Birthday Picnic Party Ideas: Plan the Perfect Outdoor Celebration

Birthday Picnic in the Park

Parks are great picnic locations because they offer plenty of space, amenities, and beautiful scenery.

Many parks have picnic tables, grills, and restrooms available for use. Some parks also have playgrounds, sports fields for games, or hiking trails for guests to explore.

There may even be a pavilion where you can set up your birthday picnic – A great option if the weather is a consideration, whether it be heat or rain.

When you choose a park for a picnic party, check if you need permission or make a reservation to set up a birthday party.

If you’re planning a kid’s birthday, we have some great kids’ picnic ideas and loads of easy yet delicious and creative recipes for kids’ picnic food that aren’t sandwiches.

When choosing a beach for a picnic party, consider the type of beach for swimming suitability, parking availability, and amenities.

A beach birthday picnic may take a little more planning, but a beach party can be loads of fun. We have some great beach picnic ideas to get you started and some of our favorite beach picnic essentials to make your beach party comfortable and no fuss.

Forests can offer plenty of shade, fresh air, and possibly wildlife, which sets the scene for a beautiful woodland picnic theme.

Many state and national parks have designated picnic areas and amenities, which makes picnicking easy. Your group can also enjoy a hike before or after your birthday feast.

When choosing a forest for a picnic party, check what amenities you can expect before you arrive. Check if you need a permit or reservation to host a group or if there are entry fees, which can be the case in some state parks.

The backyard is the perfect setting for a picnic. You have the convenience of all the necessary equipment, you don’t have to worry about transporting food, and you have access to power, which means the sky is the limit for decorations and entertainment.

No matter the picnic location you choose, it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure the location suits the party’s needs.

Planning the Birthday Picnic

Planning a picnic party is a fun way to celebrate a special occasion. To ensure the party is a success, start planning well in advance so you don’t miss any of the details to make the day special.

Choose a Central Theme

Choose a central theme for the party. Think about what the birthday person likes and incorporate it into a coordinated picnic theme.

Incorporate the Theme into the Picnic Setting

Once you have your theme, you can incorporate it into your picnic planning, from the food to the decor, games, and invitations. You could even go as far as fancy dress.

Some popular birthday picnic themes include:

1. Retro Red-and-White Picnic: A classic and timeless picnic theme with vintage-inspired red-and-white checkered patterns, retro decorations, and nostalgic games.
2. Tropical Luau Picnic: Transport your guests to a tropical getaway with Hawaiian decorations, tiki torches, tropical fruits, and vibrant floral arrangements.
3. Mexican Fiesta Picnic: Embrace the vibrant colors and flavors of Mexico with piñatas, sombreros, mariachi music, and a spread of delicious Mexican cuisine. We have some great tips for a Mexican-themed picnic.
4. Boho Chic Picnic: Create a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere with floor cushions, dreamcatchers, fairy lights, and a mix of patterns and textures. See our top picks for foldable boho-style picnic tables to set the scene.
5. Beachy Picnic: Capture the essence of a beach vacation with beach balls, seashells, sand-friendly games, and a menu featuring seafood and tropical drinks.
6. Vintage Garden Tea Picnic: Combine the elegance of a garden tea party with the casual charm of a picnic by serving tea, finger sandwiches, and delicate desserts. Go heavy on floral decor and play sophisticated outdoor games like croquet.
7. Enchanted Forest Picnic: Set the scene with woodland-inspired decorations, whimsical fairy lights, and earthy tones to create a magical and mystical ambiance.
8. Farm-to-Table Picnic: Celebrate fresh produce and local foods with a farm-to-table picnic featuring a spread of organic dishes and rustic decorations.
9. Under the Stars Picnic: Set up a dreamy picnic under the night sky with fairy lights, lanterns, and stargazing activities.
10. Superhero Adventure Picnic: Invite guests to dress as their favorite superheroes and embark on a superhero-themed adventure filled with games and challenges—a great picnic idea for boys’ birthdays.
11. Circus Picnic: Capture the excitement of the circus with colorful tents, circus-themed games, and circus snacks like popcorn and cotton candy.
12. Artistic Expression Picnic: Provide art supplies and let guests unleash their creativity while enjoying a picnic in a beautiful outdoor setting.
13. Glamorous Hollywood Picnic: Roll out the red carpet, set up a mini movie screen, and indulge in Hollywood glamour with themed decorations and activities.
14. Wild West Picnic: Embrace the cowboy spirit with western decorations, cowboy hats, and a menu featuring barbecue and classic comfort foods.

