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If you’re looking to up the ante on date night romance or turn an ordinary date into an extraordinary and memorable one, look no further than Pop Up Picnic. This company creates turnkey, one-of-a-kind experiences that are as elegant and imaginative as they are convenient and affordable.

Conceived by Lauren Sharon Vintage Rentals & Design, Pop Up Picnic proffers an instant date replete with everything needed for a dreamy, vintage-themed daytime or sunset picnic for two. You simply choose the date, time and location and let Pop Up Picnic handle the rest—the food, beverages, accoutrements and ambiance—for an al fresco date to die for.

Pop Up Picnic is truly a hands-free service. The only thing you have to bring is yourself and your date, of course. I recently arranged a Pop Up Picnic of my own and boy did this date deliver—literally and figuratively. I opted for the company’s deluxe “Midsummer Night’s Dream” Pop Up Picnic currently offered for $279. This package includes a Charcuterie Board for two from Venissimo Cheese that featured a variety of gourmet cheeses, artisanal cured meats, olives, dried fruit (figs and apricots), chocolate and a French baguette; Italian soda and still water (feel free to bring your own wine or bubbly); and, for dessert, two cheese-paired truffles from Andrea’s Truffles. A charming antique gazebo and chandelier lighting create the perfect vintage backdrop to a bistro table and chair set adorned with candles that’s all staged atop a beautiful antique rug. A basket of blankets is also provided to add a touch of coziness. Also included are all the necessities such as serving pieces, pewter tableware, ice and napkins.

I chose a sunset Pop Up Picnic in the La Jolla Cove Cuvier Park area, situated on an elevated grassy cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Upon approach to the location, which I arranged as a “surprise” for my guest, we were both immediately captivated by what was waiting for us: a spectacular structured setup that’s wonderfully out-of-place in a seemingly random and unexpected outdoor location. The emotion of surprise and awe this initial impression evokes is priceless unto itself, as the eyes then begin to register all of the painstaking attention to detail causing the anticipation to bubble over. From there, the date—and the romance—ensued as we sipped, savored and socialized amid the splendor of a perfectly-timed San Diego sunset and candle-lit dusk thereafter.

If you’re not sure where to have your Pop Up Picnic, the company has several tried and true locations throughout La Jolla Cove and in Sunset Cliffs and Balboa Park. All have close parking, easy access and fantastic views. However, if you have a certain location with special meaning, Pop Up Picnic his happy to accommodate but additional fees may apply.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit: Lauren Sharon Vintage Rentals & Design

As if all of what’s included in the fundamental package weren’t enough, several additional-fee upgrades are available starting with Pop Up Picnic’s exclusive dessert: the Cake-In-A-Jar from Cupcakery. This delightful confection comes courtesy of baker Amy Black, who layers your favorite flavor of freshly baked cake and frosting in a Mason jar, which fits in perfectly with the vintage picnic theme. If cake isn’t your thing, you can purchase a dessert of your choice starting at $15. You can also upgrade your main course to suit your tastes—anything from sushi to steak to tacos—for an additional $20. Non-edible upgrades include wireless speakers synched to your music player for an evening serenade and custom décor or flowers from La Jolla florist, Adelaide’s. Picnics last 60 minutes but additional half hour blocks can be purchased for $25 each.

With its motto, “We Do the Work, You Take the Credit!” Pop Up Picnic is a simple and sure-fire way to treat your significant other. In addition to providing everything you need for the perfect date, when the picnic is over you just get up and go—the company handles all cleanup.

Not only does the company create unforgettable dates, Pop Up Picnic also helps its patrons celebrate just about any occasion with a Pop Up Party. Like Pop Up Picnic, the customer chooses the location and Pop Up Party brings the food, drinks, furniture and ambiance. This experience starts at $75 per person and there is a minimum of 10 guests. The same upgrades are available with Pop Up Party and additional options include a photographer, emcee and fire pit.

Whether you’re simply looking for a relaxing night out with your loved one or if you’re planning on a remarkable way to pop the “big question,” a Pop Up Picnic ensures your outing will be one to remember.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***