Enjoy dining outdoors this summer with these simple ideas to style a cozy and casual breakfast picnic in your backyard.
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This post was originally published on July 19, 2022. Last updated on May 12, 2025
Cozy And Casual Picnic Breakfast In The Backyard
I had so much fun creating a boho-style picnic a while back that I couldn’t wait to style another one.
This breakfast picnic is all about keeping things simple, relaxed, and inviting.
Just like a slow summer morning should feel.
Whether you’re planning a quiet morning at home, a breakfast picnic with kids, or gathering with friends and family, these breakfast picnic ideas are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors with good food, good company, and a cozy setup.
Here’s how you can recreate this charming picnic breakfast in your own backyard.
Table of Contents
- Cozy And Casual Picnic Breakfast In The Backyard
- How To Set A Breakfast Picnic Table
- Simple Breakfast Picnic Place Setting Ideas
- A Sweet and Simple Picnic Centerpiece
- Tips for Planning Your Breakfast Picnic
- Download Your Free Picnic Checklist
- What to Serve at Your Breakfast Picnic
- More Summer Outdoor Dining Ideas You’ll Love
- Shop The Post
- Final Thoughts
- Summer Al Fresco Dining Inspiration from My Friends
- Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
How To Set A Breakfast Picnic Table
First things first: you don’t need fancy outdoor dining furniture to enjoy a picnic.
A cozy quilt or blanket on the lawn works just as well.
For this setup, I used three stacked wooden pallets I found on Facebook Marketplace for $30.
They make the perfect low table and add to the rustic charm.
Oversized floor pillows provide comfy seating and are a great option if you’re hosting a breakfast picnic with family or little ones.
I’ve used them for everything from this cozy setup to a fall harvest breakfast picnic and even a summer outdoor movie night.
They are such a versatile and comfy addition for any casual gathering.
No pallets?
No problem! You can also create a low table using crates or simply set everything up right on your blanket.
Simple Breakfast Picnic Place Setting Ideas
When I style any table, whether it’s for a picnic or something more formal, I always like to mix textures and materials to create a layered look.
For my breakfast picnic table, I started with a simple white tablecloth and added a delicate lace runner on top to bring in some softness and pattern.
For the place settings, I used my favorite round woven chargers, cream stoneware, and green and white striped cloth napkins.
Then, to add a touch of summer to each picnic place setting, I brought out some beautiful floral china.
It originally belonged to my great great grandma, which makes it even more meaningful to use for a special morning like this.
Vintage touches, like family heirlooms, always make a table feel more personal.
That’s why I love using vintage decor whenever I can, especially pieces that have a story to tell.
And can you just imagine the stories that these teacups could tell if they could talk?
Of course, fine china might not be the most practical choice if you’re planning a breakfast picnic outside the backyard (or if tiny humans are part of the picnic crew).
In that case, floral paper plates are a pretty alternative that still feel special but are easier to manage.
To finish the table, I added gold flatware and some vintage-inspired pink glasses for a fun little pop of color.
If you want something a little more practical but still cute, vintage-style plastic cups in soft pastels or floral patterns work great too.
They add that same vintage charm without the worry of anything breaking.
A Sweet and Simple Picnic Centerpiece
To match the cozy and casual backyard feel, I kept the centerpiece for my breakfast picnic simple by pairing two of my favorite things…candles and florals.
I combined vintage brass candlesticks with fresh flowers clipped right from our yard.
Hydrangeas are a summer favorite and make a beautiful, budget-friendly bouquet.
If you don’t have a big flower garden, Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite spots for affordable blooms.
Your local grocery store is also a great option, often with beautiful flowers at a fraction of the price of a flower shop.
And don’t forget about your local farmers market during the summer months, where you can find gorgeous make and take bouquets.
Tips for Planning Your Breakfast Picnic
Here are a few extra touches to make your picnic feel special:
- Bring along a small picnic basket for napkins, utensils, and serving pieces
- Use jars or bottles with lids for drinks (to avoid spills!)
