A picnic is a romantic idea, but soggy sandwiches and lukewarm Prosecco? Not so much. These home-grown picnic planners will sort you out with great food and a pretty set-up. All you have to do is show up.
A picnic is a romantic idea, but soggy sandwiches and lukewarm Prosecco? Not so much. These home-grown picnic planners will sort you out with great food and a pretty set-up. All you have to do is show up.
1. For those who want to take the cafe experience outdoors:
BEAUTEAQ
Good news for brunch devotees. Three-year-old Beauteaq sources its picnic basket bites from popular cafes offering French, American and Italian fare – Betterfield and Kith Cafe, among them. Its biggest crowd-pleaser is a cheese-and-wine basket for two, which includes mats, utensils, artisanal cheeses, crackers, mixed berries, sparkling water, and Prosecco.
But if you’re in the mood for local flavours, Beauteaq can make that happen for you too. Pick the hawker fare you want – no, you can’t specify which hawker centre you want it from – and the team will dress it up to make it posh. Lock down a basket early. Beauteaq’s co-founder Jasmine Low says the company accepts only about half of the 40 to 50 orders it gets each month, because of time and manpower constraints, and not wanting to compromise on the personalised experience.
Pick up your own basket (from $150), or get the picnic planners to set it up for you. You’ll have to pay extra, of course.
2. For those who want it luxe without the trimmings:
HEAVEN’S BLOOM & BASKETS
This one takes it back to basics. No props or elaborate set-ups, but expect good food and gorgeous blooms. Heaven’s Bloom & Baskets weaves golden magnolia flower bouquets in with packed picnic baskets (from $240). This touch comes from the company’s belief that flowers bring cheer to their recipients. The food is sourced from local boutique stores. Choose light bites like crackers and dips, cheese, and seasonal fruits, or opt for a heartier meal like roast chicken. Halal and vegetarian options are available. The team is also exploring healthier menus for those who prefer eating clean.
And the heat’s got nothing on your day out. “Our baskets come with a built- in compartment that keeps cheese and fruit chilled, even under the hot sun,” says founder Grace Tay. Trust the pros to think of everything. Bonus: you get to keep the basket.
3. For those who want it bespoke:
PICNEEDS
Think of Picneeds as a concierge service. You pick a theme from among packages like the chic “A Class Act” (think minimalist white hues) and the whimsical “Life’s a Beach” (expect drinks balanced on mini flamingo floats). The team then customises the set-up, down to details like the picnic mats, cushions and cutlery, as well as props like lanterns, fairy lights and flowers. It also offers add-ons, like instant cameras, card games or kites to amp up the outdoor experience.
The best part? Not having to lift a finger. Picneeds delivers an achingly hip wicker basket (from $190) packed with Instagram-ready croissant sandwiches and cupcakes, does the set-up, and cleans up when you’re done. Owners Siti Nadzirah and Khairul Amri say many clients also ask for indoor picnics – at home or in hotel rooms – to beat the heat. Orders have spiked, from eight a month three years ago, to about 50 a month now.
Text Hoe I Yune & Chia Ying Na
PHOTOS PICNEEDS, BEAUTEAQ & THE BOKE EFFECT
