Whether it’s in a park, in your back garden or on one of our gorgeous North Coast beaches, setting up a picnic is the ultimate way to enjoy ‘al fresco’ dining and appreciate nature with friends and loved ones.
With so many year-end festivities on the go, the craziness and fun can start to feel a little overwhelming at times. A great way to slow things down is to take your celebration outdoors, where you can come down to earth (literally, by sitting on the floor), reconnect and simply relax.
Ballito-based ‘picnic planner’ Kaylah Towsen specialises in setting up luxury picnics on the North Coast, for any occasion. We asked her to pull together a little ‘Christmas-inspired’ beach picnic for us and we love what she came up with!
Kaylah started her business, Always Sunny, in April this year, after being inspired by a desert picnic she experienced while on holiday in Dubai. “We had a sunset dinner with plush cushions and low-rise tables overlooking the dunes. It was incredibly special, and I realised this was something we could enjoy on our own beaches. After doing some research and realising no one else was offering this service, I launched my little business.
“I get so excited every time I set up a picnic. Whether it’s for an anniversary, birthday, proposal, date or time spent with family and friends, I love helping people celebrate special moments. Life can become chaotic and we all deserve to take a deep breath, relax and celebrate joy.”
Drawing her inspiration from the beach for our Christmas picnic, Kaylah says she often keeps her decor as neutral as possible, allowing the seaside setting to be the star of the show. “For this set up I wanted to create a scene that would feel ‘Christmassy’, with good food, drinks and decor, but wouldn’t be too clichéd or take away from the natural beauty of the beach.”
For the food, Kaylah kept things simple and classic with a beautiful cheese board (always great for a picnic, especially when paired with a glass of bubbly), and for some additional Christmas ‘cheer’, she included a few elegant, ocean-themed iced Christmas biscuits.
KAYLAH’S TOP 3 PICNIC TIPS:
TIP 1
Food and drinks. This is right at the top of the list, for obvious reasons. Select foods that are tasty and easy to enjoy on-the-go. Great options include cheese boards and mini crumpets with jam, berries and honey. Don’t forget the water, ice and drinks!
TIP 2
Take cover. Always make sure to pack some kind of protection from the sun. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortably hot or getting sunburnt while you’re trying to enjoy yourself and the moment.
TIP 3
Get comfy. Remember to include pillows or cushions and a blanket or throw to chill and lay back on. The more comfortable you are, the longer you can enjoy your picnic. Also pack some beach towels in case you decide to take a quick dip in the ocean.
Details: Kaylah Towsen, 060 906 4889, [email protected], IG: always_sunny_za, FB: Always Sunny. Suppliers: Edible Art Frosted Cookies Kamini Pillay: 074 584 4657; Christmas tree and wreath: Love Laugh Floral and Home Decor, Lifestyle Centre Ballito, www.lovelaugh.co.za, @lovelaughproteas
Text: LEAH SHONE | Photographs: CHRIS ALLAN PHOTO
