Fun Wicker Picnic Basket

What is a picnic and were did it begin? A picnic is a form of entertainment where people get together to enjoy each other’s company and each participates by bringing an item of food to be served at the picnic. The picnic is not a new concept and can be traced back to the medieval days in England when an outdoor feast preceded a hunt or holiday celebration. Each participant contributed food to be included in the faire of the celebration. It is therefore, historically noted that the picnic began in Europe. The word picnic is known and understood in many languages throughout Europe. But, the fun wicker picnic basket came much later.

The fun wicker picnic basket is made of sturdy materials able to carry heavy items. The materials used are often rattan, reed, bamboo, or willow.  Wicker is not in itself a plant and the basket is considered a piece of furniture and is so classified. Wicker refers to any plant item that can be bent and woven.  .Wicker first made its appearance in the United States in the 1800’s and was made of reed which was not as sturdy as it should have been for its manufacture of chairs. Reed was followed by rattan, which was sturdier, in making wicker items. Lastly willow became the ideal plant for the manufacture of wicker furniture and household items. Wicker was found to be popular in early Egypt but not too much reference is made to its use. History also tells us that wicker items were found in Pompeii.

Eventually, wicker was used in the manufacture of the fun wicker picnic basket. The picnic basket was used by all and transported to its destination in many interesting ways. In the early days of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the wicker picnic basket was owned by most every spinster to have on hand in the event she was asked to picnic with a prospective suitor. She would pack this fun wicker picnic basket with an almost complete meal consisting of cold meats, side dishes, dessert and a beverage. Because beverages could not be kept cold or hot, the beverage of choice with the meal would be wine. She would also  pack into the picnic basket a tablecloth and napkins. A blanket to sit on would be carried separately.  Families also enjoyed picnicking as it would be quality time spent with the family in an enjoyable and entertaining way.

Transporting the fun wicker picnic basket was a little bit of a chore since most of the picnic areas could not be walked to. It was transported in the earlier days by horse and buggy, later on the back of a tandem bicycle and with the advent of the automobile in the 1920’, on the back seat of the automobile. Having a meal in a quiet tranquil place is still enjoyed today but the fun wicker picnic basket is now called a picnic hamper. It is still made of the same materials but made a little sturdier to accommodate the heavier bowls and tableware made today.

Here is a selection of Wicker Picnic Baskets: