Engulfed by the Gulf, the coastal colors and natural glamour of a Siesta sunset cascade as the backdrop for a crafted scene of cheese grazing and flute clinking. Sarasota Alfresco plays with bohemian-clad decor, Australian fringe umbrellas, sprawling rugs to lay in the sand, throw pillows atop reminiscent of a Moroccan souk, tropical fronds in vintage vases and wooden farmhouse tables covered in immaculate place settings of rose-gold silverware and sparkling wine. Engaging the environmental milieus of our area, the boutique pop-up picnic company uses what is already for the taking along the spoiled seaboard of the Suncoast: secluded bayfront settings, idyllic outdoor parks and the many beaches of Sarasota-Manatee’s Keys.
JESSICA CHAPMAN SETS THE SCENE ON LONGBOAT KEY FOR A SUNSET SOIREE. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
Jessica Chapman, the founder, event planner and creative director for Sarasota Alfresco noticed her social feeds populating the upsacle picnic experiences and outdoor design ethos she craved herself. But, the ones she came across likely had geotags associated with upper echelon destinations like Palm Springs, Malibu and the Hamptons. There was surprisingly a void here in sun-filled Sarasota. “I wanted to showcase the beauty of Sarasota in this unique way,” she says. Utilizing the picturesque scenery of our locale with your social occasion, Chapman combines outdoor feng shui and luxury comfort—taking advantage of natural backgrounds, but then elevating the venue with dreamy decor and all the dining accoutrements for an unforgettable outing.
RETRO ST. TROPEZ VIBES OF EMERALD GREENS, GOLDS AND PALE PINKS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
“Good design makes lasting memories. Anything that stretches my creativity, I love to make it happen,” says Chapman. “And nothing means more to me than the importance of gathering, connecting with the people you love most and celebrating life’s milestones.” From birthday surprises and surprise engagements to bachelorette parties, baby showers and just-because date nights, Chapman sets the scene for just about any mini or major celebration. With base packages set up by guest numbers, you can choose from Table for Two, Small Tribe (3-4) and Gangs All Here (5-8). Built into each package includes the design and delivery of the setting: layered rugs, seat pillows, candles/lanterns, low wooden table(s) fully decorated with dinnerware, flatware, glassware, linen napkins, table cloth and/or table runners, a wooden letter board with your custom message, still or sparkling water, dry flowers for a pop of color and a fragrant splash of fresh baby’s breath and eucalyptus for the table centerpiece.
WOODEN GRAZING BOARDS FROM CHARCUTERIE & CHEESE AND AUSTRALIAN BEACH UMBRELLAS FROM BUSINESS AND PLEASURE CO. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
A là carte add-ons put your event on a whole other playing field with upgrade offerings such as fresh fruit platters and grazing boards by Cheese & Charcuterie out of Lakewood Ranch, gourmet cakes from Morton’s Gourmet Market, a rattan bar cart for BYOB bubbly, custom craft cocktail service and personal bartender, a personal photographer, a private beach yoga session with Koi Coaching, a vintage lace tee-pee and more. “Leave it all to us, all you have to do is show up,” says Chapman. “We take care of the details so you can relax on velvet pillows and take in the sunset with your loved ones.” SRQ
sarasotaalfresco.com, @sarasotaalfresco
