build an easy picnic table

If you haven’t heard yet, FrogTape® has announced some fun new design trends for 2021.

I don’t know about you, but we’re feeling deliriously optimistic for 2021, and since it’s right around the corner {WHAT?!} when they asked us to create a fun project depicting one of their design trends for a little inspiration, we were thrilled to do just that. This design trend is “Eat Well”.

I feel like I’ve been eating well since all of 2020. Too well. But that’s not what it means. ;}

From their site, Eat Well is described as this:

Embrace the stunning hues that nature brings to the table through fruits and vegetables like kale, tomatoes and vibrant peppers. Painting cabinets or displaying beautiful, fresh produce and other colorful touches will bring this happy and healthy aesthetic to life, creating a space that draws people in and makes everyone feel welcome. This trend works well not only in the kitchen, but also in dining rooms, breakfast nooks and outdoor dining areas, too!

When we saw this trend, we were so excited to cook up a fun idea. We had the perfect project.

We had so much fun putting this together, we felt like it truly captured the vibes of Eat Well, and this fabulous design trend. We hope it captures a few good wishes for next year in the meantime, too.

So we built this little picnic table which was oh so simple to make. Then we added some fun texture and color with, of course, FrogTape® and some of the hues from this design trend.

We loved bringing in the vibes of Eat Well, and we’re here today to share this little project with you! Because sometimes it’s fun to get a little inspiration for the upcoming year, and because it may be perfect timing to have a little socially distanced picnic on a warmer winter day in the near future.

I’m feeling optimistic y’all.

PS. We captured this right before it snowed in Nashville, and the final leaves fell off the tree, so we were happy to grab up a few of the last remnants of those fall vibes before they all disappeared.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• FrogTape® in any width – we used .94″ width for this one

• plywood + hairpin legs depending on the length you want -note: our plywood was 6 feet long
• paint colors in stunning hues to celebrate nature
• brushes + drop cloth + screwdriver

• The pattern:

We created this fun pattern by marking the center point of the table and pulling tape lines from there. We used a simple ‘leapfrog technique’ {see what I did there?} to keep the lines even. I guess you could say it’s the easy way to make sure it all turns out okay.

Then, we reflected it on the other side, to bring balance to the pattern whole thing.

Next, we added angles underneath, kind of making it up as we went so that we didn’t overthink and it stayed relatively simple.

Finally, on each end, we kept the lines straight, as well.

• Pull the first pieces of tape:

Next, we pulled the tape for an every-other line kind of pattern, so they would know where to paint. Don’t worry about mistakes, you’ll see where we made one here, and it turned into a happy accident, making the pattern more fun. We think the key is to just roll with it.

When that first section was pulled and we knew we were happy with the pattern, we were ready to paint!

• Paint away:

Add in fun colors and stunning hues to celebrate the idea of {safe} gathering, and eating well. Whether this table is just for your family or those in your bubble, or a whole fabulous crowd when all this is over, we think it’s such a fun idea!

You can see we kind of stayed with a rough pattern so that again, it brought symmetry to both sides. Even though we used the smaller tape with a potentially “busier” pattern, it helped keep everything in sync when it came to such a long table.

• Pull the tape:

The most rewarding part, is to see those perfect lines when you pull the rest of the tape away! We love the final look.

• Add the legs, and celebrate:

Simply flip the table over, and add the hairpin legs. Because our table was so long, we opted to add more, evenly spaced down each side. It provided room for people to sit if they want, while also allowing for stability.

The beauty with this table is that when not in use, the legs come off quickly with a screw driver for easy storage. That way when it’s not in use, it stows away without a second thought.

It’s ready to go:

Enjoy your table with your favorite people gathered around, and celebrate eating well in 2021.

We know we will!

We had so much fun setting up this little table.

We actually spend quite a lot of time in our yard. For the perfect outdoor soirée, gather some rugs and pillows from inside to complement the entire feel.