The Plaza hotel has upgraded a time-honored summertime tradition.

Tricked out picnics have become big business lately. Nowhere was this more apparent than in Central Park on a recent Sunday afternoon, where there were no fewer than five ultra-deluxe spreads sprawled out within feet of each other on a patch of grass facing the pond. Simple setups—a blanket, a bottle of chardonnay, a sandwich or two?—these were not. There were wicker baskets and linen napkins, tables and floral arrangements, umbrellas and parasols, champagne buckets and silverware.

All were highly Instagrammable—isn't that the whole point of these things? And naturally, each setup had the requisite signage hawking its creator's social media handle and hashtag so the revelers who paid top dollar for two hours of picture-perfect picnic flex—and many curious onlookers, too—could be sure to like, share, post, and follow. There was among this cluster, however, one idyllic mise en scène that appeared to be devoid of branding and advertisement. One that seemed to have a true IYKYK quality to it, even a tinge of uncorrupted authenticity (or was it the exclusivity?). And if you must know, this particular spread came courtesy of the Plaza.

As part of its summer programming, the iconic Fifth Avenue hotel has introduced a Central Park picnic experience where, for a breezy $2,310, you will be treated to an afternoon of cheese and charcuterie, crudités and cookies, chips and bubbles. Envious passers-by will sneak furtive glances and even not-so-discreetly snap a pic as you recline in the shade of a fringed umbrella and flutter a rattan fan to keep your cool under a blazing August sun. Maybe you've brought along a book to accompany the languorous affair—Fitzgerald feels right for the occasion—or maybe you'll fancy a cat nap to shake off the buzz (there are plenty of cushions for your utmost comfort). And while your neighbors' picnics will appear just as photogenic and sumptuous, you can delight in the knowledge that at the end of it all, you'll retire back to your plush digs at the Plaza (this experience is only for hotel guests, natch) to continue living out your Eloise fantasies (Champagne Bar, anyone? Order the punch).

Of course one of the best things about summer in New York City is that you can leave it. And sometimes just a little jaunt is all you really need, but why waste time in snaking traffic on the 495 when you can be choppered up for the afternoon and be back by dinnertime? For just shy of about $20,000, the Plaza will take you on a private helicopter ride from Manhattan to the Hamptons, where you'll then be whisked off to a beach where a picnic awaits. Here, the menu will consist of oysters, clams, king crag, caviar, and steamed lobster. When you've had your fill of the coastal grandmother vibe, the whirlybird will transport you back to the hotel (nightcap at the Champagne Bar, anyone?). Now how's that for Town & Country living?

To book a picnic package at the Plaza, visit theplazany.com

Leena Kim is an associate editor at Town & Country, where she writes about travel, weddings, arts, and culture.

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