Now that the weather is *officially* cooperating with us, a picnic in the park is totally necessary. There’s really no better excuse to get with your besties, lay out a DIYed blanket and snack on some yummy food in the great outdoors than celebrating your 30th birthday. Instead of throwing an extravagant backyard barbecue for your big 3-0 this summer, switch things up with a (just as over-the-top) picnic in the park. Scroll through to find ways to up your picnic decor and DIY your fun-in-the-sun birthday party. It’ll be anything but basic.
1. DIY Picnic Blanket: What’s a picnic without a picnic blanket? Impress your pals with a DIY option like this one. Just grab a drop cloth, paint on your favorite summer fruit and let it dry. Once you’ve got the design down, it’ll be ready for some quality time in the park. (via Brit + Co)
2. Strawberry Cucumber Limeade: It’s summer, and that means you’re going to need some seriously refreshing drinks at your party. Whip up this strawberry + cucumber limeade for a punch you can sip on all afternoon. And hey, if you want to spike it, we won’t judge ;) (via Blahnik Baker)
3. DIY Picnic Basket: A place to store all of the yummy goodies you’re bringing to the picnic is a total must. Upcycle your classic basket with some elastic and super glue so you’ll have a place to keep your glasses and utensils too. (via Lovely Indeed)
4. DIY Tassel Balloon: It’s your birthday, and that definitely calls for some balloons to celebrate. DIY this option by tying on fabric tassels to a jumbo balloon to make your picnic area extra festive. (via The House That Lars Built)
5. DIY Snack Trays: Instead of using a pack of paper plates from the grocery store, go for something unique like a stack of these DIY snack trays. All you need to do is print a fun pattern on card stock, then use a bone folder, ruler and some glue to create the bowl effect. (via Studio DIY)
6. Let’s Picnic Printable Invitation: A party isn’t complete without an epic invitation. DL this printable, scribble in your party deets and send ’em off to get your friends excited for your birthday. (via Eat Drink Chic)
7. Grapefruit Popsicles: Equal parts pink lemonade + grapefruit juice + fresh grapefruit slices = the most refreshing sweet treat for your birthday picnic. Help your guests cool off by making a batch of these and sticking them in the cooler for when your peeps just can’t take the heat. (via Paper + Stitch)
8. DIY Origami Cutlery Holders: Looking for the perfect way to kick your cutlery up a notch? Spend an afternoon DIYing a set of origami utensil holders that are sure to add some oomph to your picnic vibe. (via Brit + Co)
9. DIY Giant Lawn Matching Game: A picnic in the park is the *best* excuse to DIY those lawn games you’ve been pinning on your Pinterest boards. Add a little friendly competition with this giant matching game that you can use for the rest of your summer parties. (via Studio DIY)
10. DIY Watermelon Print Napkins: Picnics can tend to get a little on the messy side. Solution: a set of adorable watermelon napkins, of course. Pick up a set of white cotton napkins and use a sponge to stamp on a fruity pattern like this one to keep your bash mess-free. (via The Sweetest Occasion)
11. Marinated Veggie Salad: This zesty Italian veggie salad is equally as delish as it is perfect for your picnic. Simply mix up some chopped veggies and mozzarella cheese, then top it off with some Italian dressing for a salad your besties won’t be able to resist. (via Lunching Daily)
12. DIY Balloon Centerpiece: Just because you’re eating on the ground doesn’t mean you can’t have a cute centerpiece to go with your epic DIY blanket. Blow up colorful balloons and use duct tape to attach them together for an easy last-minute option. (via The House That Lars Built)
13. Chalkboard Picnic Sign: Now this is how to lead your guests to the picnic in style. Snag a chalkboard sign at the craft store and add a little hand lettering to create a picnic decoration that *won’t* blow away. (via Kara’s Party Ideas)
14. DIY Clip-On Picnic Utensils: When you’re throwing a picnic party, sometimes you get worried about forgetting the little things, like utensils. Well, that is until now. Make these DIY clip-on utensils that you can add to brown bags so nobody will have to eat with their hands. (via Oh Happy Day)
15. DIY Bocce Ball Set: There’s no such thing as too many games at a birthday party. Spice up last year’s bocce ball set with a fresh coat of spray paint and some stickers to add some modern flair to your fave classic game. (via Brit + Co)
16. Balloon + Blanket Setup: Excessive amounts of balloons are a-okay when you’re turning the big 3-0. Head to the party store for a *bunch* of balloons so you can surround your picnic blanket with them, because if that’s not festive AF, then we don’t know what is. (via The House That Lars Built)
Are you throwing a 30th birthday party this summer? Follow us on Pinterest for more party inspo!