Splendid Picnics

In an idyllic verdant field atop a red-checkered blanket sits a family. Look closer to find soggy egg salad sandwiches, a parade of ants infiltrating the bag of chips and an absence of beverages, forgotten on the kitchen counter.

This is a scene from the past. The picnics of today have been upgraded. Picnic planning companies are invested in elevating a dining experience society yearns to love but can’t seem to get right.

Millennials revived the picnic with nostalgia for simpler times made sublime. Picnics pair well with Instagram aesthetics, and picnic planning services are capitalizing on the trend.

Tallahassee Picnics, LLC, owned by Madison Zabala, even boasts the catchphrase, “picnic pics or it didn’t happen.”

Picnic options include charcuterie, food deliveries, a boho tee-pee, customized cookies and 30-minute professional photography sessions. Photo by Monica Terrero Photography courtesy of Tallahassee Picnics

Tallahassee Picnics offers picnic packages and event planning for groups of two to 30. Zabala bought the business in 2021 thinking the picnic trend was popular as a result of being a fun event that could take place outdoors and socially distanced during the pandemic.

“Picnics have proven their staying power because they are a unique and exceptional way to celebrate any experience from an out-of-the-box date night to a birthday party or surprise proposal,” said Zabala.

Whether at a local park or private residence, Zabala works with each client to personalize their picnic. Alongside tableware, decor and cushions, Zabala offers lowrise picnic tables and florals that can be kept.

Add-ons include charcuterie, food deliveries, a boho tee-pee, customized cookies, 30-minute professional photography sessions and more.

Up the road, Forgotten Coast Picnics, specializes in sunset and beachside picnics in Port St. Joe, St. George Island, Mexico Beach, Apalchicola and Cape San Blas.

Similarly to Zabala, Kriserica Davis, owner and picnic coordinator of Forgotten Coast Picnics, personalizes the decor, tableware, food and activities to your picnic’s purpose.

“I think picnic planning popularity is on the rise because it’s a new trend that can be intimate and romantic but then can also be a fun thing to do with your family or girlfriends,” said Davis.

Davis partners with a catering company to provide the food and has her own treasure trove of decor including linens, tableware, glassware, rugs, cushions, seats, a projector, Bluetooth speakers, a decorative teepee and a metal ring that can be personalized with florals or balloons.

A picnic can be dressed up for a romantic proposal picnic or dressed down for a beachside bonfire complete with firepit setup and smores.

“Our picnics offer such a unique experience, combining finer dining with the natural outdoors,” said Davis. “I personally think it’s such a great combination of such two separate ideas that just makes a special experience all on its own.”

“The highest praise I can receive is to hear I made a client’s vision come to life,” says Tallahassee Picnics’ Madison Zabala, a Rowland Publishing Pinnacle Award winner. “I want to make their date night or event easy by blowing them away when they see their picnic setup.” Zabala strives to provide clients with experiences that are both relaxed and memorable. Photo by Monica Terrero courtesy of Tallahassee Picnics

As far as picnics go, a blanket and a spread of cheeses will do, but a truly immersive experience should include a scenic setting, ideal weather, delicious food, chilled beverages, cozy seating, a playlist and good company. Additional ambience enhancements include lighting, candles, florals, music, games, cushions and place settings complete with dishes, cups and cutlery.

Fortunately, the many local parks of Tallahassee and the nearby coastal beaches lend themselves to beautiful vistas.

Generally, Northwest Florida makes for ideal picnic weather year-round. Golden hour makes for the best temperatures and lighting. If you dine al fresco during cooler weather, be sure to have blankets or shawls available for guests.

Davis and Zabala agree that charcuterie is one of the most requested food options. When selecting your picnic fare, they advised foods that don’t need to be heated and can be eaten at room temperature.

Pack a cooler with ice packs and prepackaged bag or jar foods, such as salads, charcuterie, sandwiches, chips, dips, fruits, vegetables, cookies and the like. Chilled wine, champagne, premixed cocktails, lemonade, tea, sparkling water and canned beverages are palate pleasers to add to the cooler. If you invest in a picnic planning service, many have catering options available.

Forgotten Coast Picnics’ Sweetheart Package includes staging and cleanup; light snacks; sparkling or still water with ice; low-sitting table, pillows, rugs and blankets; table decor and LED candles; and a Bluetooth speaker. Photo courtesy of Forgotten Coast Picnics

Blankets or towels are the most common seating option, but lowrise picnic tables, cushions, pillows, blankets or camp chairs add to the comfort.

With the basic elements of a picnic established, it’s up to you to decide on additions.

For a romantic dinner for two, set out florals, candles, china and stemware to make their heart flutter. For a celebration with friends, select a theme and matching decorations. Don’t forget the lawn games.

Picnic planners help curate a picnic that aligns with your wants and needs, including setup and breakdown of rented decor, location selection, space styling, connections with other vendors and more.

“The highest praise I can receive is to hear I made a client’s vision come to life,” said Zabala. “I want to make their date night or event easy by blowing them away when they see their picnic setup and then they are able to just hangout and have an unforgettable experience together.”

Longer days and seemingly endless sunshine encourage dusting off picnic baskets, cleaning out coolers and setting sights for the perfect shady spot to celebrate summer.