Courtney RussellHere we've been inspired by exactly where you'll be dining -- the great outdoors -- for a picnic that celebrates, and conserves, nature.

The apple-green tableware shown here is made from 100% recycled plastic and is fully recyclable. This starter set -- containing flatware, cups, and two sizes of plates -- allows you to serve up to 8 people for years to come. ($21 the set; individual items carried at Whole Foods Market)

Check out our picnic, sandwich, and salad recipes for foods that travel well.


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Distance Runner


Dress the table with a runner made from an 7-foot length of seersucker fabric (for a standard 6-foot picnic table). Here's how: After making sure the ends of the fabric are squared to the sides, use a pin to pull a few threads out of each end, creating fringe. Lay the fabric face up on the table, and fold both selvedges (the long, finished edges) under so that they meet in the middle. Reuse next season, or refashion into something else. (butterfly print fabric, tutti fruitti collection, $6.99 a yard)
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The Thrill of the Hunt


Adorn your table with objects found at your location. We used driftwood and stones, but shells, branches and seed pods are other options.
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Certified Organic


Choose vases with organic shapes so you can forego flowers and fill them with beautiful greenery if the urge strikes. We chose ferns, but sea grass, small tree branches, or milk weed work just as well. (vases from Ikea, $2.99 each)
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All Aflutter


Perch paper butterflies around your table. To make them, draw a simple butterfly shape (create your own or use these) on origami paper and cut out with scissors. Ours are cut from three different colors of paper, and are three different sizes for contrast. Attach them with scrapbooking dots ($7.38 for 300) to the runner, the centerpiece, or whatever you wish.
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It's a Wrap


Wrap your sandwiches in waxed paper, then secure with kitchen twine threaded with paper butterflies. Ours are punched from origami paper with a butterfly-shaped hole punch ($9.99). An embroidery needle poked through the center of each butterfly makes a hole just big enough for the twine.
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Chalk It Up


Add playful patterns to stones with colorful chalk. To change your design, just rinse in water and repeat. No time for rock hunting? Pick up the store-bought variety (river rock markers, $16 for 8) -- it's only cheating a tiny bit, and it's the thought that counts.