1968 Vintage Volkswagon Fastback with car trunk picnic display in the woods.

Fall in love with a vintage-style car picnic. Get inspired to plan a romantic date with timeless charm and capture stunning photos.

Imagine cruising in a vintage VW Fastback, the ultimate picnic car, as you prepare for an unforgettable outdoor backyard picnic. With a perfect picnic basket packed with a delicious picnic lunch, this is the ideal way to create lasting memories on your next road trip or even in your very own backyard.

Embrace quality time with your loved one, surrounded by the romance of the open road, making this your favorite way to enjoy a cozy, vintage-inspired picnic.

Vintage 1968 VW Fastaback with Trunk Luggage and picnic in the woods.

Classic Cars for the Perfect Picnic Setting

The perfect picnic car would combine style, functionality, and nostalgic charm, making it practical and aesthetically pleasing for an al fresco dining experience. Here are some great options:

  • carVintage Station Wagon: Ford Country Squire, Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad, Volvo 245.
    These classic station wagons offer ample trunk space for setting up a picnic and evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. The wood paneling on models like the Country Squire adds a particularly vintage feel.
  • Classic SUV: Jeep Wagoneer, Ford Bronco (pre-1996), Land Rover Series I/II.
    These rugged vehicles were built for outdoor adventures. Their spacious rear area is perfect for a picnic, and the iconic styling of older models gives them a timeless appeal.
  • Vintage Pickup Truck: Ford F-100, Chevrolet C10, Dodge D100.
    The bed of a vintage pickup truck can be transformed into a cozy picnic spot, especially when lined with blankets and cushions. These trucks exude Americana charm, making them ideal for a vintage-inspired picnic.
  • Classic Sedan with a Spacious Trunk: Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Continental, Chevrolet Impala.
    These classic sedans offer large, deep trunks perfect for laying out a picnic. Their luxurious interiors and iconic designs make them ideal for an elegant, vintage-themed outing.
  • Volkswagen Type 2 (VW Bus):
    The VW Bus is synonymous with retro road trips and outdoor gatherings. Its roomy interior and iconic design make it the ultimate vehicle for a vintage picnic, allowing you to easily set up inside or out.
  • Vintage Convertible: Ford Mustang (1960s), Chevrolet Corvette (1950s-60s), Mercedes-Benz 280SL.
    While not as spacious as other options, a vintage convertible adds a touch of glamour and romance to the picnic. You can set up the picnic on the trunk lid or use the open interior, making the most of the convertible’s open-air experience.
  • Classic British Cars: Mini Cooper (original), Morris Minor Traveler.
    These cars, especially with their wooden trim and compact size, offer a quaint, old-world charm. They are ideal for a cozy, intimate picnic setup and add a unique touch to the overall aesthetic.
  • Vintage Airstream Trailer (paired with a classic car):
    Though not a vehicle, an Airstream trailer hitched to a vintage car creates a picturesque scene for a picnic. You can set up your picnic beside the trailer, using its retro style as a backdrop.
Open trunk of VW 1968 Fastback tray of wine, glasses and vintage dishes in a car picnic.

Each vehicle brings its own unique charm and functionality to a vintage-inspired car picnic. The choice depends on the vibe you’re going for, whether rustic, elegant, adventurous, or laid-back.

Coastal Grandmother Summer Decor "In My Mother's Home"

You may enjoy this Coastal Maine Heritage – Embracing My Roots post with loads of vintage family history.

1968 VW Fastback


Recently, we purchased this vintage Volkswagon Fastback, which we absolutely love. As soon as we brought it home, I knew it would be perfect for a backyard car picnic.

Bernese Mountain Dog in Car with White Seats.
Bernese Mountain Dog in front of 1968 Green VW Fastback Car in Woods.

See how an antique classic VW Fastback found in Coastal Maine is reminiscent of yesteryear. Dressed with all the trimmings and vintage vibes in this A Classic VW: Embracing the Vintage Vibe post.

Classic VW Logo on Steering Wheel.
Bernese Mountain Dog in Car with White Seats.
Woman driving stick shift in classic VW Fastback

The Perfect Picnic Spot: From Backyard to State Park

The perfect picnic spot for a vintage-inspired car picnic is nestled within the scenic beauty of state parks, where the back seat becomes a cozy retreat for savoring a lovingly prepared picnic spread. Amidst the fresh air and serene landscapes, these road trip picnics create lasting car picnic memories, blending the joy of exploration with the comfort of a well-curated meal.

