Picnics have literally always been “a thing”. But this right here….. ain’t ya granny’s picnic. What we are experiencing now is “ a MAJOR thing” . Leave it up to us Millennials to make something simple into something over the top, extra. Just the way we like it 🙂 

In the past couple of years, and especially during the pandemic where people were itching to alleviate their boredom and socialize safely, luxury picnics took over the Instagram “It” scene. It checks all the boxes for me, really. You have an excuse to dress up and hang out with friends in nature (my fave) while eating snacks and sipping champs (also my fave). 

I decided to plan a Luxury Picnic for my friend’s birthday in September. Now, In my mind I am thinking “ yes! a perfect fall picnic with a nice gentle breeze”….gee was I wrong!!!! We live in GEORGIA where our gentle fall breeze is more like a hot and humid slap across the face. Ha! It was literally the hottest day of the month with temperatures in the low 90s and the humidity through the roof, because it had rained the day before. As I was setting up this outdoor picnic I was literally dripping sweat. My dress was stuck to my thighs and my makeup melted like an ice cream cone, but luckily I still managed to take so IG-worthy pics, so all is well that ends well. 

Anyway, enough about me. Let me tell you exactly what you need to plan your Luxury Picnic:

1. The Vibes

My Style- Classic Elegance

So first, you will have to decide what “vibe” or “aesthetic” you are going for with your picnic. A mood board would also be helpful here. This means you need to decide if you are going “Boho-chic”, “Luxe”, or something else. This is also the time where you choose your desired color scheme. I chose an elegant theme with blush and gold as my colors.

2. The People

# Attendees- 6

You need to decide on your “guest list”. That means you need to know who and how many people will be in attendance. This number determines the amount of food, beverage, and dinnerware you will need. I had 6 people in attendance and this seems to be a sweet spot. Make sure that all attendees are aware of the dress code.

3. The Location 

Location: Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia USA 

This is extremely important! Choose a park or a large flat grassy area free from ant piles, bees nests, and other bug infestations. If you live in a sunny climate, be sure to choose a day with a comfortable temperature or choose a spot under a shady tree.  

4. The Food & Drink

Our Menu: 

Food

Charcuterie board with 4 cheeses, 4 meats, gherkins, olives, fruits, crackers, sandwich rolls and breadsticks

A dessert platter with 4 different desserts & Cupcakes

Fried Chicken Strips from Publix

Assorted chips & Hummus

Sandwich toppings: Lettuce & Tomato 

Condiments: BBQ, Hot Sauce & Mustard

Beverage 

Champagne

Miniature Wine Bottles

flavored lemonade

Bottled Water 

Remember that a picnic is outdoors and is typically done mid-day to early evening, so you want to make a menu with lunch in mind. In the case of a luxe picnic, you want to include items that are filling yet good to eat without being heated and easily eaten without making a big mess. 

You also want to make sure you have at least 1-3 snack items ( Our charcuterie board exceeded this requirement), 2 main “meals” ( Sandwiches and Chicken), and Desserts (Cookies, Miniature snack cakes, brownies & cupcakes)! 

I always plan to have enough for people to have 2 servings and to take some home, but you can plan starting with a set budget in mind and working within that number. You really don’t have to spend a lot of money on food if you plan your menu wisely. I spent about $10-13/person for food and drink. This number could have been less if I didn’t use such fancy cheese and meat on the charcuterie board. 

5. Decorations & Supplies

My Decorations: 

Pink Quilted Blanket (DD’s Discount Store)

2 Artificial floral arrangements  (from home) 

2 Bouquets of flowers (Publix)

Gold chargers (Hobby Lobby)

Cake stands (From Home)

Dessert stands (From Home)

A Clear champagne bucket ( Party City)

Fancy plastic champagne flutes (Party City)

Fancy Plasticware ( TJMAXX)

Birthday Decorations (Banner, Balloons, etc.)

Make sure that you do not forget to set a budget for the decorations, as this can get pricey. I had a lot of these items in my personal decor collection already, but if you don’t, try to get friends to bring specific pieces that go with your theme. You can also find unique and dainty items from discount chain stores, as well as thrift stores and yard sales. Get creative and go all out! After all, this is a luxe picnic.

Last Remarks

After all was said and done, we had an amazing time eating, taking pictures and hanging out, and as the hours passed, the sun moved and we got some relief. I would also like to mention that even though it was sunny at the picnic, it had rained the day before, so the ground was still damp. That dampness soaked through the quilt a little bit, so I suggest bringing a small tarp or plastic painter’s drop cloth to put underneath your blanket (all of these can be found for cheap) if you find yourself in a similar situation. 

Do:

• Check the forecast before you set a date ( I suggest giving people a desired date 2-3 weeks in advance with a rain contingency, like a park that has a gazebo where you can setup if it rains)

• Make a budget and stick to it 

• Have Fun & Take pics

DO NOT:

• Don’t Forget the ice!!!
• Forget to check the weather

• Lay out your blanket in direct sun and heat without some kind of shade. This will make the picnic less enjoyable.
• Serveware: Tongs, Scoops, Forks, Spoons
• Forget napkins, hand wipes, gloves and antibacterial 

P.S. If you found this post helpful, hashtag #dnicoleco and show us pics of your luxe picnic, I REALLY want to see it!!!