When most people think of beach picnics, they might envision a blanket spread on the sand, a wicker basket brimming with food, a cooler filled with a variety of chilling beverages and a sunset just about to happen while the waves lap gently at the shore.

As appealing as that good old-fashioned picnic setup may be, Paradise Coasters have a wide range of options if they want to elevate their beach picnic game. A variety of companies based in Naples focus on providing luxury picnic experiences ranging from boho-chic to over-the-top fabulous, with décor and food all designed to fit the moment. Among the most popular occasions for celebrating in luxury— on the beach and beyond—are birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette parties … and, of course, romantic sunset proposals.

Not surprisingly, beach picnics became especially popular during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, with people eager to spend time outside and away from their “quarantine pods.”

Natasha Rinehart, one of the founders of Picnic Culture, says the company started in January 2021 with the idea of starting off small.

“We weren’t sure what to expect coming out of the pandemic, but when we launched, it took off fast,” Rinehart said. “People were so ready to be out in nature with friends and family. The idea of being able to do that while enjoying a customized picnic experience was very appealing to a lot of people.”

Rinehart, who had been in the wedding and event business for many years, found herself wanting to craft smaller, more intimate events incorporating décor and food influenced by her travels around the world. For example, a Balinese floating food tray has become very popular for pool party picnics. “I love to travel and wanted to weave designs, fabrics and foods from other cultures into the aesthetic here,” she noted.

Tammy Suyemoto, who co-founded Sunkissed Picnics with her business partner Kristi Keeley in March 2022, agrees that the challenges of the pandemic—and later Hurricane Ian—left people craving a return to outdoor activities they could share with family and friends.

“After Hurricane Ian, when most of the beaches were still closed, we did customized picnics in parks and at private homes,” Suyemoto said. “No matter what was going on, people still wanted to celebrate their special days in special ways.”

And while sunset is the most popular time for beach picnics, Suyemoto says brunch-time spreads are also high on the list. “No matter the time of day or the location, the important thing is that our clients know that they can leave all the details to us and relax in a unique setting while creating new memories,” she added.

As for beach locations, Suyemoto says that many of her clients prefer some of the quieter Naples beaches for their special occasion picnic, including Horizon and Via Miramar.

Brenda Rodriguez and her daughter started Naples Red Carpet Picnics and Events because they wanted to provide clients with an experience that would allow them to connect with people close to them while enjoying the beauty of nature with a unique twist.

Rodriguez, who owned the holistic clinic Just Breathe before the pandemic, said she and her daughter wanted to help create memorable events that would bring people outside and help them leave their worries behind.

“These picnics are almost like a mini-vacation,” Rodriguez said. “They provide a chance to disconnect from everyday life and be present with people they care about.”

In addition to beaches, Rodriguez says she has created picnics in settings including hotel rooms (for romantic evenings), parks and pool decks, all customized with clients’ favorite colors, fabrics and foods. She also notes that in addition to birthdays, anniversaries and Girls Night Out events, she has also helped create memorable networking events—and even some post-funeral picnics for families who wanted to celebrate their loved ones’ fondness for the beach.

Rodriguez, who has been a Reiki master and teacher for 15 years, says she plans to incorporate “fullmoon picnics” into the company’s offerings soon, whether on the beach or in private home settings, along with Reiki practices.

“We love creating events near water because of the element of positivity,” she said. “It’s all about energy and making good memories.”

Natasha Rinehart of Picnic Culture concurs. “Each picnic has a client’s story to tell,” she said. “At the end of the day, people see picnics as a special way to celebrate, whether it’s with a blanket on the beach or with a custom-crafted event. Everyone has their own style, and sometimes having that little extra can elevate the occasion and make it even more memorable.”