Bringing Summer Picnics Into The Millennium

Meet Jillian DeAnnutis and discover how her business

By Joyce Bliss

What do you get when you combine a big juicy piece of watermelon, golden fried chicken and homemade potato salad? A fun and traditional summertime picnic. To make the day even grander, add a glass of refreshing, tangy lemonade to cool down a hot sunny afternoon, enjoyed in a grassy meadow alongside a cool creek, creating a dreamy, lazy sunny day.

Picnics are still a strong tradition and a huge part of our lives and memories. The only difference is picnics have become more involved in special events and lasting historical memories in people’s lives. The Picnic Fairy allows these events with a picnic backdrop, from engagements to weddings to revealing parties to a girl’s day out.

Having been blessed with a special needs daughter, Jillian DeAnnuntis, Founder and CEO of The Picnic Fairy & Co., needed a way to secure an income that did not require traditional hours. “I needed a way to bring in additional income and still be available for my family,” Jillian explained. “It was during the pandemic that it came to me that people wanted to get together while staying safe, and I love the outdoors, so it seemed to be a good solution,” she continued.

Jillian sincerely conveyed her vision of creating a family business and aspires to provide employment opportunities for those caring for children with special needs.

Based out of Clermont, Florida, she posted her first mock set up and soon after had a “Friendsgiving” event for her friends and family. After posting pictures of the family event within two weeks, she started getting bookings for various occasions.

Within a few weeks, the business started growing. So, Jillian expanded her locations within a year, with family in South Florida, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico. When Jillian expanded her business with a fifth branch in North Florida, she employed Jennifer Turak, a mother to a daughter with special needs. She knew that this was the right person to share her business with.

The Picnic Fairy has catered to various settings, ranging from intimate gatherings of two to formal occasions of 30, in locations such as beaches, parks, homes, indoor venues, and beyond. Although Jillian doesn’t directly offer food and beverages, she collaborates closely with vendors to ensure the finest culinary selection. The Picnic Fairy handles all vendor pickups, ensuring the food and drinks arrive alongside the decor setup.

Brie Beautiful Boards, a charcuterie vendor, is favored highly by Jillian. It is owned and operated by Gianna DeAnnuntis, Jillian’s daughter. The young entrepreneur started her charcuterie business soon after her mother started the Picnic Fairy. She realized there was a prominent place for charcuterie in picnics and social gatherings. “Gianna is our favorite charcuterie vendor to work with,” her mother delightedly explained. Brie Beautiful Boards’ specialties are charcuterie grazing boards for as small as two guests up to 175 or more.

“Our clients do not have to do a thing. We pick up from the vendors, set up, and clean everything. The clients come, enjoy themselves, and then leave”, she said excitedly.

For more information, you may reach The Picnic Fairy at https:// picnicfairy.com/

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Tuesday Storytime Altamonte MallBarnes and Noble a.m. 451 E Altamonte Dr

12 – July 13

Orlando VC Fast Pitch Bush Auditorium at Rollins College 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 1000 Holt Ave

13 – July 13

International Vegan Food Festival Wall Street Plaza 3-8 p.m. 25 Wall Street

14 – July 13-16

2023 Orlando International Film Festival

Reiter Park-UCF Downtown 500 West Livingston Street

15 – July 16

Dreamgirls Garden Theatre

2-5 p.m.

160 W Plant St

16 – July 16

Food Truck Night-2023

Avalon Park

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17 – July 18

Young Professionals Group Meeting

LIME Fresh Mexican Grill

5:30-7 p.m.

13052 Narcoossee Rd

18 – July 19

Robot Rampage Camp (Age 13-17)(3-part)

Winter Garden Branch

1:15-2:45 p.m.

805 E Plant St

19 – July 20

Michael Franti and Spearhead Apopka Amphitheater

5:30-10 p.m.

3710 Jason Dwelley Pkwy

20 – July 21

WWE Live Amway Center

7:45 p.m. 400 W Church St Suite 200

21 – July 27

Healthcare Orlando Virtual Job Fair Virtual

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Orlando, Florida

22 – July 28

Eat To The Beat Concert Series American Gardens Theatre

5 p.m.-9 p.m.

1510 Avenue of the Stars