Wicker Picnic Baskets

Wicker picnic baskets are made from the lightest and sturdiest of materials. Wicker picnic baskets are made from the entire rattan plant itself, including the cores or canes of the rattan stalk, or even the entire thickness such as willow switches. This is the most common plant material used but, other plant materials which have been used include reed and bamboo.

Wicker is believed to come from a Scandinavian term of wika. Its meaning is appropriately defined as “to bend” in Swedish and the word wikker means willow. Although wicker is not an actual material itself, it is a furniture classification, as wicker is considered to be any type of plant fiber that is hard woven.

As a historical reference to its popularity within America, wicker made its appearance around 1850 when it was introduced in such products as furniture and chests. Other forms of wicker to be used are from the rattan vine which can grow to lengths of 600 feet and diameters ranging from 1/8 of an inch to more than 2 inches.

The popularity of using rattan for manufacturing of wicker pieces is in the fact that rattan is a solid core vine which adds to its sturdiness. Reed is a weaving swamp grass which is very similar to straw and was used more in the early versions of American wicker chairs. The final plant material used in manufacturing of wicker pieces is willow. Willow is perfect as a weaving material due to its light weight and durability as a weaving material.

Wicker has its deep origins dating back to Egyptian times and has even been found in Pompeii. Wicker baskets are the most historical of plant manufactured pieces; and today, this is especially true with modern day wicker picnic baskets. The picnic baskets you find today are not only sturdy but are also elegant as it adds a touch of country classic feeling when you venture out for a picnic on the hillside.

Most of today’s wicker picnic baskets are made from willow switches of the rattan plant making them very stylish and functional. One of the reasons that wicker is used for making not only furniture but baskets, is due to the flexibility of the plant material itself. When the wicker straws are woven together and interlaced, this creates a very tight weave, resulting in a solid, simple and elegant product. As there is no plastic material involved in making most wicker picnic baskets , it is perfect for carrying anywhere.

Wicker is the most popular material used in such things as baskets and furniture as it is not only abundant but also versatile since it is easy to bend in order to weave the wicker straw together. Many wicker picnic baskets are generally used for dry food products as the lining that comes with the wicker basket is not insulated for wet food products such as cold drinks. They are also not generally padded inside. You will need to ensure bottles are well packed so they will not break with any small impacts to the basket.

With a few exceptions, many of the picnic time baskets have either PE foam between the inner lining and the wicker or have a quilted backing on the lining. However all glasses are held in place either with elastic, leather or leatherette straps and packed to reduce any chance of breaking. Many come with insulated and padded totes for you drinks.

If you purchase a luxury wicker basket, you will find some of the higher end products include such as fine bone china mugs, porcelain china plates, water glasses, cotton napkins, and an insulated thermos for hot or cold beverages, willow glass tray and a corkscrew. These baskets also allow for serving up to six individuals. As you will find this type of luxury wicker picnic baskets loaded more with the items needed to serve your food and drinks, there is virtually no room inside for the actual food or beverages, you will need to bring along a separate picnic basket to hold such things as sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres, fruit, meats, cheese, and a bottle of wine to serve all six guests.

All picnic time wicker baskets use real glasses. Most items have melamine plates which are incredibly durable. The plates in the English collection are porcelain but again they are strapped in place and rarely do we get reports of breakage.

Not to mention any glasses or plates that are received broken are replaced at no charge.

And all have space for food and wine except the Bacchus which just holds the wine.

As someone who had a family that required a setting for six let me just add that if you require more than 4 settings you may want to consider having two wicker picnic baskets. That way you have plenty of room for food and drinks etc but when the children grow and move on you have two to pass on. One perhaps to the eldest child when they start their family and another to keep and use till you have finished picnicking and then pass on.

When someone purchases a wicker picnic basket, they are looking more for a traditional way of packing their lunch or family picnic feast. If you are looking for a wicker picnic basket which not only lasts a long period of time, but also proves to retain its shape year after year, a picnic basket made from any one of the many different wicker plant products will easily ensure that the money which you have spent on any one of these baskets is well spent. These baskets can also be considered as a family heirloom for future generations to enjoy with their own families. They are stylish and retain their classic look and appeal.

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