Penn Picnics originated while on a family vacation in Lake Tahoe during the summer of 2021. “My daughter’s birthday overlapped with our trip. While searching Instagram for celebratory activities in Lake Tahoe, I discovered @posh_picnic and booked a sunset picnic surprise on the beach,” says Cindy Rizzolino, owner. “Our family loved the experience and I was instantly inspired to bring the concept to the Lehigh Valley. I combined my passion of flower arranging and decorating with a few initial picnic materials to style a few set-ups and launched the business on Instagram.”
Rizzolino says the business’s moniker was inspired by her grand-dog, Penn, who enjoyed the Lake Tahoe vacation with the family and is named after the state of Pennsylvania.
Penn Picnics was launched in fall 2021, with locals booking to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, date nights and friendships, and Rizzolino says that each and every client has been a delight to meet. “I’ve been honored to provide this experience for some of life’s most treasured moments,” she says. “My favorite part is hearing about the unique experience Penn Picnics is able to provide for some of life’s most cherished moments, and my hope is that each picnic is a cherished memory of celebrating life with the people who are near and dear to them.”
Penn Picnics provides the flowers, the complete set-up, clean-up and even captures a few photos of the occasion. Several packages can be found online, ranging from $195 to $525 and two to 12 guests. The offerings are customizable, with several add-ons available. Suggested locations include Ballas Park, Jacobsburg State Park, Tatamy Trail and the Arts Trail, but can also be accommodated in one’s home, backyard or the Lehigh Valley destination of choice.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
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Table Décor: Chargers, table runners, candles, greens, etc. These elements turn the picnic from basic to luxury, along with the cozy, comfortable seating options.
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Dinnerware: Opt for non-breakable table settings in a variety of colors to match the theme of the picnic.
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Food & Drink: Penn Picnics frequently partners with Cheese Jawn to create charcuterie options for the guests, but all food and drink is up to the client to provide for personal preferences.
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Tidiness is crucial: Keep wipes, paper towels, baggies, scissors, garbage bags, etc. handy for clean-up.
Pick A Theme: When creating a theme, Rizzolino picks blankets, pillows and flowers with a palette of three to four colors. She keeps the same basics (table, dinnerware), but allows clients to choose a theme to customize according to their style or celebration.
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Blankets: Bring a few layers! Rizzolino usually layers two to three to provide a barrier to the damp ground.
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Flowers & Plants: Beautiful flowers and/or a plant to celebrate the occasion are a takeaway of the event.
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Table: The goal is to find a comfortable size needed to accommodate the party involved and still allow for easy transportation to the picnic site. Rizzolino often uses tables with collapsible legs that fold in, which take up minimal packing (and storing) space.
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Seating: Accessorize with cushions, pillows and blankets to match the theme and allow for coziness at the picnic.
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Keep it Sustainable: All of Rizzolino’s picnic items are reusable—every napkin, pillow cover and blanket is machine-washable. This eliminates unnecessary waste of single-use items.
Be Unique: Include a white tent or a balloon arch for a little something special!
Penn Picnics
Nazareth | @pennpicnics
