What image does the term “picnic” bring to your mind? Is it a tasty meal that becomes part of an enjoyable outing? Does it bring to mind picturesque settings such as lush landscapes and blue lakes? No matter what picture your mind may envision, a history of picnic baskets quickly reveals that at the heart of the picnic is a meal that is delectable in appearance, tasty to the palate, but first and foremost portable for the participants. Additionally, this very same history of picnic baskets will quickly evidence the steady improvements made to the humble carrying case of such morsels.
14th century England saw the earliest recorded picnics, which were nothing more than pre-hunt feasts and the foods of choice were ham and pastries. It appears that 16th century France referred to a picnic when restaurant diners chose to eschew the house wine and instead furnished their own vintages for enjoyment at the meal.
The 18th century saw the institution of the potluck picnic which allowed for the responsibility for the meal to be spread amongst a number of parties; of course, this also allowed for a number of different tastes and meal ideas to be presented. Hence, history recorded its first need for picnic baskets. After all, how else could all these delicacies is transported from kitchen to meadow?
Naturally, the history of picnic baskets clearly shows that the proverbial wicker basket is a thing of the past, and the next generation baskets are here to stay. Many baskets these days still sport the traditional willow, but from there, some clear new avenues have been explored. The interior may be corduroy, or feature the red and white checked cloth so closely associated with outdoor eating, but the many accessories that routinely accompany this basket all but refuse to let it go into the murky depths of the history of picnic baskets without so much as an honorable mention. Whether it is detachable wine duffel, or an included set of wine glasses and a corkscrew, these little baskets offer many amenities to keep the casual diner delighted, no matter what the content of the basket!
How to Pick the Right Picnic Basket
When it comes to picnic baskets people certainly have a lot of choices. There are many different types of picnic baskets that are sold all over the place and so the decision may be harder than one may think it would be when shopping for one. So, how do people know which picnic basket to choose out of all of the models available? The truth is that it can be quite tough, however, this article will try to make it a lot easier by discussing what to look for when shopping for a picnic basket.
One big factor that people should keep in mind when looking at picnic baskets is what it’s going to be used for mostly. For example, if the picnic basket is going to be taken somewhere where it’s not going to be too hot then a regular picnic basket will do. However, those who plan on taking their picnic basket to the beach may want to get one that is insulated. This is because an insulated model will be able to keep beverages a lot cooler over time tan one that is not insulated.
There are actually a lot of features that have been added to picnic baskets over the years and so it’s important for people to figure out what features are or aren’t important to them. For example, some picnic baskets actually have wine bottle holders on them for those who plan on going on very romantic picnics with their significant other. This may be a feature one wants or it may not be. Either way, it’s important to look over all of the possible features in order to determine which picnic basket is the right one to buy.
Sometimes a picnic can turn into a pretty big affair and that is why there are wheeled picnic baskets. It can be quite tough to fit a lot food and other items into a picnic basket and so bigger ones are needed but those are so heavy and hard to carry. However, that isn’t a problem when people buy a picnic basket that has wheels on it! So, figure out if it’s important to have wheels on the picnic basket or not because it may make the picnic more enjoyable in the end. Hopefully this article has been beneficial to those looking for a great picnic basket!
Wicker Picnic Basket
A wicker picnic basket is ideal for any occasion that necessitates a sturdy, dependable, and fashionable container in which to pack your delectable meals and snacks. Because of its portability, you can take it anywhere – to your garden, the park, or even on a camping trip. This useful basket also makes an excellent gift.
Wicker is a type of material that is used to make a variety of products, including tables and chairs. It is typically made from willow branches, but it can be made from any type of branch. When the wicker branches are collected, they are intricately laced together to form a weave that is secure, sturdy, and classy all at the same time.
A wicker picnic basket typically has one or two handles for ease of transport. A wicker picnic basket’s spaciousness allows you to pack a large quantity of glasses, silverware, cutlery, plates, and other assorted items. A typical wicker picnic basket may include four porcelain china plates, four glasses, four sets of forks, knives, and spoons, a pack of paper napkins, a thermos flask for hot beverages, and a serving tray.
A wicker picnic usually meets the needs of any picnic, and it comes with a five-year workmanship warranty in case it needs to be repaired. This demonstrates the level of quality and pride that wicker picnic basket weavers place in their work.
If the picnic is for more than two people, another picnic basket will be used to hold the food and beverages. With these two baskets, you’ll be able to bring your favorite sandwiches, fruits, meats, and fine wines with you wherever you go. Consider having a delicious meal next to a beautiful stream or under a beautiful sunset. It certainly beats a tv dinner on the couch any day!
