Recently, I had the joy of celebrating two very special family birthdays. My daughter, Kaydes, reached her first milestone on Tues 11th October, and just a week later, my sister Julia turns 31 today. Celebrating Kaydes’ first birthday was always going to be special, but having Julia here visiting made it even more memorable. I wanted to do something extraordinary to mark the occasion, something that would create lasting memories for all of us. So, I hired My Little Desert picnic company to set up an outdoor celebration at the picturesque Alice Springs Telegraph Station. 💗
Inspiration: Finding My Little Desert
Scrolling through Instagram one day, I stumbled upon My Little Desert, a newly launched boho picnic hire company based in Alice Springs. The photos on their page caught my eye, with the setups beautifully curated, full of warmth and charm.
The company is run by a lovely lady named Alice – yes, Alice in Alice Springs, how perfect is that? 🙌🏻 From our first conversation, Alice was incredibly helpful and accommodating. I initially planned a larger gathering, but when we had to downsize due to Kaydes’ neutropenia, Alice made the adjustments without any fuss. Her flexibility and kindness set the tone for what would become a truly special day.
Planning the Picnic
We arranged Alice Springs Telegraph Station as the venue. A spot rich in history and natural beauty, with towering gum trees providing just the right amount of shade. The dry river bed nearby added to the rustic charm, making it the perfect backdrop for our boho-themed picnic. Given the warm October weather, we opted for a brunch picnic, starting at 10am. The timing was ideal, allowing us to enjoy the cooler part of the day before the sun became too intense.
Alice took care of all the details, making the process stress-free. I didn’t have to worry about setting up or packing down. This was a blessing considering how much energy it takes to manage a toddler. When we arrived at the Telegraph Station, the picnic area was already set up and waiting for us. It was nothing short of wonderful.
Boho Beauty
As we approached the picnic area, the beautiful arrangement really touched us all. A large, comfortable rug, an array of cushions, and a low wooden table with plates, coasters, and napkins brought the boho theme to life. Not to mention the yummy food awaiting our stomachs!
There was a welcome area with a ‘Happy Birthday’ blackboard, which doubled as a fantastic photo spot. We couldn’t resist taking a few snaps to capture the moment.
The setup was not only visually stunning but also practical. The large rug was perfect for Kaydes, who isn’t walking just yet but loves to edge-walk around tables and crawl under them. The cushions were ideal for the adults to sit on while snacking and chatting. It was a comfortable and inviting setup that made everyone feel relaxed and at ease.
A Brunch to Remember
Alice arranges the platters of food too, and amends it to the time of day. Being a brunch, she arranged platters filled with an assortment of treats. We enjoyed flaky croissants, crisp crackers, a variety of dips, fresh fruit, cured meats, and a selection of cheeses. The spread was more than enough for the five of us, and there was even some left over.
While drinks weren’t included, the Telegraph Station café was conveniently close. We popped over to grab some cold drinks to enjoy with our meal. The simplicity of it all added to the charm of the day – no fuss, just good food, good company, and a beautiful setting.
The Experience
One of the things I appreciated most about hiring My Little Desert was how much easier it made the day for me. I could simply relax and enjoy the moment with my family. I didn’t have to worry about setting up, cleaning up, or managing the details – Alice had everything sorted.
Kaydes had a wonderful time. She spent much of the picnic crawling around the rug and underneath the table! 😂 It was heartwarming to see her so happy and engaged, especially on her first birthday.
As we sat there, basking in the outback sun and surrounded by the beauty of the Telegraph Station, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Celebrating these two important people in such a unique way was everything I had hoped for. It wasn’t just about the setup or the food, but about the time spent together.
If you’re looking for something unique and fun for your next event in Alice Springs, I highly recommend hiring My Little Desert. Alice’s attention to detail and her passion for creating beautiful, stress-free experiences shines through in everything she does.
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
