In The Mood - Picnic Inspiration

A lot of the last week has been about having outdoor fun with friends - it's been the first week of my son's school summer holidays and we've been making the most of the ok-ish weather with trips to parks, country estates and endless tennis in the garden. And a lot of these trips have involved picnics and I love this. There's something so fabulous about eating outside, lazing around with yummy treats, talking, laughing, cloud-watching and then racing to buy ice creams for dessert!

All of which al-fresco fun has got me thinking about picnic weddings - I love the idea of a really relaxed reception with no formal meal and a totally laid back vibe. You all know how I love to make everyday things extra special at weddings at there's plenty of scope to turn a picnic into something magical and utterly fabulous. So, here are some of my absolute favourite ideas (possibly coming to a park near me this summer holiday!)

Above - totally love the idea of serving a picnic style buffet from gorgeously rustic trugs and baskets sat on gingham cloths. Obviously you don't have to go for the pick-up truck look but I do like the thought of including a prop or two here! Image - Country Living

Above -now I've probably mentioned my love of cutlery bundles for buffet or picnic style receptions because it makes it easy for guests to grab & carry them. These great forks and napkins are wrapped with a simple band of kraft paper and tied with garden twine. How easy and how effective. Image - Liz Banfield

Above - it's great to let people pick and choose where they want to sit and these baskets of pretty picnic blankets are oh-so tempting. Image - Liz Banfield

Above - instead of a buffet or elaborate meal, these personalised lunchboxes full of salads, meats and breads are just perfect. That red apple is part of the meal and it's a great styling accessory too and that's doubly fab! Image - Sara France

Above - picnics don't have to involve blankets and these white picnic tables covered with ditsy fabric look brilliant. Slightly more comfortable, slightly better if you prefer a plated dinner but still pretty and very au naturel. Image - Tec Petaja

Above - loving these cute lunch bags with printed menus attached and a sprig of insect repelling lavender. You don't have to serve a whole meal from a bag or box - how about packing some DIY canape sets for guests? Image - Tiny Water Photography

Above - gorgeous strawberry pudding packs! And check the jar glasses and the stripy straws - totally brilliant and the wooden barrels and trays are a perfect contrast. Image - via Project Wedding

Above - more stripy straws and gorgeous gingham for a great picnic look. I am coveting that lemonade dispenser in a way that's slightly wrong and the picnic style guest book table isn't unappealing either... Image - via Ruffled

Above - part of my picnics always involve games of some description so do include some fun for guests. I do like croquet and it's great for getting everyone talking too. Image - White Box Weddings

Above - hmmmm, picnic sweetie buffets - twirl your own candy floss or pick your own sweeties from stacked cake stands. Both please!! Image - The Youngrens