Frequently Asked Questions

Our luxury picnics are curated experiences, usually featuring beautiful place settings, a low-sitting table, pillows, and flower arrangements. While the tailored details vary, essentially these intimate gatherings bring people together in gorgeous surroundings to eat, drink, and be present in each other’s company while you create perfect shared memories. Beyond the high-end details, the most luxurious element is that you don’t lift a finger! We set up and style the space, then return and take everything away – you can even ask us to coordinate the catering and a menu full of other options. All you need to bring are the guests and a smile!

Our picnic hours are 11 am to 9 pm and reserve the right to limit availability on holidays. Please note that it takes approx. 90 minutes to set up and about half that to take down – of course this all varies depending on size and event elements. If you want your picnic to start later or run longer than our posted picnic hours please contact us to discuss.  Teepee slumber parties are a 24 hour experience. Additional charges may apply, but we are happy to discuss!

Polka Dots & Picnics is based in Portland, however, we love hosting picnics all over the Pacific Northwest! Whether it is in your home, at the beach, on a river or in a park, we want to make it the picnic set up of your dreams! If you’re stuck on location we can make some recommendations, just let us know the area(s) you’re interested in having it. Travel is free within a 15-mile radius of Portland city center. Locations outside this area are subject to discussion – mileage fees may apply.

You certainly can! We have also paired up with other local, small businesses to provide you and your guests delicious food add-ons. You are welcome to make the arrangements, or we can! If you’d like us to, simply check the “coordinate catering” selection in our elevated services. When completing your booking form, please provide details of any food allergies or specific dietary requests in the “additional comments” section, and we will pick the perfect partner to meet your needs. A small fee may be incurred for substitutions, but all selections and prices will receive your approval before purchase.

Unfortunately, we do not serve alcohol. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in most local, public parks. You may consume alcohol, at your discretion, at approved locations. For events held in private locations, you might consider our All but the Bubbly mimosa bar! We bring all the juices, fruits, and accoutrement styled to enhance your party’s style. You just bring the bubbly and voila – mimosas!

We understand how life happens and things beyond our control can come up. While we do not offer refunds, we are happy to allow you to reschedule your luxury event for a date within six months of your original booking date (subject to availability). Please note that regardless of rescheduling plans, you will still be responsible for payment to any vendors you agreed to elevate your event based on their cancelation/rescheduling policies.

As resident of the Great Northwest, we know that the weather can change unexpectedly! For this reason, we request that all bookings have a backup location either indoors or under shelter where we can set up in the case of poor weather on the day of your picnic. If you decide you would rather not have your picnic, please see our cancellation policy listed above.

So glad you asked! Click here to read those. NOTE: all bookings require participants to agree to our terms and conditions.