When the weather becomes warmer and the sun shines longer, it’s hard not to spend more time outdoors. Fortunately, you can take advantage of this yummy time of year by gathering your friends for a truly Insta-worthy get-together—an aesthetically pleasing picnic in the park.
A picture-perfect picnic setup is pretty easy to put together. This guide will walk you through our top five aesthetic picnic tips and ideas to help you plan a beautiful and memorable outing that you and your friends can post about all year long.
Tip #1: Find Your Perfect Picnic Oasis
Whether you’re planning a romantic picnic or a picnic party with your friends, the location says it all. Your picturesque picnic requires an awe-worthy spot. But the right place for your event will depend on the look you’re going for. Some of our favorite pairings include:
- Flower-filled gardens for an elegant picnic
- Tree-lined parks for a rustic picnic
- Beachside spots for a summery picnic
- Secluded wooded nooks a fairytale picnic
Once you decide what you want the vibe of your picnic to be, you can choose a spot that matches that aesthetic.
What Should You Look for In a Picnic Spot?
Regardless of your chosen outdoor picnic aesthetic, you can help ensure a fun, comfortable, and carefree experience if you look for the following when choosing your location:
- Flat ground, free from rocks and roots
- Nearby parking
- Good lighting for photos
- Easy access to bathrooms
- Natural elements that support your aesthetic
Tip #2: Make It Comfy and Stylish
Any spot you choose will need a little dressing up to make it special. We advise keeping the picnic setup simple since you don’t want to have to haul a bunch of items from your car to the spot.
Instead, opt for the essentials, such as:
- A large, decorative picnic blanket with room for everyone. We love the wide variety of looks available through Society6.
- A classic picnic basket to carry your snacks, along with a cooler to keep bubbly Proseccos and sweet roses at the perfect temperature.
- A few brightly-colored pillows for added comfort and style.
These picnic must-haves will ensure both comfort and style, and won’t require multiple trips to your car.
Tip #3: Pack a Colorful Menu
Along with comfy and stylish decor, you’ll also need light finger food, snacks, and drinks. Fortunately, you can keep your menu simple while still crafting a beautiful spread with:
- Fruit and veggie trays for vibrant color
- Charcuterie board for easy and delicious snacking
- Fresh bread for dipping
- Tasty desserts for a truly indulgent experience
- Wine, water, beer, and sparkling juices
Keep it colorful and simple with a strawberry salad or get creative with your cheese and wine. But most of all, Make sure to pack all of your refrigerated foods and drinks into your cooler to keep them fresh.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget Utensils and Dishes
Don’t forget to pack the utensils and dishes in your picnic basket! You can add both aesthetically pleasing and practical pieces to your picnic with the right utensils, plates, bowls, and glasses. We recommend staying environmentally friendly and replacing disposable items with:
- Wooden serving utensils
- Forks, knives, and spoons in classic silver (or elegant gold)
- Real plates, bowls, and glasses
- Cloth napkins
The style of each of these items is entirely up to you. Hosting a rustic-chic affair? Gather a collection of mismatched dishes and have everyone choose their favorite. Going for a more elegant vibe? Pack matching white china and clear glass stemware.
No matter what you decide, make sure to pack everything carefully to avoid breaking or damaging anything.
Tip #5: Stay Sun Safe
But when an outdoor picnic is in plans, it’s beyond just the perfect wicker baskets and yummy food. Nothing can ruin a perfect day faster than sunburn. Keep yourself and your friends safe from the sun’s rays with these important picnic must-haves:
- Patterned umbrella – A pretty umbrella will help create an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere by brightening up your picnic spot. It’ll also help keep you cool and shaded from the sun when your conversations run deep into the afternoon.
- Wide-brimmed sun hats – Make sun protection stylish by encouraging everyone to wear their favorite sun-shading hat. You’ll all stay safe from harmful rays and look super cute in your photos. You can even hold a contest to decide who has the best hat in the group.
- SPF 30+ sunscreen – Even with an umbrella and sun hat, you still need sunscreen. The CDC recommends an SPF of 30 or higher, especially between the sun’s power hours of 10 AM and 4 PM.1 Bring the bottle with you for regular reapplications, and don’t forget to add a lip balm with SPF to your bag too.
FabFitFun: Your Source for Aesthetic Picnic Finds
Planning a picnic that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the stomach is a breeze when you add a few simple touches. Select the perfect spot, add stylish and comfortable decor, and bring a dazzling array of snacks. After that, all you have to do is grab the sunscreen, and you’re ready to go.
If you’re in charge of planning your group’s next Insta-worthy outing, FabFitFun is your ideal source for cute picnic accessories. Our memberships can help you stock up on everything you need, including sun protection, picnic blankets, and adorable totes.
Sign up for a membership today to learn more.
Sources:
- CDC. Sun Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
