The Ultimate Guide to DIY-ing a Luxury Picnic
Welcome, Pretty, to the definitive guide for crafting your own opulent outdoor dining experience!
In this blog post we’ll dive into planning tips, expert packing advice, and step-by-step setup instructions designed to elevate your outdoor affair. Discover the art of creating an enchanting ambiance, relishing gourmet treats, and leaving with ease—all while preserving the natural beauty of your chosen spot.
If you’d like to download PDF version of this blog post you can also do that here to equip yourself with the tips and tricks to transform an ordinary outdoor outing into an extraordinary rendezvous amidst nature’s splendor. Grab your tea, let’s get into it.
Planning Your Luxurious Outdoor Affair
Planning is key to a splendid luxury picnic. I know you’re excited but do not skip this step, it’s the key to executing the entire experience. If you’d like a worksheet to follow along you can download my one-page checklist here.
First you’ll want to look into multiple picturesque locations. Where are you allowed to setup? Are there any special requirements you should know about ahead of time? Think about the time of day you would like to hold the event and the varying temperatures and wildlife potential at that time. Maybe even visit the location around the same time to get a feel for everything. Consider the ambiance you are going for as well as the delightful menu.
Compile a full menu of all of the foods, snacks, and beverages you have planned. Plan out the timing and order you want to present each in. Ensure that you also have serving plates and utensils for each. Now that you’ve overviewed everything that you want to deliver at your luxury picnic, you can begin to gather your supplies.
Packing Essentials for a Flawless Experience
A smart packing system is the key to a stress-free luxury picnic. The simplest way to pack your luxury picnic is to break items up into three segments: comfort essentials, food preparation items and bonus items.
I tend to pack my comfort essentials into the car or wagon first, just because they tend to be bulky. This includes the blankets or other ground covering you are laying down as a foundation, pop-up tables, floor cushions, canopies, and umbrellas. Bring whatever you need to make the experience comfortable, like throw blankets in case it starts to get chilly as the sun sets.
Prepare your culinary delights in advance and pack them neatly in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Cling wrap is clutch for plates and trays I want to look a certain way upon arrival. You can also bring your fresh fruits and vegetables and cut and prepare these at your picnic. Just be sure to bring tools you might need like: knives, cutting boards, cheese knives, spreaders, or vegetable peelers along with you.
Utilize re-usable dishes if they are available and pack them securely with napkins between any breakable dishware. Wrap up utensils to that don’t cut or poke holes into anything they shouldn’t. You also may need other food items like an ice bucket for drinks or barware to mix cocktails.
Now for the extras! These are the enjoyment items that make your luxury picnic memorable. A few ideas for you:
board games
bluetooth speaker
canvas and paints
instant-print camera
movie projector and screen
You don’t want to overlook these sorts of items, these are what makes the whole experience more indulgent!
Download The Luxury Picnic Printable Packing Checklist here to be sure you don’t miss anything.
Setting Up Your Extravagant Picnic Spot
Creating an inviting ambiance sets the tone.
Spread out your blanket or ground cover and arrange cushions for seating comfort. Go for a large, comfortable blanket and lay out your picnic foundation first. Opt for a blanket made of durable and thick material that will provide you and your guests insulation from that ground and potential dampness. Spread it out on a flat, clear, level surface. Anchor your blanket with weighted items to prevent it shifting in windy conditions.
Arrange floor cushions strategically around the blanket, starting with larger sizes. Create comfortable groupings for easy movement and social interaction. Test the space out at this point for accessibility as well as comfort. Ensure that each seat receives adequate support and has easy access to food and drinks. (Pro tip: I sometimes do this step last, so that I can move about setting the table more easily.)
Showcase your treats by arranging your snacks on grazing boards or platters with varying colors, textures, and shapes. Use tiered trays or stands to display finger foods, pastries, or desserts. Add dimension by layering items. Opt for aesthetically pleasing bowls or baskets to present snacks like dried fruits, crackers, or chips. Consider taking it a step even further with themed containers for added charm.
Setup a dedicated area for drinks, offering a variety of beverages such as cocktails, infused waters, or refreshing juices. Keep drinks chilled in ice buckets ensuring they remain accessible. Provide garnished and arrange these alongside the beverages to encourage guests to customize their drinks.
Set the mood with some soft music, flameless candles, or fairy lights to add a touch of magic. Add in your own style and decorative elements that match your theme. Included fun touches like fresh flowers, greenery, labels and signage, and name tags to greet guests with a personal touch.
Think about what would make a memorable setting and enhancements for this experience. This Instagram-worthy experience is what you make it.
Indulge in Every Moment of Luxury
Once set up, relish the luxury, you did that! Dive into your delicious spread, savoring each bite while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Chat, play games, take photos, or simply bask in the pleasure of the moment with your companions. Relax and unwind and just be in the moment. Challenge yourself to not even look at your phone during your picnic. Take a moment to soak in the beauty around you and appreciate the effort you've put into creating this luxurious experience. This is what you’re here for.
Effortless Breakdown for a Clean Exit
Leaving no trace behind is part of the luxury experience. Personally, I prefer to depart with a clear conscience, so try to leave the area a little nicer than I found it. Clean up and dispose to trash responsibly. Stow away all of your own belongings and pack away leftover food properly. If there are any spills or messes tidy them up before heading home.
Ok Pretty, you did it, you pulled it off! Taking the time to plan out the details ahead of time and think it through makes sure your remember every detail and everyone enjoys the event.
Take a beat to reflect on what went well. You’ll have these memories (and maybe the photos) for ever and ever. If you haven’t yet, I hope this guide gave you the confidence to finally plan your own fabulous luxury picnic. Cheers!
