It took a global pandemic to really shake up the traditional picnic experience in Toronto. Luckily, the city is already home to no shortage of greenery-filled spaces to enjoy a breezy outdoor meal. And now, we also have ample options when it comes to the type of outdoor picnic – or, shall we say, refined outdoor dining experience – our hearts desire.
A handful of companies have popped up as of late to help your picnic cause with experiences that take your breezy meal to elevated heights, as they do all of the work for you – from social media-worthy decor and cutlery, to memorable snacks and meals.
Here are some of our splurge-worthy favourites for your next special occasion in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – even if that happens to be simply “date night.”
7 Splurge-Worthy Picnic Experiences in Toronto
1. Picnic in the 6ix
Since they launched May 2020, Picnic in the 6ix has popped up to offer memorable experiences for couples and groups – whether than means a marriage proposal or an intimate birthday gathering. Serving parks, backyards, and venues across the GTA, the company goes all out in the sophistication and details department, with table styling (think: refined rugs, cushions, tablewear, and floral arrangements), thoughtful and jam-packed graze boxes and boards (dietary restrictions are accommodated), and added touches like accent lighting and custom message boards. These are the types of dreamy summertime set-ups that inevitably make their way to social media.
2. Picnic City
Picnic City is another pandemic-born company, designed to create special moments despite the trying times. The company offers year-round service thanks to its popular indoor picnic packages, where thoughtful décor, mini tents, and dreamy tablescapes are all part of the equation, as well as “bubble” picnics in a plastic dome. Of course, with the warmer weather, the brand is now busy with beautiful and breezy outdoor experiences. Picnic City will take care of all the meaningful and photo-worthy bells and whistles when it comes to marriage proposals and other memorable celebrations – and all themes are welcome.
3. PicSnic
PicSnic has date night covered with a completely curated three-hour picnic experience for two people. The refined experience includes a picturesque set-up, a three-course meal, and drinks to share with your person of choice in your park (or backyard) of choice. All meals come with one large appetizer, two mains, and two desserts. Picnickers can chose between a traditional Mediterranean option (salumi & formaggi, Mediterranean pasta salad, prosciutto, walnut cantestrelli, and chocolate chip banana bread); the vegetarian Primavera option (meat-free charcuterie board, Italian couscous salad, frittata panini, walnut cantestrelli, and fudgy brownies); and the Flora vegan option (vegan charcuterie board, cranberries couscous salad, peperonata Panini, candied fruit salad, and fudgy brownies).
4. Picnic By Design
Picnic By Design cuts no corners when it comes to creating a visual masterpiece of a set-up for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Here, everything is so photo-worthy that the company offers professional photos as an appreciated add-on. Each three-hour picnic includes a stunning themed tablescape, sparkling or fresh water, red or white wine, pastries, home blend coffee or tea, and floral arrangements. Add-ons include everything from a movie projector and screen and balloon arches, to waterproof signs and paint and canvass – and pretty much everything on between. Food add-ons range from charcuterie boards to chocolate strawberries. Prices start (key word) at $299.
5. Picnic Party Toronto
Picnic Party Toronto offers a small but well curated selection of two-hour themed picnic experiences for groups of two or more or larger. Themes include things like a charming “afternoon tea” picnic; the summery “tropical-themed brunch”; the whimsical “boho n chill,” and the romantic “date night.” Facilitating a sense of interaction and entertainment, each experience is complete with games, a tepee, a selfie stick, and a Bluetooth speaker. Experiences start at $279 CAD, with add-ons like an extra hour, personalized letter boards, graze boxes, afternoon tea boxes, assorted cookies, and cookie bouquets.
6. Pic Nik
The Met Ball of the pricy picnic pop-ups is arguably Pic Nik. As its luxe website outlines, Pic Nik offers a fusion of “fashion, food, and entertainment” to provide an editorial-worthy outdoor experience to remember for years. This company is more conducive for a larger (but still intimate) gathering like a milestone birthday party, sophisticated bridal shower, or engagement celebration. Where as other luxe picnic popups offer many of the same experiences, Pic Nik is more of a tailored event planning company, meaning that no two detail-packed events are the same.
7. Social Circle Picnic
Another option on the more elaborate end is Social Circle Picnic from Popup Events. The company’s expert event planners style the space to perfection, with things like chic outdoor rugs, lush accent floor cushions and pouf ottomans, battery-operated lanterns, blankets, a stunning personal tray table, and other personalized décor elements. The “Patron of Honor” package features all of the above, but with the addition of lavish show-stopping sofa seating (!) and a large showpiece arrangement with a handpicked flower arrangement.
1 Comment
PIKNIC TORONTO
March 11, 2022 at 11:47 pmThank you for the mention! I’d love to speak with you in greater detail. Feel free to reach out!
xo – PIKNIC