Another picnic basket will be required to transport the actual food and beverages. Bring sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres, fruit, meats, water, and a bottle of wine to the party. You can now enjoy a delicious meal outside under your favorite tree, by a flowing stream, or in front of the sunset.
Purchasing picnic baskets can be a difficult task at times due to the vast array of options available. The price is frequently determined by the type of material (for example, wicker), its function (for example, water-proofing, heat insulating), and the type of food that can be stored.
The handcrafted picnic baskets are at the high end of the picnic basket spectrum, providing both style and functionality. There are, however, less expensive options for the budget-conscious consumer. Affordable, reasonably priced weave-style picnic baskets are commonly available in egg or bowl shapes and include food supplies. These are sometimes handwoven with twigs and sold by street vendors.
Cheap gourmet picnic baskets can also be found pre-packaged with delicacies such as smoked salmon, chocolate, and wine, but these are best reserved for gifts.
Picnic Basket for 2
If you are planning to give your partner a romantic surprise, a beautiful picnic basket for 2 should do the job perfectly.
A romantic picnic for two, in general, would make an excellent birthday or anniversary surprise for the love of your life, and will guarantee the both of you an amazing experience that you are likely to look back on in the years to come. However, when it comes to planning what to include in that picnic basket for 2, there are several considerations to keep in mind. While for sure you will want to present him or her with the most spectacular and mind blowing meal you can ever prepare, you can only bring so much to a romantic picnic for two to ensure that there are no mishaps and everything is laid out beautifully.
May this serve as a mini-guide for the romantic at heart on preparing a picnic basket for 2. Learn more on how to go about preparing for a romantic picnic for two and how to make it an experience the both of you will forever remember.
How would you react if someone told you there was a dining table with seating space for 6 on the inside of his picnic box? From its humble roots as a modest storage container, to its new-fangled counterparts born in innovation and functionality, the picnic basket for two sure has come a long way. But designers have far from forgotten its purpose as a handy yet dashing chaperon for any romantic picnic outing.
The quality and sophistication afforded by the average picnic basket for two means you can expect beautiful hand-woven craftsmanship, often furnished with leather handles, hinges and straps for ease of carrying. A good picnic basket would weigh a solid 12lbs to be able to bear the weight of its content, and dimensions should be at least 8 inches wide, 15 inches long and 15 inches in height to be able to carry:
- 2 Bistro Glasses
- 2 Sets of Plates and Cutlery
- 2 Napkins
- 2 Cutting Boards
- 1 Corkscrew
- Salt and Pepper Shakers
- Wine stopper
- Canvas
- 1 Food container
- 1 Wine pouch
Picnic Baskets for 2 make perfect gifts for that lovey-dovey couple you know or as a personal Valentine’s Day gift. Specialized picnic baskets with a romantic motif are available and sometimes come prepacked with gourmet goodies for the road.
Romantic Picnic Basket for Two: Key Considerations
One of the most important things to consider when it comes to preparing a picnic basket for 2 is how much food to include and which types of food to offer. If in your mind you are planning to pull out all the stops to lay out a grand banquet, it is best to come to terms with practicality and realize that it is not a group party. Choose only food types that are easy to bring yet offer that same experience of pleasure, bringing about romance and comfort.
If you are planning to make it a casual romantic picnic basket for two, you can opt for mini sandwiches and cocktail snacks, such as mini sausages and pineapples on sticks. These make for tasty, yet filling finger food, and will bode easy for you to pack in a picnic basket and bring to the venue. For drinks, you can opt for sparkling cider or alcopops, as these make for tasty and flavorful beverages to complement your meal.
However, if what you have in mind is something a little more formal and sophisticated, your romantic picnic food can include meats or deli, cheeses and wine. This will certainly put love in the air for both of you! Include a mini-range of cold cuts (ham, salami, sausages and other cuts, for instance), cheeses (opt for a variety of flavors — strong cheddar, mild brie and exotic blue cheeses) and two bottles of wine to make the experience a lot more indulgent.
Planning a romantic picnic basket for two will help make the experience an unforgettable one, so if you’re planning to surprise your special someone, put extra thought into what you’re going to include in the picnic basket for 2.
Picnic Basket for 4
For some families, the weekend picnic has and will be the perfect way to spend quality time with each other. Much of this superbly-quaint tradition lies in the packing of the picnic basket, and there indeed can be no better metaphor for the depth of family ties than the intricately and lovingly weaved material that stays together through both rough and good times. This but goes a little way in illustrating the importance of selecting a picnic basket that suits the occasion.
