Picnic baskets come in
all shapes and sizes, but the thing that distinguishes a picnic basket from a
food hamper is that the picnic basket includes an integrated way to carry
utensils and
plates and such. The fancier the basket, the more elaborate the system may be. The most basic is probably just strips of elastic, which is easy to
do yourself. Others have fabric lining with the elastic covered and matching, or pockets with buttoning covers, or velcro, etc. The basket may come with the utensils, which can range from
cheap plastic to
crystal and
silver. Many also have a
thermos or a thermos-holder, or even a place for a
wine bottle. It may have space for
blankets in addition to
food,
drink and
utensils.
Picnic paskets actually range in price from around $15 to well over $200. The basic kinds are:
-
basket, which may be
hamper-shaped as described by
pukesick or more 'basket-like'
-
suitcase-like, usually made out of
wicker (very popular during the late
Victorian age)
- a
backpack, a recent trend that is less
romantic, but somewhat more
practical as it can be built with high-tech cold-retaining fabric, and is certainly easier to take on a
hikePicnic baskets get less and less popular in this
age of fast food, but they are a
romantic reminder to
take it easy. You can still buy the
food out if you like, and put just the blankets and utensils in the basket. Nothing quite like a
picnic!