A couple of years ago my husband gave me a handmade picnic basket that he stocked with exquisite 1220 ceramic plates, small—3.25 ounce—Duralex glasses for wine, linen napkins in a color that I love that he might not, and a Matador waterproof groundcover. This gift was incredibly personal and still highly functional.
I cannot discourage the high level of hunting and gathering, as a couple years later I find his effort touching still. That said, if you lack the time or energy to commit to this kind of custom selection, Williams Sonoma’s Sausalito picnic basket for four tucks everything in place leaving you to pick up dinner. My chef’s choice? If we’re short on time and he’s not cooking, it’s Brookside Price Chopper fried chicken. You won’t regret it.
Handwoven willow basket, $55, from PlanetVineUA on Etsy.
Duralex Picardie glass tumblers, $30 for a set of six. Available at Williams-Sonoma at Town Center Plaza.
Handmade black-velvet porcelain plate, $24.56, from 1220 Ceramics Studio.
Matador mini pocket blanket, $29.99.
Riviera off-white linen napkin, $104 for a set of four. Available at Terrasi Living & Scandia Home on the Country Club Plaza.
Sausalito picnic basket, $164.95, from Williams-Sonoma.