The Plaza – a Fairmont Managed Hotel

One can’t think of The Plaza Hotel in New York City without also recalling its rich history of luxurious living – from the storied venue hosting Truman Capote’s unforgettable Black and White Ball in 1966 and other swanky events through the decades to serving as the glamorous setting for pop culture classics, like The Great Gatsby and, of course, many of Eloise’s greatest adventures. This month, The Plaza is expanding its offerings with a new kind of adventure available to guests booked for at least a two-night stay — a decadent alfresco Central Park picnic experience across the street from the Manhattan institution.

Those who reserve the minimum-two-hour meal will be set up in the park near Gapstow Bridge — the perfect location for lodgers to stop between fashion week shows this season. The picnic adventure is a feast fit for film: The Plaza provides guests with plenty of cozy pillows and blankets for comfort as well as a large umbrella and smaller parasols so they can keep shaded and cool. Wicker baskets come loaded with picnic essentials, including charcuterie, cheese, crudité, cured meats, cornichons, fruit, crostini and more. There are also salads, baguettini sandwiches, refreshing drinks and a dessert platter piled with brownies and cookies for picnickers to end the meal on a sweet note.

The Plaza – a Fairmont Managed Hotel

The lunch is expertly handled in true Plaza style, so there’s no need to lift a finger. The most pressing worry is which outfit to wear to match the Instagram-worthy backdrop of — what else — a beautiful view of the iconic Plaza.