With the car doors open and the trunk set up, it’s an ideal way to pause, relax, and fully immerse in the natural surroundings.

The Perfect Picnic Basket

Rediscover the joy of picnics with vintage picnic baskets. Learn how they can add a touch of nostalgia to your outdoor gatherings and home decor in this Vintage Picnic Baskets: Beyond the Picnic post.

Backyard Car Picnic Bliss

Or, like me, you can set up your car picnic in your very own backyard. Either way, car picnics are the best, and you can capture some fabulous photos while you’re at it!

Bernese Mountain Dog in front of 1968 Green VW Fastback Car in Woods.

6 Must-Have Items for a Perfect Car Picnic

Creating the perfect vintage-inspired car picnic is all about choosing the proper essentials to enhance your outdoor experience. From cozy blankets to a curated selection of delicious, easy-to-pack foods, having the right items on hand ensures your car picnic is both comfortable and memorable.

With a bit of preparation, you can effortlessly create an easy car picnic date filled with your favorite foods and tired-and-true picnic recipes, all designed to make the moment memorable. Here are six car picnic essentials to get you started:

DIY Breadboard with candles and pink flowers at picnic set up.

DIY Home Picnic Set Up Ideas

You may also find more unique picnic essential ideas in this DIY Home Picnic Set Up Ideas for the Perfect Pop post.

The Best Recipes to Pack for Your Car Picnic

When planning your vintage-inspired car picnic, having the perfect recipe items is essential for a seamless and enjoyable experience right from the backseat. From cold pasta salads stored in handy sandwich bags to other easy-to-pack dishes, preparing your own food ensures a delicious and stress-free outing.

How to Assemble the Perfect Cheese Platter | Vintage Style
Say Cheese! How to Assemble a Small Charcuterie Board

Eight Must-Try Picnic Foods for Your Retro Ride

  • Cold Pasta Salad with Seasonal Veggies: This refreshing and easy-to-eat option features autumn vegetables like roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and a tangy vinaigrette.
  • Mini Quiche Lorraine: These individual quiches, filled with bacon, cheese, and onions, are portable and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for a car picnic.
  • Turkey and Cranberry Wraps: This is a fall twist on a classic wrap, combining roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and a touch of cream cheese for a festive and satisfying meal on the go.
  • Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These moist, spiced muffins are easy to pack and pair wonderfully with a thermos of hot coffee or tea, adding a sweet treat to your car picnic.
  • Gourmet Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Pre-assemble a selection of artisan cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and dried fruits in a bento box for an elegant and easy-to-share picnic spread. Learn more in this Say Cheese! How to Assemble a Small Charcuterie Board post.
  • Butternut Squash and Apple Soup in a Thermos: Pack this warm, velvety soup in a thermos to enjoy a comforting fall flavor while staying cozy in the back of your car.
  • Apple and Brie Sandwiches: Slices of crisp apple, creamy brie, and a drizzle of honey, all nestled between crusty bread, create a sweet and savory sandwich that’s perfect for autumn.
  • Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Soft, spiced cookies that capture the essence of fall, perfect for a sweet treat to finish off your car picnic.
Easy and authentic pasta bolognese sauce recipe.

Pasta bolognese

Try my favorite pasta bolognese recipe for a hardy car picnic delight. Find this homemade recipe in this Authentic and Easy Pasta Bolognese Sauce Recipe! post.

Bringing it all Together

Once you have chosen your location, vintage car, picnic basket, and recipes, it’s time to style a fabulous car picnic.

Start by packing a bottle of wine and a selection of delicious finger foods so you’re always ready when the mood strikes. Add cozy blankets, elegant tableware, and handpicked wildflowers to create a charming atmosphere right in the back of your car.

Bouquets of wildflowers in vintage yellow wrought iron chair and table outdoors.

