Picnic Time: Crafting Moments of Connection Since 1982
Experience the timeless charm of Picnic Time, a brand that has transformed the art of gathering into beautifully crafted products that celebrate life’s most precious resource—time spent with loved ones. Founded in 1982 by Italian immigrants Gustavo Cosaro and Mario Tagliati, Picnic Time emerged from their shared belief in the restorative power of breaking bread together in beautiful surroundings.
The Picnic Time story began in post-war Italy, where both founders experienced hardship that instilled in them a profound appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. After meeting while working in cruise ship dining rooms, they brought their passion for hospitality to Southern California, opening “Two Gentlemen from Verona,” a wine and cheese shop in Woodland Hills. As customers assembled ingredients for perfect outdoor meals, a recurring question emerged: “Do you have a basket to put this in?” Recognizing that no existing picnic baskets met their exacting standards, they embarked on a six-month journey of discovery, culminating in their first shipment of hand-woven baskets delivered to Gustavo’s garage in 1982.
What distinguishes Picnic Time is their unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and functional design. Every product is meticulously created to enhance leisure experiences while standing the test of time, backed by a lifetime quality guarantee. This dedication to excellence has allowed them to evolve from a single-product company into the Picnic Time Family of Brands, encompassing four distinct collections that each celebrate different facets of togetherness: Picnic Time for romantic outdoor dining, Oniva for adventure-seeking recreation, Legacy for sophisticated beverage enjoyment, and Toscana for elegant home entertaining.
The product development process at Picnic Time balances tradition with innovation. Working with skilled artisans and designers, they create pieces that honor the nostalgic essence of gathering while incorporating modern functionality and sustainable practices. From classic woven willow picnic baskets to contemporary insulated wine carriers, each item is crafted to specific standards that maximize both beauty and utility.
In 2016, Picnic Time entered a new chapter when the second generation—Paul and Danny—took the helm following Mario’s passing. This transition maintained the company’s Moorpark, California headquarters while infusing fresh perspectives from their respective backgrounds in entertainment and restaurant management. Under new leadership, the company continues to honor the founders’ original vision while expanding their collection to over 10,000 proprietary and licensed products.
At Comfort, Peace + Love, we’re proud to feature Picnic Time as they align perfectly with our belief in the transformative power of gathering to create meaningful connections. These thoughtfully crafted products do more than equip you for outdoor dining—they facilitate moments of joy, create opportunities for connection, and transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary memories, all while respecting both craftsmanship tradition and contemporary needs.