In choosing a family picnic basket for 4, careful consideration needs to be taken regarding space. A good family basket should be able to accommodate sandwiches, salads, bowls, plates, cutlery and cups for 4 easily. Compartmentalization is often overlooked in this particular aspect, so make sure that your basket has enough compartments to store your tableware, food, and drink separately without knocking or spillover.
If temperature-sensitive foods/drinks are to be served at the picnic, your picnic basket for 4 has to be thermally-insulated (look out for a layer of padding lining the inner surface of your basket).
Generally, prices on baskets will vary based on the material-type of the weave.
Wine Picnic Basket
Picnics are no doubt the perfect excuse for soaking in brilliant emerald canopies, bird songs, and gurgling creeks while sipping your favorite wine. Picnics mean relaxation and luxury away from the hectic, hostile humdrum of city life.
The essence of every picnic lies in a good picnic hamper, and picnic hampers have definitely come a long way from its simple roots as goody-carrying containers. Nowadays, each picnic basket has unique aesthetic appeal as well as unparalleled functionality. At the top of its class is the wine picnic basket, which includes glass wine bottles and thermal insulation for proper wine storage.
Wine picnic baskets are often sold in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. They can come in nylon, polyester, canvas, rattan, wood or leather varieties and sometimes come equipped with temperature control, a waterproof cooler section, detachable pouches and customized brass accents amongst other flourishes.
Nowadays you can choose from two different types of basket varieties: the hand-carry or the trolley. Both afford ease of transportation and protection to the products within which may or may not come with the picnic basket. Optional items sometimes included are: Break Proof crockery, corkscrews, linen accessories, wine, cheese or chocolate.
Picnic Basket Ideas
With the advent of plastic containers which afford convenience to the savvy packers, sometimes us avid picnickers can be lead to question whether picnic baskets are really necessary. However, we soon come to realize that the essence of a good picnic lies in the homeliness and comfort that it has to offer. This is what picnic baskets have to offer.
Nowadays, we picture most picnic baskets as archaic, wood-weaved fragile creations. The more evolved picnic basket ideas, however, have come to be seen as trendy and practical, with baskets that have intricate designs and excellent function.
Picnic baskets usually come in different variations for different situations. An insulated picnic box will keep your beverages cool, and your food hot. A water proof picnic basket, on the other hand, will keep your phone, paperwork and clothing dry. Most baskets nowadays even have extra compartments for additional storage options.
If you’re looking for convenience, there’s nothing easier to use than a wheeled picnic basket, eliminating the hand-carry load for those that find it cumbersome. This innovation is further aggrandized with one-size-fits-all picnic baskets that are voluminous enough to take your silverware, drinking glasses, sandwiches, table cloth and even your wine bottles!
The huge selection of picnic basket ideas means that you have to be discerning enough to sort out exactly which ones you’ll need for any particular occasion.
The Perfect Gift for Summer – The Picnic Gift Basket
There’s simply no better excuse for a family reunion than a picnic. Spend time with your family, arrange corporate parties and spend a little time with that special someone in the great outdoors and with equally great food. And if you’re looking for that perfect summer gift, you simply can’t go wrong with a picnic gift basket!
Not only is a picnic gift basket a fun gift, it is also practical in that you can make one easily yourself. You’ll need a moderately large picnic basket. Line its insides with a flowery tablecloth and add plastic utensils in cheery colors. Try going for a matching color scheme with the utensils and napkins.
Throw in a few snacks that won’t spoil easily like cookies, potato chips, canned food. You’ll also want a few bottles of ketchup and mustard to liven things up. A useful addition to every picnic basket is a homemade checklist of picnic foods and items. A sample list could include the following items:
- Hamburgers
- Patties
- Drinks
- Desserts
- Hotdogs
Feel free to personalize the list (eg. romantic, family) for that extra hand-made touch. You can also include physical items such as lawn chairs, makeshift tables, umbrella stands, blankets and even picnic games!
Try not to go overfill your picnic basket because an unwieldy picnic basket can be cumbersome. Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-made picnic gift basket at most local retailers. These come in gourmet variations with wine and cheeses and can make appropriate gifts for relatives with more discerning tastes.
