Plan your summer party with a fresh, elegant outdoor picnic concept. Below are practical tips for hosting a boho-inspired or Coachella-style gathering with a relaxed, feng shui-inspired atmosphere your guests will enjoy.
Elegant Outside Picnic Party Idea {Boho Inspired Party for Coachella}
We love entertaining, especially in warm weather. Over the years I’ve enjoyed creating new patio and backyard party ideas, and one of my favorites was an elegant “Mom’s Night Out” theme that guests still talk about. Recently I experimented with a feng shui-inspired vibe that leans boho and colorful—perfect for a summer picnic or a Coachella-style celebration.
On a trip to World Market I found charming elephant plates that became the focal point for the whole tablescape. From there I mixed and matched patterns, colors, and textures to keep the look eclectic yet coordinated.
Instead of matching every setting, I decided to use two of each elephant design and a variety of cloth napkins to create visual interest. The mix felt more relaxed and inviting than a strictly uniform table.
- Turquoise Nomad Elephant Plates (2)
- White Nomad Elephant Plates (2)
- Light Green Nomad Elephant Plates (2)
We’ve built outdoor furniture from wood pallets in the past, but this time we repurposed extra countertop material from a kitchen remodel. Mounted on two turquoise planting pots, the slab became a clean, modern outdoor table that set the tone for a simple, positive-energy tablescape.
Pillows around the table and a soft rug encouraged casual seating—guests could lounge on cushions or sit on the carpet for a comfortable picnic experience without sacrificing style.
For each place setting I used a linen charger, a white dinner plate, and one of the elephant plates on top. To add a playful twist, I folded the cloth napkins into triangles and tucked them under the white plates—an easy detail that feels intentionally different.
To the right of each setting I placed a diamond-cut dessert glass, which added a little glam. A patterned table runner and coordinating napkins tied the color palette together and matched the elephant designs perfectly.
If you end up with empty space on the table, look around your home for items that complement the design—vases, jars, lanterns, or small decor pieces can fill gaps and enhance the overall composition without costing much.
Sunflowers in a simple mason jar bring a cheerful, summery touch and a splash of natural color. Using different jars and containers adds to the boho-mixed aesthetic and keeps the centerpiece casual and approachable.
I found a rustic lantern and a few glass jars at discount prices. Imperfect pieces often add character—one lantern had missing panes, but removing the rest made it functional and gave it a charming, lived-in look.
Candles and paper honeycomb decorations helped set the mood as the sun went down. Small lighting sources create intimacy and warmth for an evening gathering.
I usually start with a single inspiring item—a runner, a plate, or a centerpiece—and build the design around it. In this case the elephant plates and colorful runner were the starting point, and the rest came together quickly.
Gold flatware in a blue mason jar and a jar of bright straws add practical yet decorative touches. These small details keep the table functional while enhancing the playful, elegant aesthetic.
The goal wasn’t to recreate a classic picnic but to evoke the relaxed feeling of one with a more refined, stylish presentation. Mixing patterns, textures, and colors while keeping the layout uncluttered achieves that balance.
With music playing and family nearby, the setup felt lively and welcoming—my youngest couldn’t resist dancing among the colors. The combination of simple design choices and joyful accents creates a carefree summer vibe that’s easy to reproduce.
Try something new this summer—start with one standout piece and let the rest evolve. What are your summer entertaining plans? Share your ideas and pin this for later inspiration.