I Love Vintage Picnic Baskets

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Is there anything more iconically charming than a vintage picnic basket? They so cute! They evoke everything I love about vintage kitchenware. They’re well made, adorable, and functional. I have several, and can’t resist buying any I find that are a good deal. Outside of toting a picnic lunch, they’re great for general storage. 

I keep my kitchen towels in one, and I use another one as a little toy bin for the living room. And I store cleaning rags in this my favorite. It has compartments that perfectly fit my squirt bottles of cleaners and my cleaning towels. 

They’re great for all sorts of things - farmer’s markets, carrying food to friend’s houses for dinner parties, organizing closets, anything really, don’t just limit them to picnics because let’s be honest, you probably don’t go on a ton of picnics, and they deserve better than being stashed away, serving no purpose until your once a year novelty outing. 

But this week, I’m going on a picnic, so they are going to get used for the real thing, and I wanted to show you just a few examples of the types of vintage picnic baskets out there. 

First, is this classic example, and the one you’re probably used to seeing the most. Can’t go wrong. They fit a ton of stuff. If you’ve got a big group, a long drive, and a short walk to the sight, this is the basket for you. 

Then there is something smaller. Isn’t it the cutest? I’m obsessed with it. It’s so cute it could be a purse. The same maker has one that looks like a watermelon slice. So adorable. It’s great for smaller picnics for two. Doesn’t fit a ton, but it’s nice and light, so easier to carry. I use it a lot for a second basket for extra large picnics. You can pack the blanket and food in the bigger one, and utensils and plates in this one. Works great. 

Then there is one like this. It’s actually my favorite, and I use it the most. It’s called a baguette basket. It’s actually from France, and designed to carry a baguette in one slot, and a bottle of wine in the other. Isn’t it great? It’s very well made and sturdy. I use it all the time for going to friend’s houses since I can bring a bottle and something I cooked and don’t have to worry about it rolling around in the car. 

There are lots of other kinds of picnic baskets. I’d love to add a pie safe to my collection, but no matter the shape or size, they are a fun and useful addition to your vintage kitchen. Even if you never go on a picnic! 

So, if you have a vintage picnic basket, please share. I would love to see! And do you have any creative uses for it when you’re not picnicking? 

IT BELONGS IN YOUR KITCHEN

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