- Don’t forget a small cutting board and knife if needed for any cheese or fruit
Want to make things even easier?
Download my free picnic checklist so you don’t forget a thing!
Download Your Free Picnic Checklist
Stay organized with a printable list of breakfast picnic items!
From food and drinks to decor and serving tools, it’s perfect for any season, but especially handy during June and the summer months.
These printables are free for MWLS subscribers and can be accessed by visiting my printables library. (The password to access the printables library can be found at the bottom of each e-newsletter.)
What to Serve at Your Breakfast Picnic
Keep your breakfast picnic food fuss-free and portable.
For a sweet and simple option, fill berry baskets with fresh seasonal fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and grapes for a colorful and easy-to-grab treat.
A picnic basket filled with bakery-fresh croissants is always a hit, especially when you pair them with a little homemade jam.
Yogurt parfaits with layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit served in mini mason jars are an easy and fun breakfast picnic option.
Here are some other breakfast picnic recipes and menu ideas that are both delicious and easy to serve:
Baked Goods and Pastries
- Homemade chocolate chip zucchini muffins with streusel or pastries from your local bakery
- Pre-portioned slices of blueberry sour cream coffee cake
Easy Summer Sides and Seasonal Fruit
- Creamy fruit salad served in mini charcuterie cups
- Overnight oats in jars
- Cream cheese fuit dip with fresh apple slices
Breakfast and Brunch Main Dishes
- Individually wrapped breakfast burritos
- A slice-and-serve picnic pie recipe like a bacon and spinach quiche
- Breakfast sandwiches wrapped in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go
- Puff pastry tartlets with cheese and herbs or savory breakfast picnic items like a bacon onion and cheese tart
Bite-Sized Breakfast Picnic Ideas
- Mini quiches, great warm or cold, and perfect for a cold brunch picnic idea
- Hard-boiled eggs or individual frittata cups for added protein
Simple Sips and Morning Drinks
- A thermos of coffee or, if the weather is extra warm, try these iced coffee recipes
- A carafe of fresh juice
More Summer Outdoor Dining Ideas You’ll Love
If you love this simple breakfast picnic, you’ll love these summer al fresco table settings.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
White Tablecloth / Lace Runner / Round Woven Twig Chargers / Green and White Striped Napkin / Cream Stoneware Dishes / floral paper plates / Gold Flatware / Pink Drinking Glasses / Mini Mason Jars
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today!
I hope these breakfast picnic ideas bring a little more joy and creativity to your outdoor meals.
It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, it just has to come from a place of love, with a bit of effort and your own unique taste.
Enjoy the time outside, savor the food, and make sweet memories this summer.
Xo,
Summer Al Fresco Dining Inspiration from My Friends
Al Fresco Dining // My Sweet Savannah
How to Fashionably Bring Your Dining Room Outside This Summer // Dabbling and Decorating
How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting // Cottage in the Mitten
A Casual and Easy Outdoor Summer Table Setting with Hydrangeas // Open Doors Open Hearts
Summer Honey-Themed Outdoor Dining // Tater Tots and Jello
Cozy And Casual Backyard Picnic Breakfast In The Backyard // Midwest Life and Style
Top 10 Best Dining Alfresco Table Ideas // The Pond’s Farmhouse
How to Set Up a Potato Bar for a Summer Dinner Party // Pasha is Home
Summer Dining on the Porch // White Arrows Home
Easy Ways to Elevate Your Picnic // A Life Unfolding
How to Set a Beautiful Table for High Tea // Peacock Ridge Farm
How to Create a Cottage Style Summer Table // Truemans Treasures
Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
You styled everything so beautifully, Jen. Love the vintage floral dishes. They just add that sweet summer cottage vibe that can’t be beat! Lovely:)
Thank you, Lora. I love that the dishes are a family heirloom. It just makes them all the more special.
