Classic Picnic Parties

A celebration rooted in the outdoors. Layered blankets on the grass, a handmade banner, and nature sensory bins for digging, sorting, and discovering: dirt, grass, pond, or ocean. No theme to plan and nothing to overthink. Just a party that feels like a day outside.

The Setting

A styled ground-level tablescape sized for small people: layered blankets, low baskets, and fresh florals. Plus a speaker, ready for your playlist.

The Handmade

A handmade banner, ribbon wands, and small natural details. Painted by hand or cut and sewn, never printed.

The Play

Three play stations:

  • Coloring station: clipboards, paper, crayons, markers, and colored pencils
  • Two nature sensory bins: dirt, grass, pond, or ocean

This is for you if…

You want a gathering that feels like a day outside, not a production
You’d rather skip the theme and let nature be the decoration
You want them digging, sorting, and getting a little messy
You want to actually be at the party, not running it

Maybe not if…

You have a favorite character, movie, or big idea in mind. That’s a Themed Picnic Party.
You need a planner, caterer, or staff running the day

What’s included?

Everything below comes with every Picnic Party

The basics

  • 3 unhurried hours of party time, with setup before and pack-up after
  • A styled ground-level setting with layered blankets, waterproof underneath and soft on top, staked into the grass so they stay put
  • Woven picnic baskets
  • Fresh flowers in little vases
  • Plates, cups, and utensils for everyone, grown-ups included
  • Serving trays and a cooler for your food (see what’s available)
  • 1 handmade banner in the style of your choice (see below)
  • 3 play stations: a coloring station and 2 nature sensory bins
  • Ribbon wands, handmade whenever possible
  • A few small finishing touches chosen to match your inspiration
  • An Instax mini camera for guests to use, with one pack of film (10 photos) and a mini photo book to take home
  • A Bluetooth speaker, connected to your phone before I go
  • Close by if you need me to help with a food delivery

Your banner, your pick
Every Picnic Party comes with one handmade banner. Choose the style you like:

  • Face garland: the guest of honor’s face, cut out and strung into a garland
  • Patterned garland: paper shapes in your colors or theme
  • Custom banner: handmade with your words
  • Cotton patch canvas banner: fabric letters cut and sewn onto canvas
  • Photo display: favorite photos on standing stakes or a large board, layered with paper details

Want more than one? Extra banners and paper decor can be added on.

Finishing touches

Once I see your inspiration, I add a few small details to tie it together. Maybe a cluster of balloons, a little confetti, or a disco ball catching the light. It changes with every party, and it’s always light and simple, never a full decor package. Some touches depend on what your park allows.

What you bring

  • Food, cake, and drinks
  • Your park reservation or permit, if your spot needs one
  • Your guests

Neighborhoods I serve

I keep my parties close to home on the Westside, in parks and backyards across Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Century City, Westwood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Mid-City. Somewhere just outside that? Ask me, I’m often happy to make it work.

How it works

From your first note to the last folded blanket, here’s who does what, and when. No surprises for either of us.

1

You send your details

Contact me with your date, neighborhood, and who’s celebrating. I reply within one business day.

You: Your date, park or backyard, the birthday kid’s name and age, a rough headcount, and any theme ideas. Have a vision? Tell me everything. Or just give me a theme and trust me to run with it.

Me: I reply with availability and a link to book a quick call.

2

We have a quick call

Fifteen minutes on theme, headcount, and the activity.

 

You: Bring your theme ideas, the number of kids and adults, and any allergies or sensitivities. Some of my bins use pasta, dyed rice, and small pieces, so this matters. Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, or screenshots are all welcome. Need a starting point? Browse my Pinterest.

Me: I suggest an activity that fits the age group and send your booking proposal within a day: your date, price, and what’s included, with photos of similar pieces I’ve made.

3

You pay the deposit

A 50% deposit locks it in. Want a detailed concept before you book, like sketches or a sample bin? That’s a $75 design session, credited toward your party.

You: Sign, pay the deposit, and fill out a short form about your party and your birthday kid: the banner name spelled exactly, your spot in the park, parking notes, allergies, and a few fun questions so I can make it theirs. The balance is due 7 days before, or at booking if your party is less than 2 weeks away. Some parks need a reservation or permit for groups. I’ll point you to the right park and the page to book it, and the reservation itself goes in your name.

Me: Your date is yours. I start designing your banner and activity, and you’ll get a sneak peek with one round of changes.

4

We confirm the final details

I confirm timing and check the weather.

You: Send your final headcount and the name of someone I can reach on the day.

Me: Three days out, I text you my arrival time. If rain looks likely, we decide together 48 hours before: one free reschedule, or we move it to your backyard.

