I remember my first vintage basket purchase. It was found at a yard sale over 10 years ago. I’ve always been drawn to baskets, but this was my first vintage find. It’s been a love affair ever since. I’m especially fond of the 50’s and 60’s wicker style baskets.

Many vintage baskets have a wooden, hinged lid. Some have pull out inserts, while others have wooden stands for separating layers. Most of these baskets are not in great shape. You might find baskets have warped tops and broken or bent hinges. These little imperfections just add to the character of your basket.

Wooden style baskets became popular in the 1950’s as many Americans were getting cars and moving to the suburbs. They would pack up the car for a road trip and enjoy their meal while out exploring for the day. It’s fun to think about the families that might have enjoyed these baskets so many years ago.

At last count, I have over 20 vintage picnic baskets. You might wonder what in the world would a person do with so many baskets. These baskets have many practical uses for today. Here are a few ways to use these treasures.

7 Ways to use Vintage Picnic Baskets…

Use as storage containers

Vintage picnic baskets make a great place to store your stuff. Here’s a list of some of the things you can store in your basket.

• Garden tools and gloves
• Craft supplies
• Seasonal paper plates and napkins
• Tablecloths
• Rain gear
• Books
• Candles
• Seasonal and holiday decor
• Kids supplies such as coloring books, crayons and legos
• Winter hats and gloves
• Computer cables, cords and remotes
• File folders
• Cleaning supplies
• Towels
• Blankets and pillows
• CD’s and videos
• Kitchen gadgets
• Games and puzzles
• Dishware

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Use as a side table

Several picnic baskets can be stacked to use as a side table for a chair. This makes a perfect place to set your cup of coffee or tea.

Keep a basket in your car trunk

A basket in your car can be used to store jumper cables, towel, tarp, emergency water, and snacks. Just make sure the basket won’t slide around.

Keep one by your front door as a catchall

This is a great place to stick your library books to return or any items that need to go back to the store. You can just grab the basket and go on your way out the door. No running around searching for all those things you need to take when it’s time to go.

Store in your pantry to sort foods

If your pantry is large enough you can use these baskets to sort various items such as mixes, canned foods, jars of spices or cookie baking supplies.

Use as a container garden

You can use a vintage basket as a container to decorate your garden. Plant the basket with herbs or flowers and place it on your porch. To make, line your basket with several layers of thick plastic. Put a thin layer of pea gravel on the bottom before you add your soil and plants. Always water this basket carefully and do not over water since there’s no drainage. Two words of caution… first, place a tray underneath in case it leaks. Second, if you leave it exposed to the outside elements, moisture can severely damage the basket. An outdoor covered porch is a great place for these filled baskets. Also, I would only use a basket that you aren’t worried about damaging. Check out How to Make a Wicker Basket Planter for complete details.

Go on a Picnic

Of course you can actually use your basket for a picnic. Keep one stashed with supplies so it’s always ready to grab and go. Here’s what to keep in it for an instant picnic.

• A tablecloth
• Plastic or paper dishware
• Napkins
• Plastic silverware
• Plastic cups
• Salt and pepper travel containers
• A small thermos
• Hand sanitizer
• Wipes

There are so many ways to use vintage picnic baskets. Be on the lookout for vintage baskets anytime you’re out at yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets. But be careful, because once you purchase a vintage basket it can become addictive. Before you know it you’ll have more than 20 baskets as well.