6 proper picnic hampers for fun outdoors

The traditional picnic hampers style hasn’t changed for centuries and there’s a very good reason why: it works a treat, always has and always will. But as it turns out, the whole picnic thing pre-dates the picnic basket we all know and love – and it’s a fascinating tale. So let’s begin with a quick potted history of the wicker picnic hamper, then we’ll reveal some glorious photos of the quality designs we’ve chosen for our shop.

A quick history of picnic hampers

Way back in the 1100s, in Medieval Europe, long before portable picnic baskets were dreamed up, the rich would enjoy elaborate feasts laid out like works of art on huge decorative cloths spread on the ground. The French phrase pique nique, which means to have a light meal outdoors, soon caught on and eventually became ‘picnic’. The word appeared in writing for the first time in 1692, mentioned in a letter written by Lord William Pulteney, the first Earl of Bath.

As the centuries passed the picnic scene spread, adopted by more aristocrats, and the food became ever-more decadent. The traditional wicker basket, crafted by skilled artisans across Europe, was made from natural rattan vine or willow, and wood. These baskets were lightweight, portable, sturdy, and provided the ventilation needed to keep food fresh. The 1800s ultimately saw the picnic habit being democratised, no longer just for the rich but something ordinary workers on their rare days off began to enjoy.

By the time the Industrial revolution had bedded in for real, ordinary people had more spare time, no longer treated like slaves. Picnics in wicker baskets became all the rage. They’re something we still love, whether it means simply hurling a few basic butties into a basket with a flask or creating something lavish and popsh accompanied by wine or fizz.

We love the way the designers of these pretty picnic sets use every scrap of space to efficiently pack everything you could possible need in. The Lifestyle Dorothy Willow Picnic Hamper, above, is an excellent example. The curvy basket contains an entire 4 Person Dining Set and there’s no plastic cutlery or crockery to make your life a misery ;). Just good quality stainless steel cutlery, real ceramic plates, proper wine glasses and an essential bottle opener in the first compartment, plus a cooling bag in the second compartment. Everything is safely strapped down and there’s padding to prevent breakages. A comfortable carry-handle makes it a dream to cart around.

Then, below, we have the beautiful Lifestyle Paddington Picnic Hamper, a smart choice with its classic tartan interior, four plates, four sets of cutlery, four wine glasses in their own little compartmentalised basket, napkins, and handy salt ‘n’ pepper shakers.

The Lifestyle Romantic Willow Picnic Hamper is a popular choice for two people, a romantic option with stainless steel cutlery, two ceramic plates, two wine glasses, a corkscrew, a secure lid and a comfortable briefcase-style handle. There’s also more than enough room for the food itself!

We also love the Lifestyle Home Sweet Home Picnic Hamper, another picnic set designed for four with a luxury cooling bag and easy-going dining set: cutlery, plates, wine glasses and a corkscrew bottle opener, all carefully strapped down and padded for safety where it matters.

Imagine an extra large picnic basket containing everything you need for six people to enjoy an alfresco feast? This is the bunny, the glorious family sized Lifestyle Family Sized Willow Picnic Hamper. Open her up for six perfectly-presented sets of cutlery, plates, wine glasses, plus six ceramic cups in their own little willow holder. There’s a corkscrew bottle opener and salt and pepper shakers too, all packed skilfully into a rich dark brown portable basket that looks really lovely.

What if it’s all about the drinks in your world? We have the ideal solution to drinkies on the go, in the shape of this marvellous Lifestyle Cooler Basket Hamper. Made from thick, strong vertical weave, it holds your drinks perfectly and keeps them cool, with extra space to pack snacks if you like. The cool bag inside works a treat, a clever modern design inside a basket that looks wholly traditional, full of charm.

Now you just have to wait for the weather to play nice! Whichever picnic hamper you choose, whether you’re picnicking in the garden or on holiday, camping, glamping, at a festival or enjoying a day out in the countryside, we wish you a magical time eating and drinking alfresco.