Key Takeaways:

• Connection fuels culture: Thoughtfully planned picnics foster camaraderie and strengthen workplace relationships through shared experiences.
• Play makes it memorable: Incorporating fun games and interactive activities encourages laughter, breaks down barriers, and sparks team spirit.
• Details drive engagement: From themed décor to personalized swag, the small touches create a big impact and make your picnic stand out.

There’s something about a company picnic that either makes people smile—or sneak out early. The difference? Thoughtful planning and the right environment. A picnic isn’t just about food and lawn games. It’s an opportunity to boost team morale, strengthen relationships, and get everyone out of their usual work mindset.

At EventWorks, our sales professionals have helped thousands of businesses bring their outdoor events to life with smart layouts, stylish rentals, and all the essentials to keep your guests comfortable. Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ, a themed summer bash, or a more elevated retreat-style gathering, our extensive inventory of tents, tables, linens, chairs, specialty chairs, lounge furniture, and dancefloors can help turn your vision into a reality—without the stress.

In this post, we’re sharing fun, functional, and fresh company picnic ideas that work for all team sizes and vibes—plus the EventWorks rentals that make each one easy to pull off.

Creative Company Picnic Ideas

No one wants to attend a company picnic that feels like a mandatory meeting with sandwiches. The best ones strike a balance between fun and flexibility—something that makes employees feel appreciated without being overly formal or exhausting. Whether you're planning for 30 people or 300, a few smart ideas can turn a standard get-together into something your team genuinely looks forward to.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite company picnic ideas—each one designed to encourage connection, spark conversation, and give everyone a break from their usual routine. Use these as inspiration to create a memorable event that reflects your company culture, while keeping things simple to execute.

Ready to bring your company picnic to life? Contact EventWorks today and let’s start planning an event your team will actually talk about—long after it’s over.

1. The Classic Backyard Bash—But Better

The traditional picnic setup still works—it just needs a little polish. Think red-and-white checkered linens, long banquet tables, ice-cold drinks, and lawn games. With the right details, even a simple field or park can feel inviting and organized.

Start by renting tent styles to provide plenty of shade and create a defined gathering space. You’ll want enough room for dining, mingling, and relaxing—our sales team can help you figure out the right size based on your guest count.

Pair the tent with long farm-style tables and benches, or mix in folding tables with specialty chairs that don’t require chair covers to look polished. Top them off with linen styles in bright summer colors or classic neutrals.

And don’t forget your tabletop details—pitchers, serving trays, and durable glassware can make buffet-style meals look well-planned, not thrown together.

2. Team Olympics (Minus the Sweat)

A little friendly competition goes a long way. Organize a company picnic with a lighthearted “Olympics” theme—think sack races, tug-of-war, obstacle courses, or trivia rounds. It’s a great way to build camaraderie and get everyone laughing together.

To keep it organized, designate different zones using lounge furniture or pop-up tents. Set up your “stadium seating” with outdoor couches or clusters of chairs where people can relax between events. Our sales professionals can help you choose layout options that encourage movement and mingling—without letting the event sprawl into chaos.

Create an awards table using one of our wood tables and layer it with a playful linen—then crown your MVPs with medals or fun prizes at the end of the day.

3. Bring the Beach to You

If your team can’t make it to the coast, bring the coastal vibe to your venue. A beach-themed picnic is easy to pull off and works well for both small and large groups.

Set the scene with sailcloth tents, rattan lounge setups, and linens in soft seafoam or sandy tones. Add a mix of high-top tables and lower setups so guests can choose between standing with a drink or lounging in the shade. Decorate with beach balls, surfboards, or tropical centerpieces for an extra dose of fun.

This theme pairs perfectly with seafood boils, lemonade stations, and frozen treats—and our tabletop rentals can help you serve it all in style.

4. Indoor-Outdoor Hybrid for Weather Worries

Weather can be unpredictable, and you don’t want your event to hinge on a sunny forecast. Creating an indoor-outdoor hybrid setup is a smart solution. Use an indoor venue as a base, then expand the experience outside using tents and rentals that complement the interior space.

Our frame tents are ideal for patios, courtyards, or grassy areas right next to your building. You can add fans or heaters depending on the season—and sidewalls if the weather gets too wild.

Matching linens, chairs, and tables inside and out help keep the vibe cohesive. Our sales team can recommend pieces that create visual flow between both spaces.

5. Relaxation Stations for Remote Teams

Not every company picnic needs to be high-energy. If your team includes remote employees meeting in person for the first time, consider a more relaxed setup. Lounge zones with soft seating and conversation-friendly layouts give people space to connect.

Use our lounge furniture, paired with low cocktail tables and subtle lighting, to create a laid-back, social atmosphere. Instead of loud music or games, try open seating, board games, and soft drinks served on trays from our tabletop collection.

This type of picnic works well for multi-day retreats too—giving your team a comfortable space to unwind between sessions.

6. Theme It Out (But Keep It Classy)

Themes are a great way to inject personality into a company picnic—as long as they don’t feel forced. A few timeless crowd-pleasers?

• Southern Garden Party: Use natural-toned linens, elegant tablescapes, and classic chairs. Serve iced tea and mini pies. Add lawn games and acoustic music for ambiance.
  
