Summarize:

It goes without saying, of course, that you shouldn’t have a picnic near a visible bee hive, whether it’s located in a tree or on the ground. Avoid setting up near other locations where bees gather, too. These include:  Trash cans. Tall grass (which often contains ground nests). Vacant sheds. Old, unused playgrounds. If you’re planning to set down a tablecloth for a patio dinner, make sure that the material has a muted color and a non-floral pattern. Bees will be drawn in by anything with the appearance of flowers, even if it’s an artificial material. Since bees are natural pollinators, they will be likely to gather near large, bright flowers. If you have potted flowers on or near your patio, remove these before a party or social gathering. If you’re picking a location for a picnic, avoid eating near large displays of flowers, whether they’re planted or naturally occurring.  Bees are more attracted to some flowers than others. They’re most likely to investigate wildflowers, along with honeysuckle, goldenrod, and lavender. Bees also like several herbs, including oregano, thyme, and chives.
Choose a picnic location away from areas that attract bees. Avoid displaying bright-colored floral patterns. Remove any flowers near your dining area.