Mix and match elements from these themes to create a unique and memorable picnic birthday celebration.

Birthday Picnic Decorations

Decorations create a festive atmosphere and set the theme for the celebration. Your picnic decorations can make a simple statement or be over-the-top elaborate.

Tablecloths and picnic blankets can serve as your foundation for the party decorations. Add flowers, candles, and other decorative elements to create a festive atmosphere.

Personalized party favors can also add a special touch to the party.

To decorate for a themed picnic, use color and themed picnic accessories such as napkins, tablecloths, and plates to demonstrate your theme. And, of course, balloons and on-theme paper decorations are easy to pull together.

Some Ideas for Decorations

Create a Relaxing Atmosphere

Set up comfortable seating options such as blankets, cushions, and chairs. Create a cozy ambiance by adding lights and decorations.

Picnic Tents

Picnic tents set a lovely scene and create charming little retreats or beautiful shade areas to set up food and drink tables. Like these fantastic finds on Amazon, you can find them in both adult and children’s sizes.

Fairy Lights & Lanterns

Lanterns and fairy lights are a great way to add ambiance to a birthday picnic party. They can be hung from trees, umbrellas, or even strung across a picnic table. Some even look great when they are not lit up.

Create a Themed Centerpiece

A centerpiece is a great way to tie together the party’s theme. It can be something as simple as a vase of fresh flowers or a more elaborate arrangement.

A popular trend is to use a wooden crate or basket filled with flowers, fruits, or even balloons.

Balloons

Balloons are a classic decoration for any party, and a birthday picnic is no exception. They add a pop of color and can be used in various ways.

Balloons can be tied to picnic baskets, chairs, or even trees. Helium balloons are perfect for picnic decorations if you can get them.

Paper Garlands

Paper garlands are a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to decorate a picnic party. It is also easy to find garlands to find a large array of themes. You can find a fantastic selection of paper garlands for any picnic theme here.

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a beautiful and elegant decoration for a birthday picnic. They can be used as a centerpiece, scattered throughout the picnic area, or you can make flower crowns for your guests.

Picnic Seating and Layout

One of the most important aspects to consider at any party or picnic is seating and layout.

Make the most of your location using picnic tables, seating options, and decor. You can create a welcoming and functional environment that everyone can enjoy.

Here are a few tips to ensure that the seating and layout of your picnic party are both comfortable and functional.

Space

Consider the amount of space you have available for your picnic party. For example, if you’re hosting a party in a public park, you may need to reserve a specific area in advance to ensure enough room for your guests.

Alternatively, if you’re hosting the party in your backyard, you may need to rearrange furniture or clear space to make room for your guests.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables can be a great option for larger parties, providing ample seating and a stable surface for food and drinks.

If you want to use the public picnic tables in a park or beach – you may have to reserve them or send an advance party to secure them.

Multiple folding picnic tables are another easy way to provide tables for laying out food and sitting around. We have a great selection of folding picnic tables in all sizes, which can help set a beautiful picnic scene.

However, if you’re hosting a smaller party, you may want to consider other seating options to create a more intimate atmosphere.

Seating

In addition to picnic tables, a variety of seating options can work well for a picnic party.

Folding chairs and folding benches are popular, as they are easily transported and can be set up quickly. Guests can also sit on blankets or picnic mats on the ground for a casual atmosphere.

Scatter cushions create a nice picnic aesthetic as well as being comfortable.

Depending on your theme, you may want to bring beach chairs or some up-turned wooden crates with cushions.

Overall, the seating and layout of your picnic will play a big role in how comfortable and enjoyable the event is for your guests.

Blankets and Tablecloths

Even if you use tables, blankets can still set the scene under a table or as an alternative place to relax. See our guide to the best waterproof picnic blankets for some luxe and practical options.

Blankets and tablecloths can also add a pop of color and texture to your party decor. They can cover picnic tables or other surfaces, adding an extra layer of style and protection.

Set up Mini Picnic Areas for Kids

Setting up little mini picnic areas for kids, including food areas, gives kids space to play and enjoy the picnic food of their choice.

