
Photograph by Cori Carter
When married couple Emily and Drew Hecht dreamed up their entertaining company late last year, they had no idea that small outdoor gatherings would be all but the rule for seeing friends in 2020. The pair of Atlanta natives moved back to the city from L.A. just as the pandemic began and launched Gather Picnic Company in the dog days of summer, setting up highly styled picnic settings for small groups and mini-parties. Turns out the timing was just right, as friends were hungry for new experiences and creative ways to safely spend time together.
Here’s how it works: Pick your outdoor location (it can be a public park or just your backyard), and choose from Gather’s travel-inspired themes for staycation vibes—the boho chic of Venice, California; the blues and whites of Milos, Greece; and, coming soon, the Southwestern cool of Santa Fe. Arrive at the designated time and find party-ready linens, cutlery, glassware, and florals decking the tables, along with Bluetooth speakers, umbrellas for shade, and blankets to cozy up in. (Tables and pillows can be arranged for safe distancing.) Food is not included in the setup, but Gather partners with Graze Atlanta for charcuterie boards and can help source and orchestrate other deliveries.

Photograph by Cori Carter
The Hechts had baby showers and birthday celebrations in mind when they developed Gather, but it works just as well for a fancy dinner date en plein air. From $350, gatherpicnicco.com
This article appears in our November 2020 issue.