Califor�ia Dreaming Picnic Company – Orcut� Califor�ia Dreaming

Suzanne Ambrecht dreamed up the idea for her Central Coast based picnic company in 2021 when her son was graduating from high school. “We were still in the midst of the pandemic and people were still being very careful, so I was trying to come up with an idea to celebrate our graduate while still caring for others’ wellbeing,” she recalls. Inspired by her travels to Japan and Morocco, Ambrecht set up her elaborate graduation picnic and it was such a big hit that the idea for her California Dreaming Picnic Company was born.

Hosting groups from one up to 30 people, Ambrecht offers a variety of different packages for any occasion and budget. The Simple Pleasures package includes rugs, a low table complete with full table setting, blankets, games, and nonalcoholic drinks. It is perfect for an intimate picnic for two, allowing clients to bring their own food. Her packages go all the way up to the Jetsetter, which includes both food and drinks and a beautifully designed dining area, along with a comfortable teepee, cabana, or special umbrellas for photographs. Her packages range from $199 per person, to whatever it takes to meet her picknickers’ imaginations.

“Our most booked events are bridal showers and bachelorette parties,” Ambrecht says. “We also love creating beautiful settings for proposals. We’ve had the privilege of helping to surprise future brides with unforgettable moments and coordinating with local photographers to capture those moments. We set up a surprise first date at the beginning of 2022 and a surprise engagement at the end of 2022 for one client. We’ve done anything from “just because” dates to 60th birthday parties, and we’re here for them all. We love seeing the smiles, the hands-over-mouth kind of reactions and the happy tears when our clients arrive and surprise their loved ones.”

Of course, no picnic is complete without the food, and California Dreaming works with a number of Central Coast charcuterie vendors to provide stunningly delicious gourmet boxes with locally sourced fruits, nuts, cheeses, meats, crackers, breads, and sweets like artisan chocolates. And the boxes can be gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, allergy friendly, all depending on clients’ needs and preferences.

In terms of locations, there’s no shortage of gorgeous Central Coast spots where Ambrecht and her team will set up their luxury picnics. From ocean views at Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay, to bucolic bliss in places like Waller Park in Orcutt, or cozy backyards at homes or Air BnB properties, the California Dreaming Picnic Company will make all of your picnic dreams come true, and then some.

Learn more at californiadreamingpicnicco.com