During most of my single years living here in Chicago, my mother and grandmother labored under the delusion that perhaps all I needed in order to find love in the city was....a picnic set! I think they envisioned long, romantic Victorian-style picnics by the lake, me with a parasol and a long lace dress. On more than one occasion, I received the picnic set to match -- gigantic wicker baskets lined with fabric and overflowing with floral patterned plastic dishes and cups. Dreadful.
Happily, both my single days and those picnic sets are nothing more than a memory these days. But recently, I was inspired to revisit the land of picnicware and I'm happy to report that things have evolved tremendously.
During a recent visit to my sister and brother-in-law's home in Charleston, they took me for a sunset cruise in their small fishing boat. We brought along some wine and cheese for munching and the ride was so pleasant and relaxing I remarked that if I were them, I would plan to regularly pack a picnic and spend weeknights eating dinner on the boat. Of coure, doing so would be much simpler if they had a little picnic set specifically for the boat.
So, upon my return I did some shopping online in search of the perfect set. After sifting through a number of sites featuring a wide array of wicker/floral offerings and utilitarian camp-style backpacks, I finally stumbled upon the Metro Melrose set. Available in red or lime fabric, this basket is fully insulated, spacious enough to pack plenty of food and drink, and features a side compartment complete with melamine plates, cups, silverware and fabric napkins for 4. And, refreshingly, the set features a bright, modern geometric print in cheerful colors....no Victorian florals in sight.
Even if you don't own a boat, this set would be perfect for anyone who frequently goes to the beach, attends outdoor concerts...or even for a romantic picnic in the park. I'm still on the hunt for that parasol.
5 comments:
That basket is amazing! I want to start picnicking just so that I can own it. It's quite affordable too!
I know....I had looked at one originally that was SUPER cute but over $100 dollars. I've been referring to it as the "Yuppie Picnic Bag"...so I was thrilled to find this in comparison. My sister recieved it over the weekend and they've already used it and loved it. I'm debating buying another one for myself. Maybe JiT will take me on that victorian picnic. Although its more likely we'll end up sitting on our living room floor watching Netflix. Oh well...
Wow that is pretty cool. There is a grocery tote/picnic basket at the Container Store that is cool and folds up. I don't think I need a picnic basket for one person but I'll keep this in mind!
Bayjb - If you need something for one....they offer the perfect thing: Metro Uno a picnic basket for one! Perfect for workday lunches or toting hardboiled eggs to knitting. I'm just full of solutions!
Ohhh, this would be perfect for my friends and I to take to the lake for picnics! LOVE IT!
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