5

I set up

Everything is styled before your first guest arrives.

You: Bring the food, cake, and drinks.

Me: I arrive about 90 minutes early and set up the blankets, decor, and activity. Plates, cups, utensils, and serving trays are ready for your food. Before I step away, I connect your phone to the speaker and walk you through the activity.

6

You celebrate

Three unhurried hours, all yours.

You: Welcome your guests, serve the food and cake, keep an eye on the kids, and enjoy the moment.

Me: I step away so the party is all yours, and I stay close by. Having food delivered? Text me and I’ll come help bring it over.

7

I pack up

Everything gone, spot left as I found it.

You: Take home the banner, the ribbon wands, and your mini photo book with the Instax prints inside. They’re yours.

Me: I come back at your end time, pack everything away, and leave the spot as I found it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Price and booking

How much is a Picnic Party?

Prices start at $1,400 for up to 15 makers: the kids or adults joining the activities. Grown-ups just hanging out are always welcome and don’t count toward that number. They get plates, cups, and utensils too.

Inviting more kids? That’s one of the best parts of a park party: there’s always room for one more. Each blanket set seats about 4 comfortably, or up to 8 if everyone squeezes in, so bigger groups may need a few extras. Extra makers are $60 each, extra blanket sets start at $50, and extra time is $75 per hour. Custom activities or decor can be added on too. I’ll give you a full quote on our call. The more the merrier!

How far ahead should I book?
Two weeks is ideal, so there’s time to design your banner and build your activity. Less time than that? Ask me. If I’m free, I’m happy to make it work, sometimes with a simpler banner or activity. Parties booked less than 2 weeks out have a 20% rush fee.

Who counts as a maker?
Anyone joining the stations. At kids’ parties, that’s the kids. At adults-only parties, it’s every adult who’s crafting. Mixed group? Count everyone who’ll be making.

Why does a party cost what it does?
Everything is handmade by me, from the custom banner to the sensory bins. Most of your price covers my time: planning your theme, making each piece, running errands, and setting it all up before you arrive. The rest goes to materials and flowers. You’re not paying for a team or a warehouse, just one person who cares a lot.

Want a little magic on a smaller budget?
A Classic Picnic with one sensory bin starts at $600.

Is it right for us?

What ages is this for?
Any age. Most Picnic Parties are for kids, but grown-ups get just as into it: painting gnomes, building mini hobbit homes, making keychains, collages, or paint by numbers. Tell me who’s celebrating and I’ll match the activity to them.

Is it safe for little ones?
Some activities use small pieces. Tell me the ages on our call and I’ll choose materials that fit.

Can we set up somewhere enclosed?
Yes. A backyard is the easiest option, and some parks have fenced areas near playgrounds that work well for little ones. Tell me what matters to you on our call and I’ll help you choose a spot. Parents and guardians supervise the kids during the party. I set everything up, then step away so you can enjoy it.

On the day

What do you do during the party?
Before your guests arrive, I set everything up, connect your phone to the speaker, and walk you through the activity. Then I step away so the party is all yours. I stay close by, so if you’re having food delivered, text me and I’ll come help bring it over. The kids and the cake are in your hands: parents and guardians watch the little ones, and the hosts serve the food. At your end time, I come back and pack everything up.

Do you bring food?
I don’t cater, but I bring everything to serve it on. You can see the trays and coolers here.

Do you use tables?
Not usually. Picnics & Pinecones is a ground-level picnic: blankets, low baskets, and sturdy boards that keep plates and cups steady right on the grass. It’s cozier, and it’s the whole point. If someone in your group would be more comfortable off the ground, just ask. I can add a simple elevated table with a tablecloth for the food or for a few grown-ups.

What about shade?
I keep umbrellas with me and set them up if your spot needs them. If there’s natural shade, even better, and I’m happy to help you pick a spot on our call.

Does my park have rules?
Most do, and every park is different. Some don’t allow confetti, balloons, amplified music, or alcohol, and some require a reservation or permit for groups. I’ll work within your park’s rules and adjust the decor if something isn’t allowed.

If plans change

What if it rains?
If the forecast looks bad, we decide together 48 hours before. You can reschedule once at no charge.

What if I need to cancel?
The deposit covers materials I’ve already bought and started making, so it isn’t refundable. If you cancel 7 or more days before your party, any balance you’ve paid is refunded in full.

What if something gets damaged?
Ordinary wear is expected and fine. Items that are lost or seriously damaged during your party may be charged at replacement cost.

Ready to get started?

Every party is made and set up by me, Jessica. No crew, no rentals pulled off a shelf. Just one person who makes things by hand and cares how your day goes.