What’s not to love about picnics? You get to enjoy the great outdoors, beautiful views (especially if you know where to go), and delicious eats.
Besides, if you’ve been experiencing cabin fever from the most recent reversion to Phase Two (Heightened Alert) measures, a day out at the park or by the beach is just what you need. If you’re planning for your one social outing of the day, why not plan a picnic with your loved ones?
Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free day out, or looking to dress things up with a beautifully decorated set-up, here’s where these six vendors can help. SAFRA members enjoy a discount at one of the vendors too.
The Plattering Co.
Make a statement with the array of sharing platters that are available for order on The Plattering Co’s website. You’ll be spoiled for choice with plenty to choose from, including its best-selling Guinness baby back ribs meat platter, the DIY Mexican chicken tacos sharing platter, and the gourmet cheese and fruit platter. Pick-up and delivery options are available.
SAFRA members and 11B holders receive $8 off with $60 min spend. Promo Code: TPCXSAFRA. For more info, go to www.safra.sg/promotions/safra-and-servicemen-11b/ThePlatteringCo
More info at theplatteringco.com
Bee’s Knees At The Garage
For a fuss-free way to enjoy a picnic at the Botanic Gardens, simply show up empty-handed… and grab your basket at Bee’s Knees at The Garage. Then, find yourself a great spot to indulge in what the Gardens has to offer for the rest of the day. Within the picnic basket, you’ll find: picnic mats, a foldable table, battery-operated candle light, cushions and food and beverages. Each basket feeds groups of two or four to five. Reservations have to be made three days in advance and collected on the day of your picnic at the restaurant itself.
50 Cluny Park Road, Level 1, Singapore Botanic Gardens
www.thegarage.sg/picnic-buzzkets/
PicniquePlease
Promising quality goods at affordable prices, PicniquePlease offers food, styling services, as well as anything else you need for the perfect picnic. Their services are available at Bay East Gardens. Collection and return times are fixed at 4pm and 8pm. Due to food restrictions especially during the Covid-19 situation, only light snacks like cookies and chips are available.
DM them at www.instagram.com/picniqueplease for details and availability
Picneeds
Up your picnic game with the packages at Picneeds. Here, you get to choose from two general looks – A Class Act, a pretty, pastel set-up, or Bohemian Rhapsody, which is a more rustic ‘do. Every booking comes with mats and cushions, decorative items, as well as plates, cups, and utensils. Food is provided for as well, with a choice of pizzas, cheeses, or both, which is sourced from halal-certified providers only. A non-food option is available too, if you’re simply in it for the décor. For special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette parties and proposals, Picneeds has additional options including a mini bouquet of flowers, or a birthday cake, depending on what you require. Each session lasts for three to four hours.
More info at www.hellopicneeds.com
Pie In The Sky Picnics
The luxury picnic pop-up service offers seven different themed packages such as Arabian Nights – a luxe, satin, gold set-up with Persian rugs and Arabian lamps, and On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink – a delightfully girlish design with baby pink and blue hues, as well as gold accents. Each picnic package comes with the corresponding décor, a mini table, picnic mats, cushions, cutlery, glassware, plates, ice, wireless Bluetooth speaker, fairy lights, and more. Add-ons such as a teepee macramé backdrop, a fairy light curtain backdrop, and a “will you marry me” board with easel stand, are available too. The company provides food too (halal options are available), at additional cost.
More info at www.instagram.com/pieintheskypicnics
The Shake Affinity
For a one-stop affair, you’ll want to consider The Shake Affinity’s hassle-free picnic basket service. The company offers a sweet and savoury menu for customers to choose from, and a drinks menu ranging from alcoholic cocktails and shots, to non-alcoholic beverages such as cold-pressed juices, coffee and tea, and bubble teas. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, The Shake Affinity offers furniture or tentage rentals, as well as photography and videography services to capture your most special moments.
More info at www.theshakeaffinity.com
Tips For The Perfect Picnic
1. Choose a great spot
There are several picturesque places on the island for you to choose from. These include the Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay East, East Coast Park, the Marina Barrage, the Southern Islands, Esplanade Roof Terrace, Coney Island, Henderson Waves, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Fort Canning Park, Sentosa, as well as unique spots such as the lalang field in Tuas, Yishun Dam and Upper Seletar Reservoir.
2. Bring a waterproof mat
This is so important, as it sets the foundation of how your picnic is going to be like. Even if your picnic basket comes with a mat, it’s better to be prepared. A good, large mat is great for wet grass and sandy terrain; you don’t want to be worrying about getting your pants dirty, or worrying about whether there’s enough space for everyone.
3. Prepare for insects
We don’t mean to sound auntie about this, but we’ve been there before. Keep the mozzies and other insects at bay with a trusty insect repellent.
4. Prepare for inclement weather
As the weather in Singapore can be unpredictable, we recommend you bring an umbrella or two in case of sudden wet weather.
5. Prepare for the heat
While a day in the sun beats rain anytime, especially if you’re out for a picnic, you’ll want to keep yourself cool while you’re at it. A portable cooling fan is just the thing, especially when you may find yourself sweltering under the midday sun. And don’t forget to slap on the sunscreen!
6. Bring drinks
As some picnic packs don’t come with drinks, you don’t want to get caught in the middle of nowhere, parched and in need of a drink. Bring a few bottles of water or soft drinks along, and you won’t regret the decision. Prefer something alcoholic? Stock up on bottles of fine wine, craft beer, and bottled cocktails, if you’re so inclined.
7. Dress for the occasion
Why waste a photo opportunity when you have a stunning set-up right in front of you? A cute summer dress (for her) and a chic shirt or tee (for him) matches the settings perfectly. Don a pair of stylish sunglasses or a hat to complete the look.
Share your picnic tips with us at magnsman@sph.com.sg!
