Glam, posh and romantic, these luxury picnics are how we want to celebrate … everything.

Meet the women creating luxury picnics, the hottest party trend on the Main Line, Philadelphia, Delaware and the Jersey Shore.

by Diane Oliva, style editor

Engagements, showers, birthday parties, girls’ nights out and date nights have been tough to plan since COVID cancelled many indoor events. But as people flocked outdoors to gather, local – and very enterprising – women saw opportunities. Delaware-based Harp and Hare and Picnics and Prosecco in Philadelphia are creating luxury picnics: fun, stress-free experiences for couples, familes and friends to gather in upscale, outdoor settings.

Both companies offer two-hour picnics and a variety of themed packages. Costs are based on the number of people and start a $200-$300 for two people. That includes a picnic table, pillows, rugs, candles, flowers, and a  Bluetooth speaker for music. Charcuterie boards are available for reasonable fees, as are sandwiches, sweets and other foods. Clients choose their location, pay their deposit, and the luxury picnic pros take care of everything else, including set-up, clean-up and everything in between.

Justine Denea Lorenz is the owner and creative director of Picnics and Prosecco.  A former event planner with 20 years’ experience in the hospitality business, Lorenz started with an Esty shop selling custom handmade event décor. Her customers began asking for help planning events, and soon she started her luxury pop-up picnic business. “My goal is to create a unique experience and bring your vision to life,” Lorenz says.

As for themes, Lorenz offers many, from farmhouse, bobo and costal vibes to retro, glam and elegant. The newest addition to the already large menu of choices will include heated illuminated globes. The globes can be set up in a backyard, rooftop, beach, or wherever you choose, and can be for dinner, party or a cozy intimate movie night.

Just as luxurious, but with a touch of whimsy is Harp and Hare. Owned by two sisters and their two cousins, Harp and Hare is based in Delaware but serves the entire region. The owners’ backgrounds in finance, event planning, customer service and marketing helped them launch their business in 2022. “Our mission is to allow people to experience luxury without lifting a finger,” says co-owner Courtney Thornton. “Instragram-able, lush and fabulous. Just show up!” 

The name Harp and Hare gives a great sense of the owners’ aesthetic. They wanted to evoke the ethereal vibe that they set for guests. They imagined picnics being held in a meadow with fresh flowers, a harpist playing and a hare hopping by. They get very close to that with their royal tea picnic, complete with chinoiserie décor and china service, tea and of course, a harpist playing. The hopping hare is not included, but you may get lucky if one passes by.

Harp and Hare partners with Penns Woods vineyard to offer one-of-a-kind picnics among the grape vines. One of their most popular vineyard experiences is a romantic couples picnic, which includes roses, chocolates, charcuterie  board and more.

While they have adults and couples covered, they don’t forget the kids. Harp and Hare can put together children’s sleepover birthday parties at your home for up to 6 guests. Sleepovers come with themed decor, blow-up mattresses, pillows, pillowcases and teepees. Popular themes are unicorn, princess, and campfire, but they are happy to create your own custom party based on your child’s interests, sports or hobbies.

Whether you want beach, vineyard, home, backyard, or park, luxury picnics are an exciting new entertaining option. Where will your luxury picnic be?

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Want more style inspo? Read about Lily Pulitzer’s Pink Retreat in Palm Beach, Clover Market founder Janet Long, and Main Line style icon Deborah Van Cleve.

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