Picnic Coolers
If you take your family out for picnics often, or you are otherwise put at the helm of putting together successful picnics, then you would know that the importance of picnic coolers is understated. Picnic coolers help keep food at ideal temperatures for long periods of time and can help to keep food from spoiling. Picnic coolers are generally available in massive variety and range from small tote soft-sided coolers to 4-wheeled cooling powerhouses to cooler backpacks!
Soft-sided tote picnic coolers are basically long-handled tote bags with a reinforced based that are usually known to its powerful thermal-insulation capabilities. The heat-resistant, waterproof layers mean that your food, wines and cheeses are not bound to spoil easily. Some coolers come furnished with additional compartments for alcoholic beverages. A known gripe with this type of cooler is its lack of space, for which is compensated by its extreme portability. This branch of featherweight coolers can be brought practically anywhere thanks to its size and lightweight construction. These tote-style sling-over-your-shoulder coolers are available in a variety of designs and can-capacity ranging from 12 to 30 cans.
Another common type of cooler is the backpack cooler. These are less voluminous then their soft-sided counterparts but are easier on your body load-wise. Most of these can accommodate enough picnic supplies for 2 but there are larger variations that can store up to 4. There are even specialized wine coolers that can store glasses, napkins and a bottle opener in addition to your bottle of wine.
One of the larger members of the picnic cooler family is the wheeled cooler. These 4-wheeled carriers can store enough supplies for a large group of people, making them perfect for corporate events or large family gatherings. These containers can hold up to 40 cans of good and 15 bottles of drinks due to the superior cold retention owing to its extra lid insulation, holding ice up to five or six days at temperatures up to 90° F. Two way handles and wheels help with its portability. This kind of cooler is also the most hardy because of its sturdy construction.
Picnic Blankets
Having something warm, dry and comfortable to sit on is a comfort that is oftentimes appreciated only in the setting of a picnic. First-time picnickers will trot onto their virgin picnics with only newspapers only to realize a good picnic blanket is important, if not necessary for a successful picnic. Hence it is best that you take your time to sift through the various cotton, fleece and waterproof blankets out there to decide which is best.
First you’ll have to take into consideration the number of people attending the picnic; if it is a corporate-sized event, then large oversized picnic blankets are in order. Smaller blankets are more portable and can be kept quite handily in your car or backpack for the avid camper. If you intend for more adventurous expeditions, then a waterproof picnic blanket that can be reused readily might be a wise choice. Not only can you use these waterproof picnic blankets as bum rests, they make pretty good tarps too.
Material is another important factor you may want to take into consideration. Softer blanket materials like fleece might be more comfortable to sit on, but the inevitable trade of is the lack of waterproofing and ease of staining. Waterproof blankets tend to be thinner but can keep your clothes safe from dew, mud or puddles of rainwater. Take into account the location of your picnics so you’ll be able to make a more savvy decision.
If you do not already own a picnic blanket, or need one urgently, consider using the non-specialty blankets you already have. A canvas sheet can also work. Consider using picnic tables available at your picnic venues or purchase portable ones of your own.
Remember, just because you’re going outside does not mean you have to rough it!
Picnic Backpack
If you’re looking for convenience and portability for your picnics, then you’re in the market for some swanky picnic backpacks.
What are some of the more common models of picnic backpacks? A picnic backpack in its most stripped down, essential form, is an insulated backpack with straps. It will keep your food well-insulated with its light-weight thermal-regulating fabric. Further up the backpack chain are the thermoelectric insulating models that will cool your food and beverages. These are bulkier but will keep meat from spoiling easily. Both types of coolers are insulated enough to keep your fruits and vegetables from wilting. Keep in mind that the thermoelectric models will have to be amply charged before usage.
Other picnic backpack models are manufactured with the cooler compartment as an aside to the main storage compartments that will hold your picnic accessories. These will keep your fragile plates and wine glasses safely, as well as silverware, cups and a picnic blanket. Generally, picnic backpacks like these have just enough storage space for up to a picnic for 4, so you might want to consider bringing an additional picnic basket to accommodate more. Keep in mind that these are also more expensive since plates and silverware are usually included.
Next are the specialty picnic backpack models that include the wine/coffee backpack models. They come with compartments that stow plates, glasses, napkins, silverware, cutting board, cheese container, corkscrew and stopper. Also, these are spill-resistant because they come equipped with a removable water proof inner lining. These backpack models are suited for carrying these specialty items only and another container is required for other meal items (if planned).
Picnic backpacks can make excellent gifts because of their versatility. Regardless of use, a picnic backpack is one item you’ll want to seriously consider acquiring if you value portability and functionality.
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