There is probably no other item in the world associated with
outdoor fun than the picnic basket. Some picnic baskets are made of handcrafted
wood, and some are made of reinforced fabric, but the construction of the
baskets dims in importance when compared to the promise of good times in the
outdoors projected by the iconic picnic basket.
The different styles of picnic baskets are as numerous as
the deliciously fun items that can be placed in them. Some picnic baskets can
hold plates and eating utensils for as many as six adults, plus bottles of soda
and wine, cheeses, breads, napkins and cloths to spread on the ground. Some
models had straps on the underside of the basket top that will secure stemmed
wine glasses.
The varieties of picnic baskets only add to the fun of
eating on the ground. Some baskets are made of water proof nylon and have
shoulder straps so it can be carried more easily up and down mountain trails
for alfresco dining among the wildflowers that populate the bubbling brooks.
Some picnic baskets are more traditional and are made of shaped wooden slats
woven artfully into an eye-appealing basket shape. These wooden picnic baskets
have attached wooden handles. In either case, many tasty items can be stored
until the delightful destination is reached by the happy people.
A picnic basket is a wonderful physical object that
contains our hopes and dreams for a break from the dull routines of daily life,
and that there is romance associated with these handsome baskets of joy is,
well, icing on the cake often tucked just under the apples and pears.