There’s something undeniably magical about enjoying a picnic in the garden, especially on sunny days. A spot under the trees, a breeze through the leaves, and your favourite cake shared beneath the sun. It’s truly all the makings of slow summer memories. Whether you’re planning a sweet picnic afternoon tea or a relaxed lunch with loved ones, setting up the perfect picnic area in your own garden can be every bit as charming as heading out to a countryside picnic bench.
At Silver Mushroom, we believe the heart of a great picnic lies in the details, the textures, the tableware, the soft flicker of a lantern when the afternoon light starts to dip. So if you’re dreaming of a cottage garden picnic, here’s our guide to creating a picture-perfect setting at home.
1. Find the Perfect Picnic Spot
Start by picking your picnic spot wisely, you need plenty of space. Look for a shady patch of grass beneath a tree, a sun-drenched corner by the flower beds, or even the patio if you’re going for a more structured setting. The key is to choose a picnic area that feels inviting and peaceful, somewhere that encourages you to slow down and truly savour the moment.
Don’t forget, this isn’t just a picnic. It’s an experience! Make the most of every second. Take a basket around the garden and gather a few wildflowers or herbs to decorate your spot.
A cottage garden picnic should feel utterly effortless and beautifully organic.
2. Lay Down the Picnic Blanket
Now for the cosy base of your picnic setup: the picnic blanket. A large picnic blanket offers plenty of room for platters, plates, and lounging guests. We adore the Etta Natural Gingham Linen Tablecloth. It's technically a tablecloth, but its soft linen weave and inviting pattern make it the perfect stand-in for a vintage-style picnic blanket.
Layer it up with cushions, and throws to keep things extra comfy. After all, a proper picnic afternoon tea can turn into hours of chatting and sipping in the sun.
3. Set the Scene
No picnic table? No problem. The more rustic the better.
All you need is your trusty picnic blanket, and some farmhouse feel dinnerware to lay down. We love using pieces from the Tenby Stoneware Collection, the organic shapes and neutral hues pair beautifully with a cottage garden setting.
And for something show-stopping? The Recycled Glass Cake Dome is ideal for showcasing scones, cupcakes or even the makings of a cheese board. And we all know that the flies like to pop out at night, so this is a great way to keep them away.
4. Add Charm with Light and Texture
As the sun starts to mellow, soft lighting transforms your picnic spot into something magical. Our Melanie Jute Hurricane Lantern is a go-to for relaxed, rustic glow. Dot a few lanterns around the picnic area, and you’ve got instant atmosphere, especially if your picnic stretches into the evening.
Or for something even more magical, think about fairy lights. There's truly nothing that makes an evening more inviting than fairy lights!
Add even more texture with napkins, picnic blankets, and rattan accessories. The Elia Glass and Wicker Tray is perfect for serving treats or displaying cutlery and condiments in style.
5. Serve Up the Goods
It’s not a picnic without your favourite foods to nibble on! Fill your picnic hamper with easy-to-serve delights: finger sandwiches, summer fruits, quiches, crusty bread and cheese. Use serving pieces like the Tenby plates and bowls to keep everything looking just as pretty as it is tasty.
And don’t forget the drinks! A jug of lemonade or a fruity cocktail poured from the Olivia Glass Jug, with matching Olivia Glass Tumblers, makes the moment feel extra considered. These picnic glasses are as beautiful as they are practical, just the thing for long afternoons outdoors.
Bring along a bar of chocolate or bake something special and display it under your glass dome for a little surprise mid-picnic.
6. Enjoy the Moment
When everything’s in place, all that’s left is to sit back, pour a glass, and soak it all in. A well-thought-out cottage garden picnic isn't about perfection, it’s about the joy of being present, surrounded by stunning views, and treating everyday moments as something worth celebrating.
Whether you’re setting up a family picnic or laying out a full spread for friends, make sure to lean into the loveliness. The glow of lanterns, the softness of a large picnic blanket, and the clink of picnic glasses all help turn a simple afternoon into a treasured memory.
