Picnic Themed Birthday Party

It is officially spring (as of March 20th) which for me marks the beginning of shorts, sandals, vacations, and birthday celebrations. Ironically enough, my daughter and both of Hanna’s girls all have birthdays in April about one week apart. 
Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots
Last year, instead of throwing two separate parties (little Livy was not yet born) Hanna and I decided to combined our girl’s birthday parties. Growing up, we never really had big elaborate birthday parties where we invited all our friends. Instead, my mom would make whatever we wanted for dinner and dessert and we’d celebrate our birthday with our family. However, this is not to say that we don’t enjoy throwing a good party. In fact, since Hanna and I have started our own families, throwing fun little parties together have become one of our favorite hobbies.

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

We wanted to keep things simple, yet provide a fun environment for our family and friends while creating a sweet memory for our little girls. We finally decided on a casual picnic themed birthday party at the park. Minus the unexpected chilly weather, we managed to pull off a fun party for all ages on a small budget of just $100. 

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Since the food took up the majority of our budget, we looked for inexpensive packaging ideas and decorations. Instead of purchasing “to-go” boxes, which can end up costing a lot of money, we bought simple brown paper sacks and then printed a cute little banner on them. All the sandwiches  were wrapped in wax paper and this cute pink checkered tissue paper that we found at Walmart for $3. The fruit cups were packaged in cheap plastic cups and then topped with saran wrap and baker’s twine. Finally, all the different sack lunch items got a colorful label that we made with scrapbook paper. 

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

For the decorations, we used some balloons I had leftover from my baby shower a year earlier and then we made some matching ruffled streamers. Here is a great tutorial from “Dana Made It” on how to make ruffled streamers– so cute! All the baskets and flowers were things that we had at home. 

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Great parties do not have to mean spending a lot of money. Try and look for areas where you can cut back or make simpler. Find things around your house, friends or family’s homes, or at second hand stores that can be reused for party decorations.  And last but not least, have a good time. What truly makes a good party is the people that you celebrate it with. 

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots
Honestly, this party seemed like it was just the other day. I can’t believe it has been almost a year later and that I’m already planning out birthday #2 for my daughter. Sadly, this year will not be a combined party since Hanna and I live much farther apart; however, we did manage to come up with the same birthday party theme for our girls. I guess great minds really do think alike… or maybe it’s our crazy twin connection. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed this picnic party flashback! And for all you “go-doers” out there, I’ve also gathered up some more fabulous picnic party ideas and inspiration shown below:
Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Popsicle Picnic Party | Little Lovely
Boxed Lunch Picnic Party | All Things Heart and Home
Fabric Tent | Inspiration via Pinterest

7 thoughts on “Picnic Themed Birthday Party

  • Commented 10 years ago

    I love this idea for a low-key but adorable birthday party celebration! I love the invitations and decorations–they’re so adorable. I’ll be featuring this at the next Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop–thanks so much for sharing this at the party!

  • Commented 10 years ago

    I love a fun {and inexpensive} birthday party! Well done!

  • Commented 10 years ago

    I love he idea of a picnic party! I wish that it was warm enough to have an outdoor party like that for Sydney’s birthdays! But with her having a birthday at the end of September, and us living in Wisconsin, that isn’t happening. Lol

  • Commented 10 years ago

    This is such a cute idea!

    We would love for you to come and link up at Your Designs This Time, Mondays 8:00am EST.
    http://www.elizabethjoandesigns.com

  • Commented 10 years ago

    Get tip 🙂 I would love if you would share this on my Friday T.G.I.F. Linky Party

  • Commented 10 years ago

    Thank you Georgia! Everyone has a different way of making a birthday special. I like to get a little creative with the set-up but at the same time I like to keep things pretty simple. I’m certainly not the big decorative food type. Last year I spent all day making and decorating this beautiful cake for my daughter birthday and ended up knocking it onto the floor trying to get a picture of it. It was on a glass plate which shattered as well so the cake was completely editable haha.

  • Commented 10 years ago

    Oh my goodness! You guys are SO creative! I can’t get over it! I’m always impressed by people who are able to be so wonderfully creative. I always end up with a cake from Wal-mart. :/ I need some help! I love your blog it’s just beautiful (and useful!).
    Georgia

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