Happy first day of SUMMER! What better way to celebrate than with this ridiculously cute “Picnic Parade” party by Renee of The Creative Orchard, which is full of fabulous, sunny inspiration for everything from just-for-fun get togethers to summer baby showers & birthday parties. Renee did such a great job describing all the clever details of this pretty little party, so we’re just going to let her take it away…

“I have been very ANTSY about sharing my Picnic Parade in the Shade! Crawling with colorful prints and adorable ANTS that you’ll actually want to invite to your next party!

Surrounded by summer picnic inspired decor, you will enjoy yards and yards of FUN, YUMMY food, COOL drinks and chilling WATERMELON fans at this get-together. Both adults and kids can relax, chit-chat, fill their bellies and entertain themselves with outdoor activities. March one by one to this backyard, where you will find an old red barn which was the perfect casual setting!

CREATIVE DETAILS, as told by Renee…

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Welcome Area:

As a friendly introduction, guests were greeted with a welcome sign, yellow and green flowers inside black iron lanterns on a small wood picnic table. Yellow and white paper lanterns were swagged in the back. A 3-tiered iron plant stand held red, yellow and white ceramic planters with wire gingham ribbon around the rims and ANT clips dangled in front. The planters were filled with chilled bottles of soda, mints and handheld paper flags. Red and green watermelon decorated balloons were tied to a fence post.

Food Table:

Tacked to the barn’s exterior was a ‘PICNIC PARADE’ pendant banner hung with checked ribbon. A large picnic basket lined in black and white polka dot fabric was in the middle of the table and overflowed with paper plate watermelon shaped fans. Classic picnic food including sandwiches, ants on log, potato chips, corn on the cob, watermelon jello pops and watermelon chocolate chip cupcakes were displayed on white ceramic plates and black wire baskets. Guests were also encouraged on the invitations to bring a dish to add to the table. A parade of ANTS marched through carrying handcrafted fake picnic food and a tiny flag. Off to the side was a miniature bicycle with tiny bows tied to the handle bars. Bright polka dot mini pinwheels were lined up in the grass.

Tabletop:

The dining table was draped with a red and white checkered tablecloth trimmed in yellow rick rack ribbon. Red flowers planted inside a small carved watermelon was the centerpiece. Glass WATERMELON plates, red bucket candles and an ANT shaped serving dish filled with checkered print dinner mints were also placed in the center. On top of the grass placemats were lime green glass chargers, watermelon plates, wooden watermelon slice napkin rings and DIY watermelon napkins. Lime green plastic silverware and a personal place card were next to each place setting.

Party Favors:

Fresh watermelon balls were placed inside glass jars covered in watermelon print labels and topped with red fabric laced in tiny white zig zag ribbon. A lime green ribbon bow held a plastic fork and watermelon ant circle tag.”