Spring Time Basket Case

With Springtime just around the corner, outdoor attractions such as parks,beaches and lakes become popular day trips or weekend getaways. Since baby Daniel joined our family in November 2007, long distance vacations are out of the question until he is a bit older. In the meantime, I've shifted my excitement to creating stylish and elegant alfresco dining.


I purchased this picnic basket and matching cooler at William Glen. A durable Sisal weave construction with leather trim and brass hardware. The hard canvas with leather trim wine tote(left) was purchased at Eddie Bauer .


The basket is for 4. However, I converted the basket for six by adding additional plates,knives and forks. I stored the extra 2 glasses in the matching cooler to complete the set for six.


I replaced the original utensils with a more elegant set of stainless steel pattern by Gorham. I also replaced the coffee cups with cut crystal tumblers and finally the white ceramic plates for blue and whites for a more formal setting.
Now, most people I know stop at the picnic basket. Not me.


I like to take it a step further to make certain that in the event I should have to provide my own seating, I am prepared with coordinating ultra lightweight folding chairs and table for my guests. I purchased 6 of the above chairs at Target last year during their clearance sale for $15.00 each. For the grassy knoll, 2 sand toned fleece blankets with waterproof backing.


A blue and white ceramic basket vase such as the one above for 2 small potted flowers and voila! a beautiful portable outdoor setting for six!!! We have tentative(errands/chores permitting)plans for a day trip to Rutherford Hill winery in Napa Valley this weekend which is a 40 minute drive. If we make it, I'll post photos of our spread. Below are 2 vintage cases I found online while browsing for the latest picnic baskets. I hope you enjoy the photos.




A vintage picnic case for 2 (Bonhams)


A vintage portable cafe station (Bonhams)

Following are several picnic baskets/cases that I thought screamed "Class"


The Windsor Basket for 4 available at Bed Bath & Beyond


A beautiful canvas hard shell picnic case with leather trim and wood handles for a party of 4. Available at Picnic World


A sophisticated weekender picnic case for 4 available at Picnic World


The Estate collection picnic case for 4 available at Overstock



Terazzo red striped basket for 4 available at Picnic Fun


Terazzo elite for 2 available at Picnic Fun


Terazzo elite for 2 in Tangerine available at Picnic Fun


Cornish Blue Basket for 4 available at Picnic Fun


Serenity Rose by Sutherland Baskets available at Picnic Baskets Online


Gordon Luxury Wine & Tea Picnic Basket For 4 available at Elegant Picnics


Canvas hard shell picnic trunks with leather trim for 2 available at Neiman Marcus


For the no-limit budget individual with a desire to piss off the masses.


This lavish picnic trunk is by Pinel & Pinel, a purveyor of French luxury well known for its contemporary and bespoke trunks.


You can purchase this trunk for a mere $45,000.00(U.S. Dollars)


This picnic trunk is by Goyard a popular French packing case and trunk maker. The case comes equipped with everything you’d need for a well-dressed picnic table at the Silver cutlery, porcelain plates, crystal tumblers and more are tucked into a leather case in the brand’s signature print.


Picnic Trunk For Six By Louis Vuitton


Vodka,Caviar & Blini anyone? (Louis Vuitton)


This picnic basket by Coach debuted in 2005.