There is something timeless about a classic wicker picnic basket. It sets the scene for every romantic picnic.
Picnic accessories have evolved to suit modern lifestyles – there is no better evolution than the picnic backpack if you ask me, but a traditional wicker basket for a picnic remains as relevant today as ever.
The vintage wicker picnic basket never goes out of fashion, but thankfully, it too has evolved without compromising on the traditional design.
Features such as integrated insulation compartments, as we highlighted in our best insulated picnic baskets edition are becoming the norm. Beautiful and purposeful picnic accessories with stylish finishes all bring a touch of modern function and practicality to the classic willow picnic basket.
A beautiful wicker basket should not only enhance your picnic aesthetic, it should be practical and useful. We have sourced six wicker picnic baskets that are not only beautiful in the classic picnic sense but are also practical for the purpose.
Whether looking for a basket for yourself or as a beautiful picnic gift, each basket has been chosen to suit a different picnic style and budget. Ranging from picnic baskets for two or four, budget wicker picnic sets through, to luxury heirloom-worthy picnic baskets. There’s even one for the wine enthusiast.
Wicker Picnic Basket Quick Guide
| Image | Brand | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Top | Best Budget Basket | CALIFORNIA PICNIC Basket for 4 Person. | Check Price |
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Top | Best Classic Basket | PICNIC TIME Canasta Picnic Basket. | Check Price |
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Top | Best Basket for Two | PICNIC TIME Somerset English Style Willow Picnic Basket for 2. | Check Price |
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Top | Best Basket for Four | Picnic at Ascot Dorset English Style Picnic Basket For 4. | Check Price |
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Top | Best Luxury Picnic Basket | PICNIC TIME Charleston Premium Picnic Basket with Deluxe Service for Four | Check Price |
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Top | Wine Picnic Basket | PICNIC TIME Verona Insulated Wine Basket for Two | Check Price |
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Best Wicker Picnic Baskets for all Picnic Styles
BEST BUDGET: California Picnic Basket for 4 Person
For a traditional wicker picnic basket with all the trimmings but without the big price tag, the California Picnic Basket for 4 ticks some very budget-friendly boxes.
It has a beautiful vintage look made with quality natural wicker and strong leather-look handles, straps and finishes. It also has a classic check lining in the basket and matching oversize matching waterproof picnic blanket.
In addition to the matching waterproof blanket, it has a full picnic service for four people including:
- Durable Ceramic Plates
- Stainless Utensils (Forks, Knives, Spoons)
- Plastic Wine Glasses
- Cotton Napkins
- Salt and Pepper Shakers
- Corkscrew
While it is not insulated, for the price, the California Picnic Basket is a durable, quality picnic basket loaded with everything you need.
BEST CLASSIC: Picnic Time Canasta Picnic Basket
There is something romantic about a no-fuss classic wicker picnic basket. While the Canasta wicker picnic basket doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of a full picnic set, it is a very beautiful and practical picnic basket.
The simplicity of a well built lined basket will serve you well for any picnic occasion. The basket body is made with a sturdy handwoven willow two strand basket weave. It has a removable form fitting lining that folds over the rim so is easy clean. Leatherette hinges and accents and strong cotton canvas carry straps add to the old world charm.
A unique feature of this classic picnic basket is the rigid wood stain look lid which serves as a stable surface for food and drink. It can also be completely removed to customise your picnic setting.
The Canasta also comes with the Picnic Time Family of Brands BUILT TO LAST Lifetime Pledge to repair or replace if defective for any reason.
BEST BASKET FOR 2: Picnic Time Somerset English-Style Willow Picnic Basket for 2
Taking its cue from classic picnics in the English countryside, the Somerset Picnic Basket is a deluxe, woven wicker masterpiece.
Genuine leather straps, plush corduroy interior, and dual lids to access the complete picnic are just a few of the luxurious features which embody the romance of a classic picnic.
Beautifully fitted out with a complete picnic set for two, the Sommerset Picnic Basket includes:
- Porcelain plates
- Hand-blown wine glasses
- Napkins
- Stainless steel forks, knives, and spoons,
- Stainless steel cheese knife with wooden handle
- Hardwood cutting board
- Stainless steel waiter-style corkscrew
- Set of stainless steel salt and pepper shakers
- Insulated corduroy wine duffel
- Insulated zipper-top corduroy cooler
- Two plastic food storage containers
- An acrylic fleece picnic blanket.
It is also backed by the Picnic Time “BUILT TO LAST” Lifetime replacement pledge. A beautiful picnic basket for two that will last a lifetime.