You can also set up game areas or crafting stations for kids around their picnic space for extra activities.

Menu Planning for a Picnic Party

The menu is one of the most important things to consider when planning a birthday picnic. Picnic food should be easy to prepare, transport, and serve. It should also be delicious, with various options to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions.

BBQ Picnic Party

A bbq is a great option for a picnic, especially when feeding a large group. Ensure you follow all the guidelines on keeping food cold for a picnic when grilling meat.

Add salads, finger food, and picnic snacks, and you’ll have a tremendous birthday party feast.

Picnic Finger Food

Finger foods are perfect for picnic parties, as they are easy to eat and don’t require as many utensils. Think cheese boards, dips, wraps, skewers, slices, and tarts like mini frittatas.

See our round-up of easy picnic finger food and appetizer recipes for ideas that always impress.

Salads

Easy, make-ahead salads are perfect for a picnic party. Classic potato and pasta salads, coleslaw, and salads with sturdy greens like kale. All these salads get better with age, so they can be made well in advance.

Take a look at all our best picnic salad recipes for inspiration.

DIY Platters & Sandwiches

Big platters of vegetables, meats, and cheeses are excellent DIY wraps, sandwiches, and burgers and are easy to transport. This is a great solution for feeding large groups; everyone gets to make what they like.

Drinks

Homemade drinks are a great way to add a personal touch to the party.

Homemade lemonade is a classic picnic beverage that is easy to make and can be customized with different flavors. Try watermelon for a refreshing and hydrating option for a summer party, or add fresh berries and sprigs of mint. These can also be spiced up for an adult’s cocktail.

Place lemonade or cocktails in large jugs for self-serve drinks that look a treat.

Birthday Cake and Other Treats

No birthday party is complete without a delicious birthday cake. You will need a decent cake carrier to make sure the star of the party stays cool and together.

If you want more picnic dessert ideas for a birthday, see our guide to easy picnic dessert recipes that are portable and delicious.

Picnic Games and Activities

A birthday picnic party is a great opportunity to have some fun and play games.

There are plenty of picnic games and outdoor activities for kids and adults. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Sack races
• tug-of-war
• egg-and-spoon
• Treasure hunt – another one that is good for adults or kids – adjust the treasure accordingly to suit the guests.
• Face painting is a fun activity for kids and adults, especially if it’s to do with your theme. You can hire a professional face painter or do it yourself with some face paint and stencils. You can find a fantastic range of face painting stencils on Etsy.
• Piñata is fun for all ages, especially with a Mexican-themed birthday party. You can find a great selection of Piñatas for both kids and adults here.

See our guide to the best picnic games for adults and kids for more fun ideas.

Bring Entertainment

In addition to games, you may want to consider other entertainment. You could try a night picnic movie screening or a karaoke machine. Or, you may just want to pack a Bluetooth speaker for some music.

Picnic Essentials and Checklist

What do you need for a picnic birthday?

Having all the necessary items is essential to ensure a successful picnic party. Here is a checklist of the picnic essentials that will help make the party a success:

1. Picnic Baskets:
   • Practical for both use and decoration.
   • Place on tables or blankets for individual settings.
   • Serve snacks, cutlery, and drinks in baskets.
2. Coolers for Food and Drinks:
   • Ensure ample ice or coolers for cold beverages and food.
   • Consider insulated picnic baskets for selection.
3. Picnic Blankets & Tablecloths:
   • Picnic blankets add color and texture.
   • Tablecloths transform picnic benches.
4. Tableware:
   • Pack plates, forks, spoons, and utensils for all guests.
   • Explore eco-friendly disposable options.
5. Napkins & Dish Towels:
   • Essential napkins can be decorative.
   • Include dish towels for spills and cleaning.
   • Wet wipes for convenience.
6. Cups & Glasses:
   • Provide cups for drinks, and opt for eco-friendly choices.
   • Consider outdoor glassware for wine or champagne.
7. Decoration:
   • Choose decorations that will tie in your chosen theme
   • Enhance with place cards for seating.
8. Garbage Bags:
   • Ensure enough bags for proper rubbish disposal.
9. Insect Repellant and Sunscreen:
   • Pack insect repellant and sunscreen for all guests.

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