Romantic Picnic for Two in Chicago
Chicago Luxury Picnic & Decoration by Paula turns a date, an anniversary or a birthday surprise into a candlelit picnic for two, styled and waiting for you anywhere from the lakefront to the North Shore.
Picnic for two
The things couples worry about, handled
A surprise they will never see coming
Most of the picnics for two that Paula sets up are surprises, for a wife’s birthday, a mom’s birthday or an anniversary. Keeping a secret is half the job, so she plans the timing with you by text, not with your partner, and has the setup finished before you arrive.
You get a simple plan: when to leave home, where to walk and what to say if you need a cover story. When you turn the corner, the cushions are fluffed, the candles are lit and the flowers are fresh. Your only job is to look surprised too.
A view of the skyline without the crowds
The skyline is the reason many couples want a lakefront picnic, and it is also why the most famous spots get busy. Paula helps you weigh the options and steers you toward quieter lawns where the view still opens up behind your table.
The lakefront also runs cooler than the rest of the city from spring into early fall, when the lake breeze rolls in off the water. Paula plans for it with throws on the cushions, and she will tell you honestly when an evening by the lake calls for a sweater.
Real flowers, real plates, not a picnic in a box
A picnic in a box looks fine in a photo and feels like paper plates in person. Paula’s tables are set with real dinnerware, cotton napkins, rattan placemats, glass candle holders and fresh flowers she arranges herself.
Clients notice it. One wrote that every utensil, glass and plate looked so pretty and that the table was set with real flowers and candles. That is the difference between sitting on a blanket and sitting at a table someone designed for you.
Rain in the forecast on your big day
Chicago weather changes its mind, and you should not have to gamble your anniversary on it. If the forecast turns bad, Paula reschedules your picnic to another day instead of setting up in the rain.
Clients have had a Saturday washed out and moved to Sunday, and a team event shifted when rain was forecast. Paula watches the weather with you in the days before, so a decision is made early and calmly rather than at the last minute.
Knowing what it costs before you book
You will know your total before you commit. Paula sends a quote based on your date, location and the details you choose. A $150 deposit holds your date and is applied to your final bill.
Delivery is $60 for most locations and $120 for downtown and skyline-view spots or longer drives. A fringed umbrella or an extra side table can be added for $40 each. There are no surprise charges after your picnic.
Gallery
Picnics for two
Frequently asked questions
Is food included with a picnic for two?
No. Paula styles the setting and is not licensed to prepare or serve food, so food and drinks are not included. Most couples bring a favorite takeout, a bakery dessert or a charcuterie board from a local shop. If you want a restaurant or caterer to deliver, Paula will tell you exactly when and where to drop it off.
Can we bring wine or champagne?
Chicago Park District rules require a permit for events with alcohol, so a toast in a public park can complicate things. If champagne is part of your plan, a backyard, rooftop or private venue is the simpler choice, and Paula will set up there just as beautifully.
How long do we have the picnic?
Your setup is yours for two hours. Paula sets everything up before you arrive and comes back to pack it all away, so those two hours are entirely about the two of you. If you would like more time, ask when you request your quote.
Can you add a sign or personal touch?
Yes. Paula has made custom birthday signs, matched a picnic to a favorite color and added themed details for anniversaries. Tell her what makes your person smile and she will work it into the table.
Where can you set up a picnic for two?
Lakefront parks, beaches, city and suburban parks, backyards, balconies and rooftops all work. Paula has set up date picnics on the beach and in an Evanston park, and she will suggest a spot that fits the view and privacy you want.
Plan a picnic for two
Share the date, the occasion and whether it is a surprise. Paula will suggest a spot and send a quote.