Rediscover the joy of picnics with vintage picnic baskets. Learn how they can add a touch of nostalgia to your outdoor gatherings and home decor.
Vintage Picnic Baskets
Vintage picnic baskets evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm, harkening back to a time when leisurely outdoor dining was a popular pastime. These beautifully crafted baskets were a staple of picnics in the past and continue to be cherished today for their elegance and practicality. Let’s take a closer look at vintage picnic baskets and their enduring appeal.
Picnic Basket Design
One of the defining features of picnic vintage baskets is their compartmentalized design. These wicker baskets were cleverly designed with separate sections and compartments to hold different items. There would be specific compartments for plates, utensils, glasses, and even a designated space for a wine bottle. This organizational aspect made it easy to pack and transport all the necessary items for a picnic.
Vintage Picnic Basket with Dishes
Another characteristic of vintage picnic baskets is the inclusion of various accessories and utensils. Many baskets would come with matching plates, cups, and silverware, often made from materials like porcelain or enamel. Some baskets even had a thermos or a small stove built into them, allowing for hot food and drinks to be enjoyed on the go. These thoughtful additions enhanced the picnic experience and added an element of luxury.
Fashion Statement
Beyond their practicality, antique picnic baskets were also seen as a fashion statement. They were often adorned with decorative elements such as leather straps, brass buckles, and colorful fabric linings. The overall design of the baskets exuded elegance and sophistication, making them a stylish accessory for outdoor dining.
Bygone Era
Vintage picnic baskets were not just valuable objects; they symbolized a bygone era when picnics were a leisure activity enjoyed by the elite. They represented a slower pace of life, where individuals took the time to savor good food, good company, and the beauty of nature. Owning a vintage picnic basket today allows us to connect with that sense of nostalgia and recreate the charm of those times.
You may also enjoy this Vintage Vibe Aesthetics to Treasure post.
Vintage Picnic Baskets Back in Style
In recent years, the popularity of vintage picnic baskets has seen a resurgence. Many people are drawn to the charm and uniqueness of these baskets, seeking them out for their own outdoor adventures. Vintage markets, antique shops, and online platforms offer a wide selection of well-preserved and restored picnic baskets from various eras.
Shop for Vintage Picnic Baskets
You can easily find vintage picnic baskets at your local thrift store, flea market, antique shop, second-hand shop, yard sale, or local fall markets, along with online options like Etsy and eBay. Learn more about shopping online options in this How to Shop For Vintage Decor Online post.
Vintage Picnic Basket with Handles
I found this old-fashioned small picnic basket in the attic at our home in Maine. It used to be my mother’s, and she decorated it in fabulous ways. This got me thinking about old-fashioned picnic baskets and how they could be used in home decor and beyond.
They’re not just for picnics!
Vintage Picnic Basket with Lid
Shop Vintage Picnic Baskets
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12 Vintage Picnic Baskets Ideas
Whether used for a romantic picnic in the park, a family outing, or a special occasion, vintage picnic baskets add a touch of elegance and whimsy to any outdoor gathering. They remind us to slow down, appreciate the simple pleasures in life, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
*Click on the individual titles or photos to see more from each idea.
How to Decorate a Picnic Basket for Easy Summer DIY Home Decor
In loving memory of my friend Paula from the blog Virginia Sweet Pea, I’d like to first share her beautiful idea for decorating with her old-fashioned picnic basket.
Summer Basket Decor
My friend Niky over at The House on Silverado shares THIS terrific idea for using her vintage picnic basket around the house in the summertime.
You may also be inspired by the DIY Summer Backyard Picnic Ideas post.
Rustic Styling in Entryway is Accented by Summer Basket Decor!
Kristin from White Arrows Home is an old pro at decorating with the vintage large picnic basket option. Her extensive collection of old-fashioned picnic baskets is worth checking out!
And be sure to search for Kristin’s vintage picnic blanket ideas, too. So much inspiration here.
Vintage Picnic Basket Table
I found this image on Pinterest and thought creating a small table out of a vintage picnic basket was a fabulous idea. Unfortunately, I have no idea who owns this creativity, so if you know, please leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to connect you to the originator.
You may also enjoy these 35 Spring & Summer Wreath Door Ideas post.
How to Paint a Picnic Basket
Can’t find a vintage picnic basket that you like? Or maybe you have one that you want to repurpose. Julia over at Tag & Tibby shares how to paint a vintage picnic basket with white stripes. Isn’t this one just gorgeous?
You may also find inspiration in this DIY Basket Woven With Leather Belt post.
Seasonal Simplicity
Amanda Marie of Sincerely Marie Designs stacks her old-fashioned picnic baskets perfectly on this seasonal home tour.
Find more antique basket inspiration in this Antique Baskets Vintage Decor Ideas post.
$6 Picnic Basket Makeover with Transfer
Christy over at Confessions of a Serial DIYer creates that French Country look with her beautiful old-fashioned picnic basket makeovers.
Vintage Style Picnic Blankets
How about a vintage picnic blanket to complement your vintage picnic basket? Here’s a round-up of a few I thought you might like. A vintage quilt would also be darling. You may also enjoy this How to Fold and Display Heirloom Quilts post.
Shop Picnic Blankets
Easy No Sew Outdoor Tablecloth or Picnic Blanket
Jo-Anna of A Pretty Life shares this beautiful idea of making your own easy, no-sew picnic blanket.
How to Make a Waterproof Picnic Blanket
M.E. from Curbly shares how to make this fun waterproof picnic blanket. So creative yet practical!
How to Picnic Like an Event Planner
Looking to step it up a notch? Check out Camille Styles gorgeous picnic ideas.
You may also enjoy How to Fashionably Bring Your Dining Room Outside This Summer.
How to Have a Perfect Picnic in the City
Do you live in the city? Don’t let that stop you from having a terrific picnic. Philip and Mystique of Chef Sous Chef share all their city picnic tips HERE.
The Humble Joys of a Picnic
“Summers may pass in the blink of an eye, but there should always be a moment to slow down and partake in the simple pleasure of a picnic.” Says Sharon of My French Country Home Magazine.
You may also enjoy the How to Create an Outdoor Dining Oasis post.
In Conclusion
Vintage picnic baskets are more than just containers for food and utensils. They are a glimpse into a bygone era, capturing the essence of leisurely outdoor dining and the art of enjoying nature’s beauty. Their craftsmanship, compartmentalized design, and charming accessories make them both functional and visually appealing. Owning an old-fashioned picnic basket allows us to step back in time and embrace the nostalgic allure of a classic picnic experience. So, pack your favorite treats, grab a blanket, and embark on a journey into the past with an old picnic basket by your side.
a Vintage Inspired Car Picnic
You may also find more inspiration in this Fall in Love with a Vintage Inspired Car Picnic post.
A Vintage Affair
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
What a beautiful post. These picnic baskets are so clever and nostalgic. Brings memories of simple joys from days gone by. The ideas are wonderful. I have many baskets that were my Mom’s and I intend to try several of these suggestions. Thank you Ann
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Kathy🧺🙏
Old things are the best, love these ideas!
Thank you so much Marlene🧺
Ann,
What a great post. I love vintage picnic baskets and these are such fun ideas.
Thank you so much Rachel🧺