Behind the Scenes of a Festive Luxury Picnic Experience by Picnic Times
- Nadia
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
A Festive Luxury Picnic Experience in Dubai
Set beneath a canopy of trees, with golden light filtering softly through the branches, this festive luxury picnic experience by Picnic Times was designed to feel warm, grounded, and quietly magical.
Rather than creating something overtly seasonal, the intention was to design a space that felt timeless, a festive moment that blended naturally into its surroundings, where nature, texture, and thoughtful details came together to create an atmosphere of calm celebration.
All photos captured by talented Sarah Kelly.
The Vision
The vision for this setup was inspired by the idea of a festive pause, a moment away from the rush of the season and city, where guests could slow down, sit low to the ground, and be fully present.
We worked with a neutral, earthy palette to complement the natural setting: soft whites, woven textures, natural wood, and subtle festive accents. The goal was never to overpower the environment, but to enhance it, allowing the landscape, the light, and the stillness of the space to remain an essential part of the experience.
Festive, yet refined. Cosy, yet elevated.
The Details
Every element within this setup was chosen with intention.
A low table dressed in soft striped linens anchored the space, layered with brass candleholders, delicate glassware, and natural woven accents. Vintage style picnic baskets added both beauty and function, evoking a sense of nostalgia and ease.
Soft cushions and textured throws invited guests to settle in comfortably, while carefully curated festive accents, pinecones, candlelight, and subtle seasonal touches, added warmth without overwhelming the design.
These are the details that don’t demand attention, but quietly shape how a space feels.
The Experience
What we love most about a setup like this is the way it encourages connection.
Arriving to a thoughtfully prepared picnic beneath the trees creates an immediate sense of calm. Guests instinctively slow down, sink into the cushions, and engage more deeply, with the setting, the conversation, and each other.
This is what defines a luxury picnic experience for us. Not excess, but intention. Not formality, but feeling.
An Exclusive Collaboration: Festive Mini Shoots
This festive experience was paired with an exclusive collaboration with the photographer Sarah Kelly, whose talent for capturing light, emotion, and atmosphere made her the perfect creative partner.
Together, we curated a limited series of Christmas mini photo shoots, designed to capture intimate, natural moments within the setting, moments that felt authentic, warm, and timeless rather than staged.
Sarah’s ability to tell a story through her lens brought this experience to life beyond imagery. Each photograph reflects the mood of the day: the softness of the light, the richness of the textures, and the quiet magic of the moment.
Due to overwhelming demand, the festive mini shoot sessions were fully booked, with availability filling quickly. We’re excited to share that this exclusive collaboration will return next year with limited slots available. To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend securing bookings several months in advance.
To discover more of Sarah's work and explore her portfolio visit:
A Magical Festive Touch
As part of this festive experience, we introduced a limited edition giveaway collaboration with the incredibly talented artist Laura Tomlinson, who creates beautifully customised Letters to Santa.
This special festive touch was designed as a gift moment, a small but meaningful way to bring nostalgia and magic into the experience. Laura’s artistry added warmth and imagination, celebrating the spirit of the season through thoughtful, hand crafted design.
Collaborations like these allow us to support and spotlight creative talent while offering our guests moments that feel personal, intentional, and truly special, even when experienced as a surprise.
Find more about Laura's incredible work here:
Festive Inspiration Beyond the Season
While this picnic was inspired by the festive season, it's essence extends far beyond December.
Setups like this often inspire proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, and intimate gatherings, moments where clients seek something personal, immersive, and thoughtfully curated.
Seasonal inspiration may guide the design, but the experience itself remains timeless.
Looking Ahead
Each picnic we create is bespoke, intentional, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
With selected experiences and creative collaborations selling out well ahead of time, we recommend planning and booking in advance to ensure availability. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with talented creatives and to creating meaningful moments that invite people to slow down, connect, and celebrate life beautifully.
