How do I decorate a picnic table?

[Jessica]

At my reception hall we have a pavillion in the back where people can go hang out or smoke. It's a covered area with wooden picnic tables and a cement floor. Does anyone have any ideas of how to make the picnic tables elegant? I need some ideas of table clothes, flowers, candles, etc. There are also pillars surrounding the pavillion that I could decorate as well. I need some type of light source like candles or something at night. They have a huge flourescent light above the thing that is blinding and not elegant.

Thank you!

[lizaanne]

I think it would look wonderful with tons of tiny white lights and candles. Maybe one of those tree branch arrangements with small glass tea light holders on the table. Then decorate around the arrangement with flowers and a table cloth that matches your theme.

Also - since it will double as a meeting place and smoking area, I would strategically place ash trays away from the main table, so that those who would like to just sit out side are not surrounded by dirty ash trays. I'm sure that even the smokers would appreciate a clean place to put a drink or dish of appetizers or cake. Does the venue have those stand up smoking urns? That might be helpful to keep the ashes away from the table area, but still give everyone a place outside to go and smoke.

Sounds like it could be really lovely with the pillars and pavilion! I agree though, I would not use the fluorescent light if you can help it.

~Liza

[mrrr]

I agree with the little white strands of light and candles. It will produce enough light to see and still be soft and romantic. You can get pretty little tins and put sand in the bottom for the ashtrays too.

[km]

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[km]

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[km]

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[km]

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[km]

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[Jessica]

Wow thank you everyone! They are all beautiful ideas. I think I will use many candles and I love the hanging paper lanterns too! I'll have to look into getting some of them. I would love to cover the ceiling with the white clothes, but I'm not sure how I would do it or how expensive it would be...

[km]

:computer:

You can use tulle (least expensive) it comes in very light weight, or heavy weight as well. I would make a frame using PC pipes, you can pound them into the ground, thus making your frame you can then drape the tulle, sway it,,etc., you can make it a large, or small as you want, you can do sections as well.
:wavey: