WRITTEN BY: Maria Allen
PHOTOGRAPHY: Kate Rogan, Ellie Finn Photography
MODELS: Sarah B, Charlee B, Ava D, Steph D, Addie K, Meredith K, and Michaela Rose, all from Signed Management
FASHIONS: Cattivo, 344 Gannett St., Scituate, 98 Derby St., Hingham, shopcattivo.com
The luxury picnic trend is heating up on the South Shore and that means Jillian Braga is frequently waking up early to arrange fresh flowers and flowing table runners atop low-set farm tables. The founder of Little Palm Picnic Co., Braga specializes in creating dreamy pop-up picnics for special events across the South Shore, Cape Cod and Rhode Island. With colorful cushions for seating and boho-chic beach umbrellas for shade, her tablescapes appear both elevated and effortless.
Braga first got the idea to start her business several years ago after successfully organizing a romantic sunset picnic on the beach for her best friend’s bachelorette party.
“I had just gotten married during COVID, and for my own wedding, my dad had built a beautiful custom farm table,” says Braga. “I repurposed that same table, gathered fresh florals, sweet treats, and cozy blankets from my mom’s living room, and poured my heart into creating something truly special.”
While setting up for the picnic, Braga was surprised when several people approached her to ask if she had a business card. The event went off without a hitch and afterwards Braga couldn’t stop thinking about the potential for building a business. She shared a few photos from her first picnic on social media to see if others might be interested.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” says Braga. “Within 24 hours I had more than 100 inquiries.” It wasn’t long before she decided to step away from her job in healthcare to make picnics her fulltime business, launching Little Palm Picnic Co. in June of 2021. As luck would have it, the popularity of outdoor weddings and social events was on the rise and there was increasing interest in her services. These days, Braga organizes more than 140 picnics a year. Each event is customized according to the needs of the client; however, Braga does offer a few packages to make planning a romantic wedding proposal or bachelorette party on the beach a breeze.
“Each picnic is more than just a setup,” says Braga. “It’s a celebration of love, friendship, milestones and connection.”
We recently met up with Jillian Braga at a local private beach to stage a romantic bachelorette brunch by the sea.
Special Thanks To
PICNIC STYLING: Little Palm Picnic Co. | littlepalmpicnicsandevents.com
PASTRIES: Knead Bakery 133 Front St., Scituate | kneadkitchen.com
DONUTS: Dockside Donuts 17 Sea St., Marshfield | dockside-donuts.edan.io
MOCKTAILS: The Botanical Drinkable | botanicaldrinkable.com
Q: What kind of food and drink do you offer?
Can I bring my own?
A: We offer a curated selection of picnic-friendly foods, including fresh fruits, light brunch options, sandwiches, desserts, and donuts. Our menu is designed to complement the relaxed, elevated vibe of a picnic experience. That said, clients are absolutely welcome to bring their own food, drinks, or even outside catering if they prefer—we’re happy to accommodate whatever makes the picnic feel perfect.
Q: How do you decide on the color
theme for a picnic?
A: The color theme is typically chosen by the client to reflect the overall vibe or occasion they’re celebrating. We love collaborating to bring their vision to life—whether it’s soft, romantic tones for a proposal or bold, fun colors for a birthday. One of our most popular themes is “Last Toast on the Coast,” featuring beautiful coastal blues and crisp whites, perfect for a beachside celebration. Whatever the occasion, we’re here to help create a cohesive and visually stunning setup that feels personal and memorable.
Q: What other kinds of rentals do you offer?
A: Our rental options include our beautiful custom made tables, five different styles of folding chairs, umbrellas, pillow cushions, table top items (placemats, dishes, glass ware, silverware), and more!
Q: Where can you hold a picnic?
A: We can host picnics at a variety of locations, including public beaches that allow event setups—we are permitted at several public beaches across Cape Cod. However, whenever possible, we do prefer private property or private beach access, as it offers more flexibility, privacy, and a seamless experience for our clients. We’re happy to discuss location options and help you choose the best setting for your occasion.
Q: Can you bring the picnics to other
places other than beaches?
A: Absolutely! Our picnics are fully customizable and can be set up in a variety of locations beyond the beach. We frequently host picnics in parks, backyards, function halls, and even inside the home. Whether it’s an intimate indoor gathering or an outdoor celebration, we’re happy to bring the picnic experience wherever it works best for our client.
Q: Why do you think the elegant picnic trend has become so popular?
A: People are looking for experiences that feel both intimate and elevated. Picnics blend the comfort of being outdoors with the luxury of a thoughtfully curated event—something that feels personal, photogenic, and memorable. Especially in recent years, there’s been a growing desire to celebrate milestones in a more meaningful way, without the pressure of large venues or overly formal settings. Elegant picnics offer that middle ground: a cozy atmosphere with stunning aesthetics and just enough sophistication to make any occasion feel extra special.
Q: What do you love most about creating picnics for your clients?
A: What I love most is the opportunity to create meaningful, beautiful moments that people will remember forever. I especially enjoy the process of taking a client’s vision or inspiration and turning it into a personalized, picture-perfect experience. Seeing their reactions when they arrive—whether it’s a bride tearing up, a couple celebrating an anniversary, or friends laughing together—makes all the hard work so rewarding. It’s a joy to be part of those special memories and to help people slow down and savor the moment in such a unique way.
PICNIC PLANNING TIPS
There are a few key things to keep in mind to help ensure a smooth and memorable picnic experience.
1) Have Inspiration Ready: If you have a specific vision or theme in mind—whether it’s a color palette, mood board, or even just a few Pinterest photos—sharing that with us early helps us bring your dream setup to life.
2) Be Flexible with Location: While we often host picnics on the beach, we can also set up in parks, backyards, function halls, or even indoors. Flexibility is also key in the event of strong Northern or Southern winds - if the wind is howling from the North, we can shift to a South-facing beach to be protected from the wind, and vice versa.
3) Keep an Eye on the Weather: Weather and tides play a big role in outdoor setups. We always recommend having a backup plan or alternate location in case of rain, strong winds, or unusually high tides. Flexibility with timing or location can make a big difference.
4) Food & Drink Planning: We offer picnic-friendly options like light brunch, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and desserts, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own food, drinks, or outside catering.