Creating a fabulous picnic is simple, whether it's a traditional family get-together, a tailgate party, or dinner on your own porch or patio. We've done the prep work for you - just choose decorative picnic supplies from one of our fun outdoor collections, add your favorite sandwiches and salads from the deli, and get ready to relax in the open air. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Family Fun Picnic

Let mother nature provide the backdrop to your picnic while you up the festivity factor with outdoor-oriented accessories. Watermelon Seeds is a bright collection of paper plates, napkins, cups, and table covers in a fun watermelon theme. Add a few plastic ants to the scene - kids, especially, will enjoy the startled looks of guests who don't immediately notice the ants are fake. For more kid-type fun, try an old-fashioned seed spitting contest.

The Watercolor Floral series clearly says "Welcome" to your guests, particularly if the outing is for a group of ladies. The pastel colors and natural floral theme are perfectly at home in any alfresco setting. Other good choices for a feminine picnic include botanical collections like Oasis Flower, Poppy Collage, and Bountiful, with its delicate portraits of butterflies and wildflowers.

Setting the mood is easy with Colorful Gingham and Gingham Daisy, coordinating collections of partyware in an upbeat checked pattern. The traditional but updated gingham theme brings to mind an old-fashioned picnic from days gone by. Add a few down-home treats like fried chicken and fresh lemonade for a picnic your family will always remember.

Don't forget to spruce up your picnic area with decorative touches like To-Do's rainbow balloons or paper lanterns. Tied to a nearby tree branch or picnic table, they make your picnic area easy to find, and add to the playful atmosphere.

Tailgate Picnic

A tailgate party calls for accessories with a more rugged look. Try the Championship Football collection for football-themed plates, cups, tablecovers, and even a football piñata, or the All-Star Football collection for supplies that include football candles and a giant scoreboard party banner. Other sports-themed lines include All-Star Baseball and Championship Soccer.

For a theme that's not tied to a specific sport, but still fits the robust appeal of a tailgate picnic, try the Serape or Sedona Red & Yellow lines. These groupings offer a brightly colored, adventurous look that works well for this type of picnic. If you really want to show team spirit, pick up Solid Color Partyware in your favorite team's colors.

Patio or Porch Picnic

If your picnic will be closer to home, say on your patio or porch, the decorating options are endless. Tropical parties are always a hit, and the Luau collection has absolutely everything you need, from 6-foot inflatable palm trees to coconut shell bikini tops. String indoor/outdoor party lights with parrots and palm trees, or hang fringed hibiscus paper lanterns in your choice of festive colors. Choose party staples in Bahama Breeze or Caribbean Parrot Party to complete the look.

For a sophisticated look, choose Patio Stripes, a softly colored design with a hint of casual elegance. The collection includes both a matching plastic tray and serving bowl that can be re-used. When the picnic includes grilled or barbecued dishes, the Patio BBQ line is perfect. The napkins and plates are printed with cute sayings like "Hotdog anyone?" and "Medium or Well?"

Remember to provide some games or novelties to entertain your guests. Kids usually love temporary tattoos, and glow sticks are fun after dark. Piñatas come in all kinds of shapes and colors - there's one to coordinate with every party theme. Most of all, just relax and go with the flow. If it rains or ants join your party, your picnic will be even more memorable!

For more picnic and outdoor party ideas, visit our store at 1534 Troy Road in Edwardsville, Illinois.

--Beth M. Custer