With the changing seasons come more picnic-style outdoor events around the country, and organizers are looking beyond simple gingham and woven baskets. Steal these ideas from hosts who opted for details from unfussy florals and uncovered tabletops to boccie ball and hot-air balloon rides.
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Bunting hung over 170 tables for 700 guests in the V.I.P. picnic space within the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Los Angeles in 2013.
Photo: Claire Barrett Photography
Stella Artois launched its "Host Beautifully" campaign in Los Angeles last May with a picnic-style alfresco event that invited guests to go in short rides on tethered hot-air balloons that were branded with the company's logo.
Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Stella Artois
Guests at the Stella Artois event dined at several long, farm-style tables, which had no linens—but were instead topped with abundant white flowers.
Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Stella Artois
At the Adam Lippes for Target preview in New York last year, David Stark Designs set up a rooftop garden for a picnic-style event using Adam Lippes blankets, pillows, and travel bags.
Photo: Courtesy of LaForce & Stevens
Adding sparkle to the notion of traditional picnic decor, Starbucks Canada promoted its Teavan Sparkling Tea Juices last summer with an event that used golden fruit for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Photo: Courtesy of Media Profile
As outdoor affairs, picnics can entice guests with pet-friendly offerings. At the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS Picnic by Design fund-raiser in New York last year, Rixner & Wright created a cheerful picnic setup with a patterned doggy bed and accessories.
Photo: Cornelia Stiles/BizBash
Also at Picnic by Design, Gensler demonstrated that picnic-style events don’t have to include springlike colors and patterns. Instead, Gensler created a minimalist design using gray felt for an understated feel.
Photo: Cornelia Stiles/BizBash
Adrienne Bosh, who is married to Miami Heat player Chris Bosh, hosted a motivational event known as “Glamchella” last summer in Miami. At the affair, bohemian-inspired decor included textured table linens, Buddha sculptures, lanterns, and jewel-toned cushions for seating.
Photo: April Belle Photos
Last year in Southern California, Anheuser-Busch-owned beverage brand Shock Top launched its summer seasonal Lemon Shandy beverage at a Ventura County lemon grove. Appropriately, simple citrus fruits in crates served as tabletop decor.
Photo: Casey Rodgers
Boccie ball was among the casual, picnic-style outdoor activities for guests.
Photo: Casey Rodgers
Capitalizing on the outdoor scenery in the orchard, organizers provided an open frame as a photo prop to encourage guests to snap pics and share on social.
Photo: Casey Rodgers
For its first foray in Austin, Texas, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS hosted the Urban Picnic by Design event in 2014. Rebekah Gainsley of Blink Interiors covered a table with a hammock-like lace canopy with lights and potted plants.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
During the Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival in the Southern California desert last year, the Retreat at the Sparrows Lodge topped a table with floral arrangements, taper candlesticks, games, and other objects that created a relaxed atmosphere.
Photo: Tyler Curtis
The Coachella event’s design also included a silk patchwork canopy for relaxed seating amid Persian rugs, Native American artifacts, succulents, kilim pillows, and leather accents.
Photo: Tyler Curtis
American Diabetes Association hosted its annual Los Angeles Political Roast in March in Beverly Hills. Red-and-white checked linens topped tables for a classic picnic look.
Photo: Benjamin Shmikler
At TEDActive in the Palm Springs area in 2013, organizers offered picnic baskets for groups of seven. The idea was to encourage each person to meet six others with whom to eat and connect.
Photo: Marla Aufmuth
