One of my favorite things to do is host. I am the de facto Martha Stewart of my friend group. I love a good theme, a matching menu, and picking decor to share with my friends. Recently I went out to my friend Leah’s farm for a picnic, and invited two of my closest girlfriends. Today I am sharing some simple summer picnic ideas for your next summer gathering.

Clean and Classic Tablescape

First things first your tablescape. This is the foundation on which you build your picnic. We chose a simple white tablecloth as our base. Linens are an easy affordable way to upgrade your dining set up. It makes everything look more uniform and protects your table surface from damage. It also makes for easy clean up afterwards!

The Decor

The difference between a regular picnic and a memorable picnic is the attention to detail. This is not the time for plasticware and disposable plates. No one is going to remember that. What they will remember is real plates, glasses, and serveware. Your guests will be able to tell the time and thoughtfulness put into your summer picnic.

The key here is to use a variety of serveware. Different colors and sizes of serveware will add dimension to the table and attract the eye of your guests. Fresh flowers are a nice touch and add the cherry on top to a beautiful tablescale.

The Food

It’s not a picnic without food! The time of day and vibe of your picnic will determine your menu. We stuck with nibbles and small bites. A cheeseboard is a must for a picnic. Use a variety of cheeses and add fresh fruit to round it out. You also need something sweet. We had vanilla wafers and doughnuts.

If you like to bake now is the time to show off. Stick to handheld foods for picnics. Brownies or cookies work best, maybe macaroons if you’re feeling fancy. As far as your beverages water is a must, and a mix of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options for the rest. We had wine, prosecco, as well as juice. As far as low effort cocktails, my Ranch Water would be a perfect addition. Don’t forget to check with your guests before hand about dietary preferences/restrictions. A good host always makes sure to accommodate their guests.

Simple Summer Picnic Ideas

These are my best tips for hosting a summer picnic. There’s no better setting for catching up with your friends, having a bite, and enjoying the weather.