Popping back in to say I’m featuring this tomorrow on Farmhouse Friday. Love it. Thanks for linking up. Hope to see you again soon. pinned
Thanks so much, Cindy! I appreciate. Can’t wait to read tomorrow’s edition of Farmhouse Friday.
You have a knack girlfriend! I always love your tablescapes. The turned crate with the croissants… LOVE IT! Plus, you can’t go wrong with vintage looking plates and those adorable plates. pinned
Awe…thank you, Cindy. I appreciate your kind words. Tablescape styling is one of my favorite things to do, and it was fun to incorporate my great, great grandma’s china into the picnic.
Jen, your table is gorgeous and I love the idea of a backyard breakfast picnic! How fun! I am excited to feature your post at Tuesday Turn About this week. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much, Lynne. I’m glad you enjoyed the backyard picnic idea and I’m so appreciative of the share. Popping over now to check out this week’s TTA. Hugs!
I love this idea Jen! I’m so inspired! I want to do a breakfast picnic!!! My family would love this!!!
Thank you, Kristin. I need to do another one…next time when it’s not so toasty out!! 🥴
Oh your great great grandma’s china!! That’s worth having a picnic right there! This is so beautiful and fresh and cool! I love all your wonderful ideas Jen – especially the donut hole kabobs. I’m SO going to do that soon. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration!
Thank you so much, Barbara. I’m so glad to have a family heirloom like my great, great grandmother’s china. And the kabobs were delish! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying your summer and staying cool!
Donut hole and fruit kabobs?! Ummm YESSS!! Absolutely love this friend!! Love love love it!!!
Right? What’s not to love about donuts on a stick?😉 Harper was all about helping me make (and eat) them. Maybe a fun breakfast idea for your girls? I just got donut holes from the store, but you could make your own too. You’ll have to let me know if you try it.
This all turned out so perfect Jen! I love that you used pallets for a table! And just wow on how gorgeous your garden hydrangeas are ;)!!
Thank you, sweet friend. the pallets are such an easy thing to put together, and I love that I can easily store them when they aren’t in use. I brought the hydrangeas inside and love seeing them on my kitchen counter daily. And they smell amazing, too!
Jen,
I love the idea of a breakfast picnic!! Your table is so pretty, and I love your pink glassware! Happy to be hopping with you this week.
Thank you, Libbie. I hope you are having a great week too and staying cool in this crazy heat wave!
What a fun idea, Jen! I love the way you styled your breakfast picnic too! Those floral china plates are so pretty!
xoxo
Thank you, Jen! The china really made the table. I’m so glad our family saved it and has taken care of it for all of these years.
love your tablescape, so pretty!
Thank you, Melaine. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
So pretty, Jen! I am a collector of tea cups and think the same thing. Happy touring with you today! Pinned!
Thank you, Kim. I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip to Atlanta. So sorry that I will miss you all this year. Hopefully, I’ll be back next year!
It’s beautiful, Jen!! I LOVE that floral china and those drinking glasses are stunning!!! Super good ideas…I love all the textures you used together. Thanks for sharing! Pinned!
Thank you so much, Rachel. The china was really the starting inspiration for the picnic. I remembered I had some pink glasses that matched so it all worked out perfectly!
Jen, this table is so gorgeous. Every detail is so inviting. Love it. Pinned and happy hopping here with you today!
Thank you, Ann. I hope you are having a lovely summer and staying cool!
I absolutely love how this turned out! Everything is so beautiful Jen!
Thank you, Kylie. It was a fun picnic to style and create. Now…if only these temps would cool down so we could enjoy some more outdoor dining!
Jen,
I love these colors and this idea. I’ve never served breakfast outdoors so this is in my bucket list.
Thank you, Rachel. My youngest daughter loved to help me make (and eat) the donut hole kabobs. And she was such a great little helper with styling and clean-up. It was a fun table to create together.