A Socially Distanced Family Picnic on the Beach

While “Pandemic Fatigue” is clearly spreading through the country, I refuse to let it lure our family into relaxing the precautions we take to protect ourselves and our community from the spread of COVID-19.

We plan to stay home for the holidays. However, we set aside one evening in November to safely celebrate numerous special occasions with my closest friend and her four year old. Due to the pandemic, coupled with varying schedules and stringent safety protocols, our families hadn’t seen each other for nearly a year, despite the fact that we both live in LA. So we got COVID tests + results, and then meet up on the beach here in Venice/Santa Monica for a picnic— just the 5 of us. (We wore our masks except for when eating— click here to see my favorite masks and how I increase their longevity.)

The cozy, beautiful picnic setup— along with the delicious provisions included— were all supplied by Santa Monica Picnic Co. (Website / Instagram.)

Their service provided us with the table, rug and cushions, battery-operated lighting, a lovely tablescape, food and beverage, and even details like to-go boxes, a bluetooth speaker, a polaroid camera, incense, warm blankets, and an umbrella. (Textiles by Fragments Identity for Santa Monica Picnic Co.)

It was deeply therapeutic to reconnect in person with my best friend. And it was downright magical to do so as we watched our children play against the backdrop of crashing waves and the setting sun.

Thank you, Santa Monica Picnic Co. for the most memorable setting for our mini-gathering. I’ve lived by the beach here in West LA for 13 years, and this will forever be one of the happiest and brightest memories from my time living on the Pacific coast.

Learn about everything that’s included in the picnics here, as well as explore optional add-ons.

Note: This post was not sponsored, but the picnic was generously gifted by our new friends at Santa Monica Picnic Co, whose service we genuinely recommend.