Spring is finally here, and in LA, the weather has been absolutely perfect—sunny skies and temperatures pushing into the 85°s! A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a surprise birthday brunch for one of my best girlfriends, and with the stunning weather, I knew there was no better way to celebrate than with an intimate picnic right in my backyard. There’s just something about being outside in the fresh air, surrounded by nature, that makes any gathering feel extra special.
When it comes to hosting an event, I love to start with a theme—it helps guide my decisions on everything from the decor to the vibe. For this occasion, I was envisioning something simple yet romantic, with rustic touches that felt like we were having a casual yet chic picnic in the Italian countryside. With that in mind, I set out to create a space that was colorful, vibrant, and full of life, while still maintaining a laid-back, cozy feel. Here’s a peek at how I brought it all together and the key essentials you can use to recreate this kind of dreamy spring picnic yourself.
Setting the Scene: A Rustic Spring Vibe
The first thing I did was choose the right setting for my picnic. Being in LA with perfect weather, my backyard seemed like the ideal spot—plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun, but also cozy enough to create an intimate setting. To evoke that Italian countryside feel, I leaned into a rustic theme with lots of natural elements and floral accents. Think wooden tables, lots of greenery, and pops of colorful blooms.
I went all out with fresh flowers—lots of soft pinks, yellows, and vibrant oranges, to bring that springtime feeling to life. Whether you’re sourcing flowers from your garden or picking them up at the local farmers’ market, go for an eclectic mix of wildflowers, roses, and tulips for a casually beautiful look.
The Table Setup: Where the Magic Happens
For the table setting, I wanted it to feel effortless yet elegant, so I kept it simple but elevated with thoughtful details. A rustic wooden table worked perfectly as the base. I draped it with a soft linen table runner to add some texture and set the tone for a more relaxed but still elegant meal.
When it comes to dishes, I chose white ceramic plates to keep the focus on the fresh food and flowers. I also added mismatched glassware—clear wine glasses and pastel-colored tumblers—which gave the setup an easy, bohemian vibe. For a bit of glamour, I opted for gold flatware that paired beautifully with the delicate color palette.
One of my favorite touches was the addition of small sprigs of lavender and rosemary tucked into each napkin. It added an extra layer of fragrance to the table, enhancing the outdoor atmosphere. A small handwritten note at each seat was a thoughtful final touch for a personal and intimate feel.
Food and Drink: Simple and Delicious
Since this was a brunch, I kept the menu light, fresh, and full of springtime flavors. A mix of savory and sweet options is always a crowd-pleaser—think fresh fruit, pastries, and light salads. I wanted to keep the food easy to eat while still looking beautiful and adding to the aesthetic of the picnic.
I served an assortment of croissants, mini quiches, and cheese platters. The cheese board had a variety of soft cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits, perfect for nibbling. A bright citrus salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette was a refreshing addition, along with some simple but flavorful avocado toast on rustic bread.
For drinks, I stuck with a light, refreshing cocktail that felt right for the occasion. A spritz cocktail, made with Prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda water, was the perfect complement to the sunny day. I also had a pitcher of iced tea with fresh mint and lemon for those who wanted something non-alcoholic.
Comfort and Ambiance: Creating a Relaxed Atmosphere
No picnic is complete without some comfortable seating. I opted for a combination of lounge-style seating with pillows scattered around the table and picnic blankets in the grass for a cozy vibe. It’s all about making sure your guests feel relaxed and at home, whether they’re sitting at the table or lounging nearby.
Candles played a key role in setting the mood—nothing says “relaxing afternoon” like flickering candlelight. I placed a few pillar candles in glass holders along the table, giving the picnic a soft, romantic feel. As the sun started to set, these added the perfect touch of warmth.
For the finishing touch, I added a few strings of fairy lights draped around nearby trees. They weren’t just functional (they provided light as the evening drew near), but they created a dreamy atmosphere that added to the enchantment of the day.
Tips for Pulling Off Your Own Spring Picnic
If you’re looking to host your own spring picnic, here are some tips that helped make my event a success:
- Choose the Right Location: Ideally, your space should be outdoors with plenty of natural light and room to spread out. If you don’t have a backyard, a local park or beach with picnic areas can work just as well.
- Set the Mood with Flowers: Fresh flowers can elevate any event. Incorporate them into your table decor, or scatter small vases around the space for an organic, fresh look.
- Mix and Match Decor: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles! A combination of rustic wooden tables, colorful ceramics, and gold flatware brings a balance of charm and elegance.
- Consider Comfort: Have plenty of seating and soft pillows for lounging. Make your guests feel at home, so they can kick back and enjoy the afternoon.
- Keep the Food Simple: Serve foods that are easy to share and eat while relaxing. Finger foods, cheeses, fruits, and light bites always work well. Think Mediterranean and fresh—things like olives, dips, and mini sandwiches.
- Create Ambiance: Add candles and soft lighting to the mix for a warm, welcoming atmosphere as the evening approaches. Fairy lights or lanterns are always a good idea!
The Takeaway
Throwing a picnic for your loved ones is one of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate a special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a beautiful spring day, an outdoor gathering in a dreamy setting can make the moment unforgettable. From the decor to the food to the atmosphere, every detail helps create a memorable experience for everyone involved.
If you’re ready to host your own picnic, use these tips to guide your planning, and let your creativity run wild. There’s nothing like a backyard brunch under the sun to remind you just how wonderful the simple things in life can be.
