Old-Fashioned Favorites For Today’s Al Fresco Adventures
Wicker baskets go hand-in-hand with an old-fashioned picnic, and these affairs no longer have to be a struggle to put together. New basket styles are not just designed for nostalgic purposes; they include all the utensils needed for serving. Returning to the joys of a relaxing lunch, an afternoon escape or a dinner spread is even more enjoyable when the event includes a traditionally 
styled woven basket. Years ago, a wicker basket complete with lid and carry handle might have gone along during a jaunt to the country or the seashore. It might have been packed in the back of a horse-drawn wagon headed to a potluck hoedown, or it could have been filled with baked goods to see a young couple off on a journey to their first home.
Today, picnics require a little more effort, but they can be just as much fun with a wicker basket filled to the brim. When thinking about the perfect gift for someone who has it all, wicker baskets will always be appreciated for their heirloom appeal as display pieces as well as their intentions in leaving a fast-paced world behind.
A Little Bite of Picnic History
Some historians believe that the idea of a picnic originated in France around the late 1600s. Paintings in the early 1700s began depicting pastoral landscapes filled with people enjoying lunch spreads surrounded by lush greenery. Over time, the picnic and its associated lidded baskets became a common component of country gatherings while city folks become more engaged in trendy restaurant attendance.
As decades passed, picnics adopted more romantic tones with couples venturing into parks seeking seclusion accompanied by totes filled with wine and cheese. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, families again began finding that picnics were economical outings, whether venturing around the block, going to a drive-in movie or heading out for a weekend getaway. Short and sweet on verified history, the picnic is never an event to be conducted in a hurry but is rather one that should be drawn out as an escape from the hustle of work or a steady schedule of organized, non-stop activities.
Pre-Packed Wicker Baskets for Today’s Adventures
Wicker baskets with their natural crafting and vintage appeal are regaining status for relaxing picnics. They still offer classic rigid handles along with shoulder strap options for more rugged treks. Lift lids and drop-down fronts also retain the appeal of yesteryear’s designs. Willow and rattan woven baskets are attractive ensemble pieces with plates, plastic drink ware and utensils for two, four or more place settings.
Adding in a little romance or to simply while away an afternoon with friends, specialty baskets provide upscale touches with wine glasses, insulated holders for bottles, openers and the accoutrements required for serving an array of cheeses. Food totes stashed inside also keep items safely cooled. Additional accessories might also include blankets, cloth napkins and salt and pepper shakers that can turn any outdoor meal into a sophisticated affair. Heart-shaped wedding-themed baskets will be a pleasing gift for the bride and groom while creels and rectangular containers are dressed up for all-occasion gift giving.
Remembering the little things that are usually left behind, a new wicker picnic basket filled with all the essentials and more will always be ready for large or small al fresco gatherings. When life turns into rush hour and as times start to fly far too swiftly, an escape away from it all should include a wicker basket ready for picnicking.
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