Curate Your Car Picnic Look

Choose a theme for your car picnic by selecting your picnic style. Here are five ideas to help get you started:

  • Autumn Harvest: Embrace fall with plaid blankets, pumpkins, spiced treats, and warm drinks like apple cider. Enjoy more in this Fall & Halloween DIY Grazing Table with MacKenzie-Childs post.
  • Winter Wonderland: Create a cozy winter car picnic with wool blankets, thermoses of hot cocoa, and hearty comfort foods.
  • Holiday Cheer: Make it festive with holiday decorations, twinkling lights, seasonal treats like cookies, and a warm, inviting setup. Find more inspiration in this Celebrate Holiday Preparations With Christmas Plaids, Checks, and Hot Chocolate Mugs post.
  • Spring Bloom: Celebrate spring with floral blankets, pastel tableware, fresh flowers, and light bites like fruit and sandwiches.
  • Summer Seaside: Capture the essence of summer with a beach-themed picnic, including striped towels, seashells, and refreshing lemonade.
Vintage VW Fastback Trunk open setting up for a car picnic in the woods.

Fall Picnic Vibes: My Personal Touch

With Labor Day behind us, I chose a fall-inspired motif by incorporating several of my mother’s Mount Vernon amber glassware, brown and white transferware dishes, linen napkins, and an antique green Toleware tray.

Topped off with a bottle of red wine, which we discovered at Upstate New York’s Four Maples Vineyard and Winery while Boondocking in our RV.

Learn more about Boondocking in our new Antiquing Road Trips & RV Decor Series.

Wildflower Picnic Bouquet

Next, I added a bouquet of seasonal sunflowers in a simple glass mason jar. The flowers add color and ambiance to our car trunk picnic.

Mason Jar filled with fall sunflowers in hand at car picnic.

Car Picnic Lunch

I picked up a blueberry pie at a local farm stand for our backyard car picnic and displayed it on a simple white cake stand with a matching brown and white transferware plate.

Maine Blueberries

Maine blueberries are in season from late July through August, offering the freshest and most flavorful berries during the summer months. Buying a blueberry pie in Maine is a must, as it’s made with locally harvested wild blueberries, known for their exceptional taste and sweetness. Incorporating a Maine blueberry pie into your picnic adds a delightful touch of local flavor, perfect for sharing and savoring outdoors.

Check out my friend Molly in Maine’s Wild About Maine (Wild) Blueberries post to learn more about Maine blueberries with all the recipes.

You may also enjoy this Pie Safe Antique Kitchen Cupboards Decorating Ideas post.

Maine Wild Blueberry Pie
Photo Courtesy of The Fresh Apron.

Wild Maine Blueberry Pie

Make your own fabulous Wild Maine Blueberry Pie brought to you by Nicole of The Fresh Apron.

Cribbage Board

I grew up playing cribbage with my father. I recently found this old travel cribbage board with the original cards and pegs we used to use. I thought it would be the perfect after-game to add to our backyard car picnic activities. My husband has wanted to learn about cribbage for ages.

Adding a board game to an outdoor car picnic is a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy some friendly competition amidst nature. It brings people together, creating moments of laughter and connection that complement a vintage-inspired picnic’s relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere. Plus, it’s a simple activity to extend your time outdoors, making the experience even more memorable.

Travel cribbage board and cards inside trunk of car picnic.

Car Picnic Basket

I actually found myself at a loss without a picnic basket here at our home in Maine. All my picnic baskets, including those my mother had collected, were back in Vermont.

But a girlfriend to the rescue with her classic picnic basket saved the day. Now, this blueberry pie looks so much more delectable in an authentic picnic basket, don’t you think?

1968 Vintage Volkswagon Fastback with car trunk picnic display in the woods.
1968 Vintage Volkswagon Fastback with car trunk picnic display in the woods.

Pro Tip

This little VW Fastback trunk is so tiny that the picnic basket almost didn’t fit. This is something to consider when setting up a car picnic in a vintage automobile. Antique automobiles were much smaller than cars made today.

Pendleton Classic Blanket

I chose this traditional-style Pendleton throw with a leather strap carrier for our cozy car picnic blanket.

Pendleton offers a variety of colors to choose from, too.

Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket

Originally designed by the Hudson’s Bay Company in Canada, these blankets have been woven since the late 18th century and were initially used as trading goods between European settlers and indigenous peoples in North America.

The colored stripes or “points” were used to denote the size and value of the blanket, with each point representing a specific measurement.

Pendleton started popularizing striped wool blankets, incorporating similar designs into their heritage products. Due to their warmth and durability, these blankets are often used today in outdoor activities like camping and picnicking.

Bernese Mountain Dog laying on Pendleton Wool Blanket with red chair at vintage car picnic in the woods.

