Crafty Summer Picnic Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

The sky is blue, the sun is shining and the flowers are in full bloom, which can only mean one thing – picnic season has arrived. Hurrah!

Let’s face it, gathering your nearest and dearest for an outdoor dining expedition has to be one of life’s greatest pleasures. There's nothing better than heading off for a day in the warm summer sun, loaded up with tasty treats, delicious drinks and the odd string of bunting (a vital picnic provision!). But if you think you need unlimited funds for a fabulous day in the sun, think again – you don’t need to splash out to eat out!

We’re here to help you take it from cheese-and-pickle-on-a-park bench to a glorious fun-packed budget-friendly outing that your guests will remember for all the right reasons. 

Whether you’re a bohemian beach lover or a forest aficionado, we’ve pulled together a handful of top tips to help you host the perfect picnic. Ready to make the most of your time outside and master the art of al-fresco festivity? Cheers to that!

Boost the set up with low-cost luxury 

You might be eating al-fresco, but that doesn’t mean you have to rough it! A picnic is supposed to be a delicious, languorous affair that spans an entire day (and often the evening too!), so it’s important that you’re as comfortable as possible while you’re lounging in the sun. 

A good selection of blankets which are soft and plastic backed are super important. You can find great ones for a few pounds in charity shops, or invest wisely in a well-made one that will last beyond the end of the summer. 

Cushions are relaxation essentials, and will give you and your crew somewhere to rest your head for that all-important afternoon snooze. Opting to DIY your pillows will not only keep costs down, it’ll also mean you can pick your perfect fabric, customise the trims and put your own stamp on them! Choose a variety of sizes in floral prints and bright colours for that classic picnic style, or keep it neutral and max out on the fringing for a vintage boho look.

Wooden crates are great for transporting everything safely in the car, and also double up as great tables. Which means you’re also going to need tablecloths! They don’t have to be fancy – vintage sheets from charity shops cost next to nothing, and they’re perfect for capturing that retro picnic vibe!

And to finish? Bunting, garlands and fringing that sway gently in the summer breeze, of course! They can be as simple as pieces of ribbon tied to a length of cord, or fully fledged flags stitched by your own fair hands – as long as they look delightful, anything goes!

Work up an appetite with a creative crafting session 

If you really want to satisfy your picnic-loving pals, a little pre-lunch entertainment is going to go down a storm – and what better way to build an appetite than by getting those brains whirring and fingers flying? So before the sandwiches are served and the drinks are poured, transform the al-fresco feast into a fun crafternoon with a creative activity or two! 

Forget the frisbees, flowers are where it’s at! Stick with the outdoor theme and opt for a mobile flower crown workshop, where you’ll be provided with a selection of brightly coloured dried blooms and frothy foliage and then taught how to bend, wrap and twist them into an impressive floral headband. The perfect accompaniment to a bohemian outdoor celebration, you’ll be able to crown yourself the Queen (or King!) of the Picnic!

Fancy something a little less structured? Swap the ring toss for a selection of DIY kits or craft boxes to while away the hours; super budget friendly and stuffed with everything you need to get creative, you and your gang will be able to mix sunshine with stitching and create beautiful long lasting mementos of your day. Outdoor embroidery, anyone?

Whip up some tasty DIY finger foods 

While the sandwich is often the main event, let’s be honest – a picnic isn’t a picnic without a range of fabulous finger foods and tasty snacks. Delicious little titbits to tuck into between games, swimming and snoozing in the sun just take an afternoon outdoors to the next level – and with a few fresh cooking skills under your belt, it’s easy to create deli-counter style goodies at a fraction of the price!

Tortilla crisps and vegetable crudite are great with a range of smooth dips and rich, garlicky hummus, and they’re super easy to whip up yourself – once you’ve mastered the basic technique, experiment by adding different cheeses, herbs and spices for something delectably different. Fill tupperware tubs with sweet, tangy sundried tomatoes, salty olives and spicy mini stuffed peppers to tackle that post-lunch huger gap, and spend a few hours the day before creating hearty bean salads that will make sure everyone has enough energy to last the day. 

With the sun beaming down, you’re going to want to avoid anything meaty, so this is a great time to experiment with vegan and vegetarian recipes. Not exactly a plant-based pro? Try a meat-free cooking class to level up your culinary skills and really wow your guests!

Sweeten the day with plenty of puddings 

An impressive show stopping sponge is always great to unveil at a picnic, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your hard earned cash on a fancy shop-bought one! If you’re catering for a group of sweet-toothed foodies who are passionate about puddings, this is a great time to get your bake on and show off your cake-making skills. Learning how to mix, whisk and ice your way to success will save you money and you’ll still have your pals applauding when the cake tin is opened up! Carrot cake, Victoria sponge, flapjacks and cupcakes are all great options – and if you really need a cocoa hit, a freshly baked brownie will just about hold up in the warmer weather. Just make sure you’ve packed the napkins! 

Cake isn’t the same without a brilliant brew on hand, so why not add a little afternoon tea into your day? You might not have access to a kettle in the great outdoors, but a good thermos will keep your drink hot throughout the day – blend and brew your Earl Grey or English Breakfast at home before you leave, and it’ll be as fresh as a daisy when you come to pour it later that afternoon. Heaven!

Bottoms up! Level up the refreshments DIY style

Once the food is sorted, you’re going to need something tasty to wash it down with – after all, it’s important to keep those fluid levels up on a hot day! And what better way to stay refreshed than with some tasty, exotic cocktails or mocktails served with crushed ice and sliced fruit? Delicious!

Open air cocktails might sound pricey, but the secret here is to think ahead; choosing to switch those premixed cans of passion fruit martini for home blended margaritas will help you level up the luxury without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a cosmopolitan loving crew, or you prefer something a little more fruity, a homemade cocktail stored in an ice-packed thermos will delight your guests and give your picnic a (budget friendly!) touch of extravagance. Serve them in reusable wine glasses or bold floral tumblers to really capture that outdoor, bohemian vibe. Chin, chin!

Never made your own alcoholic beverages before? Treat yourself to a tipple at a cocktail-making class! You’ll add plenty of new recipes to your repertoire (and become Britain’s most popular picnic host in the process).