• Carnival Vibes: Think red-striped linens, bright tabletop decor, popcorn stations, and a colorful tent. Include casual seating and games like ring toss or spin-the-wheel giveaways.
  
• Retro Throwback: Style your tent with vintage-inspired chairs, neon linens, and fun signage. Play music from the 70s, 80s, or 90s and keep the vibe playful.
  

Our sales professionals can help you select just the right pieces to pull off a fun theme that still feels professional and on-brand.

7. Set the Mood with Smart Layouts

A successful picnic isn’t just about what you include—it’s about how you arrange it. Create zones: a dining area, a lounge space, a game section, and a shaded spot for breaks or nursing parents. By defining these areas with seating and table arrangements, your guests will naturally move between activities without feeling overwhelmed.

Our team can suggest layouts that balance comfort and flow, using tent placements and furniture groupings that make the most of your space—whether you’re in a park, a corporate lawn, or a rented venue.

Host a Picnic That Doubles as a Wellness Retreat

Company picnics don’t always have to be high-energy affairs. For teams that have been pushing hard through deadlines and long hours, a wellness-themed picnic offers a refreshing break that actually helps people recharge. Think yoga mats instead of tug-of-war ropes. Smoothie bars instead of soda stations.

Create a peaceful, shaded environment with one of our tent styles—ideal for open-air yoga sessions or guided meditations. Layer in lounge seating and light linens in calming tones, and you’ve got a spa-like setup that still feels cohesive with a corporate event.

Offer quiet zones with soft seating and optional wellness activities: chair massages, breathing sessions, or guided journaling. Set up farm-style tables topped with wellness-themed tabletop elements—like essential oils, herbal teas, or infused water. 

It’s a company picnic that says, “We see how hard you’ve been working—and we value your wellbeing.”

Elevate the Experience with Farm-to-Table Dining

If your company picnic leans more toward refined than rowdy, consider a farm-to-table theme. It’s perfect for organizations that want something elevated but still outdoorsy. Local ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and beautiful table settings create an atmosphere that feels intentional, not stuffy.

Start with wooden tables and pair them with specialty chairs that feel natural but polished. Drape soft, textured linens in earthy or neutral tones, then layer in ceramic plates, gold flatware, and linen napkins from our tabletop collection for a setup that looks like it came straight out of a lifestyle magazine.

Serve seasonal dishes, local produce, and fresh baked goods buffet-style or family-style, with small menus printed at each seat. Even if it’s casual, this kind of picnic sends a message: we care about quality—down to the last detail.

Add a Pop-Up Lounge to Keep It Casual (and Cool)

If you’re expecting a mixed crowd with varied interests, a pop-up lounge gives everyone a place to land. Whether it's employees taking a break between games or folks who just want to kick back with a drink, a designated lounge area adds comfort and flexibility to your layout.

Start with soft seating—modular sofas, ottomans, and accent chairs—arranged under one of our breezy tents. Add a few low cocktail tables and decorative touches like throw pillows, lanterns, or potted plants. Our sales professionals can help you mix and match pieces to keep the look cohesive without being overly formal.

This setup doesn’t just offer physical comfort—it also creates social comfort. Guests can step away from the noise and just hang out, which is often where the best conversations happen.

Final Thoughts 

No matter which company picnic idea speaks to your team’s vibe, the most important thing is making it feel intentional. Your employees will notice when an event has thought and care behind it—and that’s what creates lasting impact.

At EventWorks, our sales professionals are here to help you choose from one of the most extensive inventories of event rentals. From tables and tents to linens, chairs, specialty chairs, and lounge furniture, we’ll guide you every step of the way to create a company picnic your team will actually remember (and talk about at Monday’s standup).

Read also: 

• How to Choose the Right Tablecloth Size for Any Table
• Planning A Black Tie Event: How To Achieve Elegance And Tradition
• How To Arrange Rectangular Tables For A Party: Top Tips And Layouts

Frequently Asked Questions About Company Picnic Ideas

How early should I start planning a company picnic?

Ideally, start planning 2–3 months in advance to secure rentals, venues, and catering. For peak seasons (spring and fall), earlier is even better.

What are some low-effort company picnic themes?

Classic BBQs, garden parties, carnival day, or a beach vibe are always hits. They’re easy to execute with the right rentals and food setup.

Do you offer delivery and setup?

Yes! Our team delivers and sets up your rentals on-site so you can focus on enjoying the day—not managing logistics.

What are the most popular rentals for outdoor company events?

Tents, farm tables, specialty chairs, linens, and lounge furniture are top choices. These elevate your setup and keep guests comfortable.

Can you help with layout planning?

Absolutely. Our sales professionals can assist with layout suggestions based on your guest count, venue, and activities.

Do you offer sound systems or entertainment?

We don’t rent sound systems or provide entertainment—but we’ll make sure everything else (furniture, shade, comfort) is taken care of.

How do I choose the right rentals for our team size and space?

Our sales professionals are here to help with exactly that. Whether you're working with a small courtyard or a wide-open park, we’ll guide you in selecting the right size tent, number of tables, and seating setup based on your guest list and layout needs. 

Can you help with multiple picnic locations or events?

Yes! If your company has multiple locations or is planning a series of events, we can coordinate rentals across dates and venues.