Fall is my absolute favorite time of year in the Pacific Northwest. Our beautiful weather tends to carry into September and October, resulting in absolutely gorgeous falls… until the rain comes in November. .
Today, I’m sharing some of our Easy Fall Picnic Ideas. It doesn’t take much to make a festive and memorable outing!
Easy Fall Picnic Ideas
Tips For the Perfect Fall Picnic
1. Pick a quiet location in the heart of nature.
Almost every night we walk down to the river as a family. It’s so peaceful and quiet and not to mention absolutely gorgeous. This was the perfect place for our picnic. And want to know the best part? I don’t have any service here. It’s so important to just unplug and take in the moment. I’ll be the first to admit how hard it can be, but it’s so needed in today’s world.
2. Prepare Your Food Ahead of Time
I packed all of our food into little storage containers beforehand. This helps reduce space, trash and the amount of time spent prepping your food when you arrive at your location.
3. Pack A Hot Drink In A Thermos
A warm and cozy drink is an absolute must for your fall picnic. Hot cocoa, coffee, tea, apple cider… mmmm! Get this plaid one!
4. Don’t Forget TWO Blankets!
I’m the type of person who is snuggling in a blanket when it’s 80 degrees out, so packing extra blankets for our picnic was a must. One to lay on the ground and one to snuggle up in. Three may even be more appropriate, you can never bring too many blankets :)
And can we just talk about how adorable that plaid lunchbox and thermos are? I love them.
5. Centerpieces Aren’t Just For Tables
No matter where you are enjoying a meal, fresh flowers are a great way to bring a sense of warmth to a space. It can be as simple as picking a few flowers along the trail and sticking them in an extra glass. Or buy a few single stems and pack them with you.
6. Invite Someone Special
I can’t believe how much Miss E has grown up in even the last 6 months. She is turning into such a little lady and I adore any time that we can spend just the two of us. This was a really special night for us.
7. Wear Brown Riding Boots
Totally kidding. But they are my favorite fall accessory :)
8. Take A Step Back
Don’t forget to take a step back and take in the moment and beautiful scenery.
Product Sources:
– Clear To-Go Tumblers (used as vase)
– Blue Cafe To-Go Water Bottle
– Heritage Plaid Lunchbox and Thermos
About Taryn Whiteaker
Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.
What a lovely set-up! I am dying over the lunch box and thermos!!! I have a very similar vintage lunchbox that I use to decorate around Fall, but it is in no condition to be used for actual food. Yours looks fantastic!
I love picnics, especially in the Fall. Your picnic space looks so beautiful and relaxing. I agree that you can never have too many blankets.
What an adorable picnic! Dying over that plaid thermos!
What a fun idea! I’m sure your daughter loved this special picnic with mommy. :)
Anna
Love that plaid thermos and lunchbox too! And your little girl is absolutely adorable!
Aww thanks Megan! Isn’t that lunchbox so fun?!
It’s way too hot to picnic here in the summer so a fall picnic sounds just perfect!
What a special picnic! Those tips are perfect and fall is the best time to have a sweet picnic and your looks amazing!
What a special day with your cutie! I love fall and can’t wait to do the same with my daughter. Fingers crossed we don’t go directly to winter :)
Looks like a fun picnic!! I have that throw blanket and love that thermos! I love all of your fall picnic ideas!
Thanks Heather!
ADORABLE!! I love fall picnics!
What an adorable picnic! And those boots… she is just too cute!! : )
Thank you Ashley! It was a really fun outing :)
I really enjoyed your post! I am always up for something to do in the Fall and never had thought about going on a picnic. I found all your ideas so cute especially all your items made with pumpkin! My roommates and I picked up 5 big pumpkins and carved three but had two left over. Your pumpkin muffins are definitely something I want to try to make. I live in Oregon so getting out to a nature spot isn’t hard. I love this idea for a little date that my boyfriend and I could try out. And I totally agree with you fall is a perfect excuse to buy brown boots. Such a relaxing idea, love it!
Lovely picnic and super cute lunch mate. Happy Fall, Kippi