Got a romantic date coming up? A birthday brunch or girls’ gathering on the horizon? Looking for a way to make those moments extra special? Picnic PopUp is your answer. They are turning those special moments into unforgettable memories with thoughtfully curated themes, cozy setups, and gourmet touches. All you have to do is show up and enjoy. Franklin Lifestyle got to speak with Jam Stewart, the founder and creative force behind these luxury picnics.
What inspired you to start Picnic PopUp, and how did your personal background influence the concept?
The story of Picnic PopUp began in early 2020, when we developed the concept and business plan. I was craving a creative outlet from the hustle of my corporate day-to-day. I’ve always loved hosting and curating thoughtful gatherings—and there’s something incredibly special about the intimacy of a picnic. It invites you to slow down. Being rooted together, surrounded by nature, creates a sort of magic that’s both grounding and joyful.
I was full of inspiration and excited to launch—but then the pandemic hit, and like everyone else, I had to pause and adjust.
By early summer, though, we realized the pandemic actually opened a unique opportunity. People were craving connection, but still needed to be safe. With traditional venues shut down, outdoor gatherings became the answer. We quickly pivoted, dusted off the business plan and launched!
A luxury outdoor picnic offered the perfect blend of safety, style, and togetherness. And while socially distanced get-togethers were the original draw, what really continues to resonate is the deeply personal and bespoke experience.
Were you always interested in event planning and hospitality, or did this career path come as a surprise?
Absolutely! I’ve been planning events since I was six-years-old—literally. I helped organize the arrival of my baby sister and never looked back. Hosting gives me energy. Throughout my career, events have always been part of my world in one way or another, and with Picnic PopUp, I get to fully stretch my creativity in ways that feel both natural and exciting.
What does a “perfect picnic” look like to you, personally?
For me, it’s all about joy. The perfect picnic is when I look around and see people truly present—no phones, just genuine conversation, laughter, and connection. That’s the magic.
How does Picnic PopUp work, from booking to setup, and what can clients expect on the day of their event?
It’s easy to book. Our website and Instagram are great starting points. While we offer a few styled “themes” to spark ideas, every picnic is truly custom. We curate each detail to reflect the personality of the host and the vibe of the occasion. No detail is overlooked—we’ve even got the stain remover and bottle opener covered.
Our standard setup includes a two-hour experience for up to four guests, but we’ve hosted events for as many as 50. Most of our gatherings tend to average six to 10 guests.
Each picnic includes a fully styled tablescape with place settings, rugs, plush pillows, fresh flowers, and themed décor. We handle everything—setup, cleanup, and everything in between. Guests simply arrive and enjoy.
We also offer Slumber PopUps—a dreamy take on our signature style. We’ve taken elements from our picnic experiences, sprinkled in a few stars, added a little fairy dust, and turned it into a magical, memorable sleepover. This nighttime PJ party is perfect for any age, but most popular with seven to 14-year-olds. We bring the setup to your home.
We offer a variety of luxe add-ons, and we carefully vet each partner we work with to ensure quality and consistency. Most of our collaborators are local, women-owned businesses based in Williamson County. Supporting our creative community is something we deeply value.
What types of occasions do you typically host—are there any unexpected or unique ones that stand out?
Our events really run the gamut – from date nights to birthday parties to baby showers, album launches, company events, slumber parties, bloom bars and proposals.
Our local parks and beautiful green spaces across the area provide the perfect backdrop for our experiences. We also do events in private spaces, homes and AirBNBs.
Do you partner with local vendors for your decor and materials?
Yes! Partnering with local creatives is one of the best parts of what we do. We’re constantly inspired by the talent in the Nashville area, and we love collaborating with fellow women-owned businesses. From artful charcuterie boards and dreamy desserts to custom signage, balloon installations, and photography—we work with the best to elevate every experience.
Have there been any standout or dream picnics that you’ve created that you’re especially proud of?
There are so many, it’s hard to choose!! A few highlights:
We offer a Picnic “PupUp” – for pet parents who want to spoil their furry friends. We’ve done a bunch of puppy “special occasions” including puppy playdates, birthday parties and meet-and-greets. But one of the most unexpected (and adorable) experiences is a puppy proposal, complete with a dog-friendly wedding cake! It was so cute seeing these adorable pups celebrating their big day.
Another standout was our recent collaboration with The Heritage Foundation for this year’s Main Street Festival. We created a Picnic on the Lawn VIP experience on the beautiful grounds of St. Philip’s Church.
What’s next for Picnic PopUp—are you expanding offerings, locations, or collaborations?
We’re always looking for ways to elevate the experience. Most recently, we introduced our Bloom Bar—a bouquet-making station where guests can create their own arrangements from a curated selection of seasonal blooms. It’s such a beautiful and interactive way to add a personalized, elegant touch to the picnic.
Looking ahead, we’re exploring even more collaborations and curated experiences. Guided by our mission to bring people together to celebrate life’s special occasions, we’re always looking to create magical, memorable moments. PicnicPopUp.com