How to add Vintage Flair to your next Outdoor Gathering
Summer is the perfect season for outdoor gatherings and incorporating vintage picnic baskets can add a unique and charming touch to your party. We recently celebrated my Mom’s 90th birthday. She chose “old fashioned picnic” as the theme. So…we used vintage picnic baskets as a design element throughout the party decorations.
Picnic baskets are readily available at thrift stores and yard sales for very reasonable prices. Consider collecting a few for fun and function!
In this post you will find care instructions for your baskets and lots of functional and inspirational ways you can incorporate them into your next outdoor gathering!
What to Look for when choosing a Picnic Basket
You may want to create a “collection criteria” by limiting your purchases by style, color, era, or size. Or…you may want to leave your criteria open to what you find!
Before purchasing, carefully check the body of the basket, the handles, and the lid for damage. Some “patina” or “wear” add to the character of the basket.
Purchase baskets using your own level of “desired character”.
When choosing baskets, consider how they will be used…do they need to be functional or just decoration? For example, if it is missing a handle…can the remaining handle be removed and still function in a way that is acceptable?
You may also want to give them “the smell test”. Smoke and pet smells are harder to remove from baskets that have wood sides or bottoms.
How to Clean Vintage Picnic Baskets
Most wicker baskets can be submerged in water for a short time and cleaned with warm water, dish soap, and a brush. You can also use an outdoor hose with a spray nozzle to remove dust. After they are washed, place the baskets in the sun to dry.
Vintage baskets with pressboard bottoms and lids (like the one shown above) should not be saturated with water because they will warp. These can be vacuumed and then wiped with a damp cloth. Open the lid of these baskets and let them air-dry in the sun as well.
Creative Ideas
When your baskets are clean and ready to go…use them to enhance both the function and style of your next outdoor gathering.
Picnic Basket Buffet
Set up a buffet station using vintage picnic baskets to hold various dishes. Line the baskets with red checked napkins or tablecloths to add a classic picnic feel.
Use smaller baskets for napkins, and condiments, and larger ones for bread, sandwiches, and snacks. This not only keeps your food organized but also creates an inviting, nostalgic display. Use baskets to add height and display food at different levels.
Centerpiece Arrangements
Turn your picnic baskets into beautiful centerpieces. Fill them with seasonal flowers, greenery, or even fresh fruits.
Drape checked dish towels or napkins over the edges of the baskets to add color and additional interest.
Fill red vases and vintage coolers with fresh cut flowers.
Place your decorated baskets and flowers along the center of your table on top of a red and white table runner. The combination of natural elements and vintage charm will make your tablescape stand out.
Side Tables and Storage
Place baskets next to quilts in the grass. They can be used as side tables to hold drinks.
Incorporating vintage picnic baskets into your summer party décor is a great way to blend functionality with style. So… dust off those charming old baskets and get creative with your next outdoor entertaining event!
Additional Outdoor Party Decoration Ideas
Beverage Station
Fill sturdy glass containers with ice and assorted drinks like lemonade and ice tea to create a beverage station. Add slices of lemons to the drinks for decoration and flavor. Place drinks in a shaded spot to keep them cool.
Cutlery Station
Use enamel containers for small baskets to hold cutlery and place them on your buffet table.
Plates and Napkins
Use lemons or other citrus fruit to secure napkins and plates from wind.
Charcuterie Station
A charcuterie station is a good place for guests to gather as they arrive.
Use baskets and small bowls to hold a variety of finger foods.
Food labels are always a welcome sight for those with allergies.
What’s Most Important
The most important thing for all gatherings is spending time with friends and family. Celebrating my Mom was an honor and a wonderful memory making event for our whole family!
We asked everyone to make a name tag so that others would know how they were connected to my Mom. When someone asked Otto how he was related to “Grandma Jean” he quickly took off his hat and said “we have the same color of hair”. That was one of the best quotes of the day!
Party Checklist
Just for Fun
These three ideas and images were created with the help of AI…
Outdoor Games Kit
Repurpose a vintage picnic basket as an outdoor games kit. Fill it with items like frisbees, playing cards, or a badminton set. Having a designated basket for games makes it easy for guests to grab what they need and keeps your outdoor space tidy.
Blanket and Pillow Storage
Keep extra blankets and pillows handy in a large vintage picnic basket. This is especially useful for evening parties when the temperature might drop. Guests can easily help themselves to a cozy wrap, and the basket keeps everything looking neat and organized.
Decorative Lighting
Create a cozy ambiance by placing battery-operated string lights or lanterns inside a vintage picnic basket. This can serve as a unique lighting fixture for your outdoor space. The gentle glow from the basket will add warmth and charm to your party as the sun sets.
Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next party or hunting for vintage picnic baskets, remember that the joy of these experiences lies in the shared laughter, stories, and memories created together. Here's to many more memorable gatherings under the sun!
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