Picnic Hampers From Yesteryear

I was told when I bought these wicker flasks that they were originally part of a Victorian picnic basket.

"Think Downton Abbey," she said.

So I did a little research....

I had no idea that this is what she was talking about!

Apparently, the Victorians took their picnics seriously!

I found out that the British Company of G.W. Scott and Sons invented the picnic basket and showed it at the great exhibition of 1851.

In 1922, A.G. Scott exhibited their Coracle brand of fitted luncheon and tea baskets.

The picnic hamper above is probably a poor man's version with its zinc or tin lids and plain dishes.

This leather lined hamper is quite lovely and includes a copper tea kettle!

How proper and elegant alfresco dining would be after a trip to the country in the motor car.

I imagine little cucumber sandwiches and flasks of sherry or tea.

Honestly, if I ever found one of these picnic baskets, I would buy it immediately!

I even think I would use it.

I saved the best one for last.

It was made for a Rolls Royce and fit in the boot of the car.

It is amazing and incredibly rare.

I feel a little sad that my wicker flasks came out of a wonderful hamper like this.

I can only imagine what their original sets were like.  

Are you ready for a picnic yet?

I sure am.  With Fourth of July in just a few days, I'm thinking of hauling out my not-so-Victorian wicker picnic basket and filling it with sandwiches and rosè.

It will be perfect for watching fireworks!