See a larger selection and review of gorgeously romantic picnic baskets for 2 here.
BEST BASKET FOR 4: Picnic at Ascot Dorset English-Style Picnic Basket for 4, Coffee Set and Blanket
The Dorset English style picnic basket for four, much like the Somerset, is designed with long-lasting quality and beautiful design features at its core.
Beautifully handcrafted using full reed willow with sturdy, genuine leather straps and finishes.
Beautifully fitted out with everything you need for a picnic plus more, the Dorset has a full picnic set for four people. Each basket includes:
Best Luxury Basket: Picnic Time Charleston Premium Picnic Basket with Deluxe Service for Four
When it comes to luxury picnic baskets, the Charelston English Suitcase Style Picnic Basket by Picnic Time is the Rolls Roys of picnic baskets. Described as a true and timeless treasure, an heirloom-worthy masterpiece, this deluxe wicker picnic basket designed with a premium picnic service for four will last a lifetime.
Brimming with luxurious and quality features, every picnic detail has been thought of. Gorgeous genuine leather straps with rustic buckles, buttons, and snaps, sturdy genuine cowhide leather suitcase-style handle, interior removable wine glass basket and extra-large quilted picnic blanket. There is even a low lying slatted wooden table to lay your smorgasbord on.
The picnic set for four includes:
- Four porcelain plates
- Four stemless wine glasses
- Four sets stainless steel flatware
- Acacia wood cutting board and cheese knife
- Low wooden slat serving table
- Patchwork quilt picnic blanket
- Insulated cooler bag and wine duffel
- Corkscrew and bottle stopper
- Salt and pepper shakers
The only downside to this picnic basket, if there really is one, the luxurious nature of it and with a full picnic set for four, plus added accessories, it does tend to be on the larger side. But if you tend to picnic as a family or with friends, this is a basket that will serve you well for many years.
The Charleston Picnic Basket is also Backed by the Picnic Time Family of Brands BUILT TO LAST Lifetime Guarantee.
Best Wine Basket: Picnic Time Verona Insulated Wine Basket with Wine/Cheese Service for Two
Whether it’s a romantic wine and cheese picnic or a summer concert in the park with friends, this sturdy, insulated wicker wine basket is both beautiful and practical.
The Picnic Time Verona wicker picnic wine basket contains everything you need for wine and cheese service for two.
- Hand-blown wine glasses.
- Hardwood cutting board
- Wooden-handled stainless steel cheese knife
- Nickel-plated bottle stopper with real cork
- Stainless steel waiter-style corkscrew
Unlike many wine picnic baskets, this quality picnic set for two has plenty of room for two bottles of wine and food.
Made with strong natural willow, each basket is fully lined with matching cotton napkins available in three print designs. Easy to access dual lid design with premium leatherette accents inside and out and durable canvas carry handles complete the sturdy construction while accentuating the classic picnic design.
The Verona Wine & Cheese Picnic Basket is a beautiful addition to any picnic set for easy to transport, grab and go wine and cheese picnics.
It is also covered by Picnic Time Family of Brands “BUILT TO LAST” Lifetime Pledge to repair or replace if defective for any reason.
You Might Also Like: If you enjoy the simple pleasure of a wine and cheese picnic, we’ve found 13 of the most beautiful and practical picnic wine cooler bags and wine totes with wine and cheese service sets.
Choosing a Wicker Basket
A beautiful wicker picnic basket will be one of your most cherished picnic accessories so when choosing one, make sure you look for quality and practicality, not just the aesthetic.
What is Wicker?
Wicker is not actually a material but a weaving technique. A process of weaving natural, pliable plant products into intricate patterns to create various useful products. Wicker stems from the Scandinavian word “Vika” which means to bend.
Traditionally, wicker has been made from willow, rattan, bamboo, wood and various reed varieties. However, synthetic materials are now widely used as it is lightweight and durable.
What to Look for in a Good Wicker Picnic Basket
When choosing a wicker picnic basket, look for quality and practicality first. Does the basket best suit your needs? Things to look for might be:
- Does it have integrated insulation or insulated inserts.
- What capacity does it have.
- Is it easy to carry and transport.
- How heavy is the basket before it’s loaded.
- What is it made from.
- Does it have a full picnic service set.
- Does it come with additional accessories such as a blanket, thermos, or food containers.
For a classic wicker basket that will be durable and long-lasting, willow, rattan, or bamboo are great choices. If opting for a wooden basket, make sure it has been treated to ensure the wood will not dry out and snap or rot.
The Best Insulated Picnic Baskets to Keep Your Food Fresh