Backyard Party: Fresh-Picked Picnic

Illuminate your vegetable-theme table by arranging four large leaves of Swiss chard or rhubarb around a hurricane torch pole, making sure the bouquet is well away from the glass and the flame. Secure the stems with tape and hide the tape with a ribbon bow.

Celebrate the bounty of the growing season by decorating an outdoor table with easy projects inspired by a variety of veggies. A stylish red-and-white color scheme with golden yellow accents sets the scene for this backyard picnic.

Make a holder for flatware and napkins by evenly gluing seed packets around a Shaker-style container in the size and style of your choice (available in most crafts stores). Add 1/2-inch-wide ribbon around the top and bottom of each container for finished edges.

Wow your guests with a two-tier centerpiece. To make it, fill a pilsner glass with cherry tomatoes. Cover the mouth of the glass with clear tape so the fruit doesn't fall out. Flip the pilsner upside down and position it on a charger. Top with a dinner plate and secure both with clear tape. Fill a cereal bowl with veggies and place atop the dinner plate. Arrange other vegetables around the bowl and at the base of the pilsner.

Large, sturdy heads of garlic make simple holders for votive candles. Make room for a votive by carefully removing the top third of a garlic head and scraping out the insides. Spray the head with a clear sealant to keep the odor from overpowering the table and let dry 30 minutes. Arrange leafy herbs in the hollowed out portion to create a frilly color and insert the candle.

Add some charm to your outside party space by arranging baskets of fresh produce. This wire basket of red and yellow peppers is resting on a rustic red chair.