How to Plan a Picnic: Summer Picnic Ideas, Inspiration and Picnic Food Ideas

By: Jennifer Hendrix, Editor, AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com

A summer picnic is a fun way to spend some time outdoors during those happy summer weekends. Escape from the house and head to a nearby park, field, or forest preserve to take in the scenery and have a fun-filled day. With a foolproof picnic plan, you’ll ensure a stress-free day with family and friends. Designer picnic gear may be adorable, but it's not that practical. Make your own blanket, basket, and outdoor games to optimize fun will prioritizing your budget! Use your creativity to make the day comfortable and organized; there’s no need to budget for picnic gear when you can make your own.

In order to plan the best picnic with your family and friends, you have to start with the basics.

1. Work out a menu.
2. Pack up the basket.
3. Plan on activities for all ages.
4. Picnic blankets and pillows are a must.

How to Make a Picnic Blanket

Picnic blankets are there for more than comfort, without one, grass stains are inevitable. Sewing up a cute DIY picnic blanket during the week is a fun way to prep for a perfect weekend. Bring along a pillow for extra comfort. It may take up space in your basket, but it’s worth it! Shelia from Design Love Fest has an amazing tutorial for a DIY Diamond Picnic Blanket that you won't believe is handmade. Plus, a few ideas we've gathered up will give you more to choose from.

1. Vintage Picnic Blanket
2. Tic Tac Toe Blanket
3. Scrap Buster Blanket

Get even cozier with a Sleepy Summer Sunshine Pillow.

How to Make a Picnic Basket

To plan a picnic you will need something to carry your supplies, food, and other necessities around in. The Art of Simple can show you how to make your own summer picnic crate, for a modern twist on a classic picnic basket. Baskets are not that difficult to make, and we have a few different options depending on your preferred material. If you already have a basket, add some organization to it with a picnic basket utensil insert.

1. No Sew Summer Basket
2. Custom Picnic Set
3. Fab Floral Basket

Spruce up an old wicker basket by adding a Sunset Dyed Basket Liner.

DIY Outdoor Games + Fun Inspiration

These DIY outdoor activities can appeal to all ages and kick an ordinary picnic up a notch. Handmade board games are fun, and C.R.A.F.T has a great selection of DIY Lawn Games to choose from. Don't hesitate, roll up your sleeves and get to work on these simple outdoor games. They're fun to make and play!

1. DIY Cement Dominoes
2. Backyard Board Game
3. DIY Outdoor Dominoes
4. Rainbow Paver Hopscotch
5. Seuss Inspired Homemade Charades
6. Nothin' But Bubbles Refill Container

Board games not your thing? Fly a handmade kite, instead.