Picnic Season is in full swing, and you might be looking for help to elevate your next outing. Think luxury picnic, where you don't have to lift a finger other than a nibble from a curated charcuterie board and sip something fizzy. Michelle Bethea founded Elaborate Outings to cater to all the details for your next picnic. She scouts the perfect location, brings the food, and sets everything up beautifully.
Photographs by: Jessica Lee Photography
How did Elaborate Outings came about?
I'm a full-time PreK teacher and started my entrepreneurial journey with an online women's boutique. I searched on TikTok to find content ideas to showcase my new inventory and saw the most amazing setup. I inquired about it, and found out it was a picnic. So, on August 1st, 2021, my new career started.
What is Elaborate Outings all about?
We specialize in pleasing palates in an atmosphere of celebration. We cover small to large group events for customers who have a vision but need help and expertise in the planning and creative process. Each picnic is sophisticated and uniquely tailored to exceed expectations, making you forget that you are not dining inside.
How do you go about creating the an Elaborate Outing for someone?
I pay attention to the details about the customer and their must-haves and then I let the creative process flow. I do a mock setup the week before and then again the night before each picnic to ensure a perfect outing. Clients will tell me the occasion they are celebrating and I will cater accordingly with blankets, pillows, crockery, cutlery, flowers and candles. If the outing is for a couple, I always set the table with them sitting side by side for comfort and romance.
What are the key elements to a great picnic?
Location, great weather and a playlist.
What's on the menu, and what are you sipping in your dream picnic?
Chicken alfredo with breadsticks and an ice cold glass of Dr. Pepper.
Where are some of the places you've created picnics for clients?
I've created picnics on Wrightsville Beach, Dram Tree Park, Greenfield Lake Park, The Self-Love Museum, back yards, and living rooms.
3 songs on the Picnic Playlist:
Things to look forward to this Summer?
Elaborate Outings is approaching its 1st anniversary, and it's already had traction with winning the Entrepreneur of the Year in the Minority-Owned Business Category of the 2022 Coastal Entrepreneur Awards. Currently, Elaborate Outings is in The Wits Begin incubator at Genesis Block and will compete in their shark tank-style demo day on June 30th. I'm looking forward to a fully booked calendar and an opportunity to provide jobs.
For more information or to book your next picnic contact Elaborate Outings.