Have you ever had a dream that just wouldn’t go away? That’s exactly what inspired Amy Douglas of Enchanting Picnic Company to finally go all-in and start her luxury picnic business.
“I was in a bookstore and I started reading this children’s book called, 'What Do You Do With An Idea?'" Amy said. "I was tearing up. The book was about this little boy who had this idea but kept pushing it away, and it was the same for my picnic idea. I started to imagine what it would look like to actually do it, and I felt the greatest joy.”
Amy decided to slow down her 30-year career of working as a decorative artist and thought what better way to channel her inner artist than to put all that energy into creating unique picnic set-ups. Amy started ordering supplies and filled her garage with pillows and tablecloths, lights and decor; she was determined to pour every ounce of creativity into her dream.
In February 2023, Amy hosted her very first picnic, and it was love at first sight. She knew she was right where she wanted to be, and even her husband finally understood what all her odds and ends were for.
“I decided I would do a mock set-up so I could get some photo content and I told him to come down to the beach in an hour and bring the food," she said. "It wasn’t until that moment when he showed up at the beach that he understood."
Enchanting Picnic Company offers services from Inlet Beach to Okaloosa Island and can be set up at the beach, in backyards or even indoors. Amy has a list of caterers, bakers and photographers you can choose from as those are not included in the picnic bundle. She has umbrellas for the sun, a clear tent for the cold, games, lights, mementos and everything else you never knew you needed for a picnic. But her most unique offering is adding herself to your picnic by way of a private painting party.
“I do a progressive paint picnic, and as an artist, I love that!” she said. “Everybody starts with a canvas and every few minutes you pass the canvas to the person sitting next to you, so at the end, everyone gets their canvas back but each person at the table has added their own creativity to it.”
In March of 2023, Amy tragically lost her granddaughter, and then in August, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. The first year of business for Enchanting Picnic was a tough one to get through, but amidst the pain and uncertainty, Amy said she always felt that her dream was building joy.
“Last year was filled with so much sadness, but so much joy as well,” Amy said. “During my bout with cancer, I felt my granddaughter present in every moment of my journey. I’m starting out this year cancer-free and after going through all that, I realized that what I can give through my picnics is a gift to other people.”
Amy has now partnered with Sandcastle Kids, a local non-profit organization that gives families with a child battling cancer, an all-inclusive beach vacation. Amy said she also loves to team up with other charities such as Make A Wish Foundation and Shelter House.
“People come to the beach to relax and create memories with loved ones,” Amy said. “Although many years later they may forget what they ate, they will always remember how their intimate picnic filled their hearts with joy. My heart fills up watching their smiley faces stroll up to their picnic. It's magical; it’s simply enchanting.”
"I realized, through my picnics, I can give a gift to others.”
