you can't very well wear wedges and a sundress or serve an elaborate spread if you have to hike to the location.
Picnic in the Park
No pretension here! A picnic in your local park is a classic choice. You can generally find bathrooms, charcoal grills and picnic tables available for anyone to use.
Field of flowers
Bask in the sun's rays while enjoying all the beauty that mother nature has to offer. Packing a lunch that highlights seasonal, locally grown ingredients seems like the perfect choice here.
Greenhouse Picnic
If the weather isn’t on your side relocate your party to an indoor, covered space like a greenhouse. You will have all the elements of the outdoors but with protection from the elements. A greenhouse picnic can also be fun on a bright, sunny day as well just because it’s such a beautiful backdrop for entertaining.
Beach Day
A picnic isn’t only reserved for parks—consider taking your picnic to the beach this spring! Depending on your location, you might be early for swimming but you will be just in time to soak in some rays without the hassle of a crowd.
Garden Party
Okay, so a theme isn't a picnic requirement per se, but if you're throwing an Insta-worthy party, you better have some sort of through line to tie the event together. This can be a specific theme, mood, or even color scheme. You'll find having these elements in mind helps when you're hit with decision paralysis.
Boho Picnic
A spring picnic with a bohemian feel is a relaxed way to approach outdoor entertaining. A couple of Moroccan-inspired poufs, some rattan and festive floor pillows are details that make this picnic theme stand out.
Vintage Picnic
Surrounding yourself with hand-picked vintage picnic pieces creates a unique experience for your guests. Each serving item is one of a kind and feels like a thoughtful touch.
A Rainbow Picnic
We love the idea of a rainbow picnic to celebrate Earth Day (and every other day) this spring.
A Colorful Picnic
This colorful picnic theme is the perfect way to cheer up those gray days we find in early spring. Serve fresh fruit, candy-colored bottles of soda and other vibrant fare.
A Classic Picnic
The opposite of an overly stylish picnic is one with just the bare necessities. A blanket, some food (whether it be homemade, or takeout) and the people you love. If you forgot the flowers, don’t worry! You can just pick some from the nearest field.
Blanket
While any old blanket, towel or sheet will suffice, having a pretty blanket to feast on can really tie your theme together.
Pillows and Layered Blankets
Layer those blankets and haul out some spare pillows for an extra cushy picnic experience. If comfort is your number one priority, invest in a few throwbeds, which make lounging on the ground an enjoyable experience.
Portable Picnic Table
Eating on a blanket with a table can be a challenge if you are planning a larger meal (or just want to avoid the bugs). For elaborate feasts, consider DIYing a low picnic table. A few pieces of plywood can yield a perfectly serviceable, rustic table or make something a little more finished, like we show here.
French Linens
If you can bear to use your vintage french linens as picnic blankets they do make a beautiful accessory for the spring picnic season. French linens feel airy, light and make everything you place on them look so pulled together.
Food
A picnic without food is a sorry sight. After all, the meal is what turns "some people sitting on a blanket outdoors" into a bona fide picnic. From elaborate lunches to just cheese and wine, there are plenty of menu options to consider. Keep in mind the weather and how far you'll need to travel to the picnic site—no one wants to eat a wilted salad or soggy sandwiches.
Mason Jar Meals
This idea is for those picnic fans who prefer to plan ahead. A mason jar meal helps avoid the hefty clean-up post-picnic and keeps ingredients from getting soggy. Plus these recipes are delicious!
Tartines, Tartines, Tartines
A tartines only picnic is such a fun idea! Get creative with your seasonal toppings to create tasty open-faced sandwiches to share. This fare is simple, light and very spring picnic appropriate.
Cheese + Charcuterie Board
Gather your cutting boards and serving plates to pile on the cheese and charcuterie. A picnic favorite and no-brainer, there will is very little prep required.
Pan Bagnet
A pan bagnet is a French picnic sandwich that your guests will love to share. This sandwich is convenient and easy as you only need one big loaf with your favorite toppings versus many small personal sandwiches.
Accessories
The right accessories can help take your picnic to the next level (or just make hauling your supplies around a little bit easier). From over-the-top decorations to more practical options, here are a few of our favorite ideas.
Watercooler Makeover
Water coolers have a certain tailgate kind of vibe that doesn’t make for the most visually pleasing picnic accessory. This easy DIY tutorial turns your run-of-the-mill cooler into something that looks much more high end.
Build a Teepee
Making a teepee is as simple as hanging an everyday sheet over a tree branch. If you want to step up your teepee game get creative with the material. A painted canvas or Moroccan blanket can add a special touch to your setting.
Picnic Bag
This picnic basket is perfect for the park dwellers on the go. Ideal for city living this convenient picnic bag can be an all in one when you are toting your meal to and from picnic time.
Basket Liner
Those picnic-goers who love to stay organized will be really into this DIY basket liner. Your serveware, utensils, and snacks will all have their dedicated spot in your picnic tote.
Balloon Wall
A balloon wall is a sweet way to celebrate an occasion at the park. All your guests will locate the party with ease and can each take home a bundle of balloons as a favor.
