If necessity is the mother of invention, the pandemic years forced people to be creative, to innovate and adjust to new rules of engagement. The humble picnic, usually comprised of a basket of sandwiches, a red and white gingham tablecloth and some ants, saw an uptick as people gathered together outdoors.
Driven by safety concerns, picnics became a chance to reconnect with friends and loved ones, and some smart entrepreneurs saw an opportunity. The elegant picnic was born.
Taking it up a notch
From the days of throwing some sandwiches and sodas in a cooler and hopping off to the beach, we now have options to hire companies that will make your picnic a memorable event. Eater.com, a website for those interested in home, travel and culture, interviewed luxury picnic companies that offer everything from platforms for marriage proposals to the weddings themselves. Gender reveals, bachelorette parties and baby or bridal showers all lend themselves to the concept of an elegant picnic.
Some companies like Warrenton Picnic Co. in Virginia have agreements with parks and farms, offering views and access to wineries. Others like SanDiegoPicnics.com help clients create a venue, but food and other upgrades cost more. A charcuterie platter for two, fresh flowers and a painting activity can be added to enhance the picnic experience. Picnic & Paint includes a table and umbrella, and the owner recommends parks around San Diego, including Balboa Park and Mission Bay. She warns her clients to make sure they allow for time to get the appropriate permits when necessary.
Go for broke
If you want to really pull out all the stops, ask for the Boho Luxe Tent Picnic, set up Bedouin-style with carpet, pillows and mood lighting. Some companies provide food; others say bring your own if you want to have a feast. A little take-out and some imagination could transform that tent into a magical getaway.
Or maybe you want to go the English countryside route. Find a company like PicNYC, a luxury picnics and events company. This woman-owned business will supply the china, crystal and candelabras for a luxury picnic, suitable for romance and perfectly curated for proposals and anniversaries. Find them on Instagram with videos of every type of seasonal celebration, including long tables for a crowd, seasonal décor to match holidays and birthday bashes. String quartets are extra, of course.
Another pandemic-inspired company, Picnic & Peonies, wanted to bring joy, elegance and celebration back into people’s lives. They offer luxury picnics, bespoke tablescapes (and there’s a real art to that) and overall event planning and design. Like some other firms, Picnic & Peonies doesn’t provide food, but they work with select catering partners who align with their high standards. Most picnic companies are locally and regionally based, so ask friends for recommendations.