A time-honored wool blanket is ideal for an outdoor car picnic because it offers warmth and comfort, perfect for cooler weather or evenings. Its durability and natural resistance to moisture ensure that it will keep you cozy, even if the ground is damp. Plus, the timeless look of a wool blanket adds a touch of rustic charm to your picnic setup, enhancing the overall vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Find more blanket inspiration from my friend Kristin over at White Arrows Home in her post, Fall Decor Must Have | Vintage Camp Blankets.

Vintage Chairs

You can pick up a couple of old beach chairs at a local thrift store or antique shop to add to your car picnic.

They are lightweight and portable, ideal for quick setup and easy transport.

Their classic designs, whether wooden or retro beach styles, elevate the picnic setting with a cozy and stylish touch, making the experience feel more intimate and thoughtfully curated.

Vintage red beach chair at vintage car picnic in the woods.

Car Picnic Photography: Creating Lasting Memories

Woman serving blueberry pie in the trunk of a vintage car picnic in the woods.

Whether it’s the vintage charm of your setup or the laughter shared over a meal, a car picnic offers endless opportunities for stunning shots.

Capturing the essence of your next picnic, especially a unique car picnic, requires just a bit of planning to ensure you snap the best memories.

Here are six top phone camera photography tips to help capture those perfect moments and make your picnic memories last a lifetime.

  • Golden Hour Lighting: Plan your picnic during the golden hour—early morning or late afternoon—when the natural light is soft and warm. This will give your photos a dreamy, nostalgic feel, perfect for a vintage-inspired car picnic.
  • Focus on Details: Capture the small, thoughtful details of your setup, like the texture of a cozy blanket, the pattern on vintage dishes, or the arrangement of food. These close-up shots add depth to your photo collection and highlight the charm of your picnic.
  • Incorporate the Surroundings: Frame your shots using the natural scenery around you. Whether it’s a backdrop of rolling hills, a canopy of trees, or a serene lakeside, the environment adds context and beauty to your photos, making the picnic feel even more special.
  • Candid Moments: While posed shots are great, don’t forget to capture candid moments. The genuine laughter, someone pouring a drink, or a spontaneous hug—these unplanned shots often tell the most authentic stories of your picnic.
  • Play with Angles: Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering perspectives. Shoot from above for a flat lay of your picnic spread, or get down low to capture the scene from a more intimate angle. Unique viewpoints can make your photos stand out and convey the atmosphere of the picnic.
  • Tripod with Remote: Set up a tripod with a remote to capture your car picnic photos and candid shots. You can find them inexpensively on Amazon, and they will improve the quality of your photos by stabilizing your camera phone from movement.
Picnic Basket with blue and white scarf tied in bow at outdoor car picnic.

Pro Tip

Tie a favorite scarf or two around the handles of your picnic basket. It will add a pop of appeal and you can later add it to your wardrobe for some of your candid photo moments.

Find more basket inspiration in this Antique Baskets Vintage Decor Ideas post.

The Takeaway

As you pack up the last remnants of your vintage-inspired car picnic, it’s clear that the best thing about this experience is how effortlessly it combines nostalgia with the beauty of the great outdoors.

A car picnic offers the perfect time to slow down, savor simple pleasures, and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Whether it’s the charm of your setup, the delicious food, or the laughter shared, a car picnic is more than just a meal—it’s a moment to cherish. So, gather your favorite vintage pieces, find a scenic spot, and fall in love with the timeless tradition of an old-car-style picnic.

Black and white photo of a car picnic in the woods in a vintage 1968 VW Fastback.

A Vintage Affair

If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.

Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com

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8 Comments

  1. Oh Ann you’re just so fabulous!!
    Everything looks perfect, very inspiring…love it!!!!💕🐾💕

  2. What a fun idea, Ann! And you do have the perfect car! We used to go on fall and winter picnics when I was growing up!

    1. Thank you Molly, that must have been so much fun! I love being outdoors so this is such a fun thing to do in the fall especially!

  3. Teresa Brown says:

    Love the car Ann and the pooch.

  4. Kimberly Westby says:

    Delightful post. Your photography inspires another picnic. Picnics were a staple during Covid for us, risk free and inexpensive adventures. Some favourite spots are Haliburton Highlands and Niagara -on-the-Lake, here in Ontario, in case you are ever in the neighbourhood. Kim

    1. Thank you so much Kim! Those spots sound amazing, maybe we’ll make it up that way this fall in our RV. Thanks for your sweet note!