Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Autumn - perhaps time for a picnic.


I parked in front of a really tacky thrift shop when popping into my local Aldi on Monday
to pick up zucchini, squash, cauliflower, mushrooms etc. for soups - prices half of what you 
pay at the big grocery chains. 
Anyway, this thrift shop is rather nasty but I thought as I was right in front of the door I'd 
toss the veggies in the car and run in for a quick look before leaving.
Who knows, maybe some unexpected treasure would be discovered.
Since my lovely friend Vanessa moved away, and I no longer have a booth at SuzAnna's 
Antiques with her, visiting places such as thrift shops seems to have come to a halt.
My creative juices have dried up lately, but with the cooler weather on the way, I'm feeling 
more like getting out and doing some treasure hunting again!
So, what did I find?

Bob and I have decided we need to get out and visit more of North Carolina, 
especially places we can see during a fun day trip, or perhaps an overnight if we 
want to go a little further.
One item we keep meaning to replace is the old worn out picnic basket which we 
actually threw out a couple of years ago. It would be nice to pack a light lunch, an 
afternoon tea. . . . . or an aperitif if we decide to stay the night and don't have to drive home.

I was thrilled to find the woven basket sitting on a shelf, empty of course, 
but in great condition, no stains or rips in the dark green check lining fabric, 
closure and handles all in great shape.
I asked them if they could discount the price as there were no picnic accessories 
included - they took $1 off and I purchased happily for $6.99 - a bargain!

I thought I'd gussie it up a bit and add some of my pretty antique china and 
serving utensils before taking photos to share with you. 
Of course I will use more utilitarian 
accouterments for a real picnic . . . . . . but no plastic I promise!

Don't you think it's a cute basket, and such an unusual shape which makes 
it look quite vintage.

Do you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Like to picnic?
Have a special basket?
Consider picnicking on golden Autumn days?
Would you like to come along on a picnic some day?

See you in the country!


16 comments:

  1. What a charming basket! We love to picnic. I don't have a basket, we use a cooler. We do have a fabulous portable table that rolls up into a small package and is perfect. We also bring chairs, because this old body has a hard time getting up and down from the ground anymore with my RA. Mr. Comforts and I would love to go on a picnic with you and Bob someday! Hope you are able to head this way in the fall when it is a little cooler.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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    1. Penny I'm always ready to eat with you and K, restaurants, home, and a picnic would be such fun! Know what you mean about taking the chairs along - once I'm grounded on a blanket it's a struggle to get up! Yes, we'd love to come your way and see you and your new home - hopefully later this year after our travels!
      Take care dear friend - Mary

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  2. What an elegant find!
    You mention 'no plastic'...but do have a look at Marks and Spencers picnic ware, it is delightful (and melamine!)

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    1. Barbara - next time I'm home I'll take a look - and if it's lightweight perhaps tuck some in my suitcase to bring back!
      Hope all is well dear.
      Mary -

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  3. That's beautiful, Mary. I'm sure you will make good use of it.

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  4. Yes, yes, yes, yes! I've always loved picnics and in fact have the picnic basket that my dad bought me to take when I left home for the University. It's not fancy, but oh the memories and the sentiment wrapped up within that basket.
    You found a great basket, Mary, and certainly a bargain. It looks lovely with your antique plates, the mother of pearl flatware, and the pretty linens. I don't like to use plastic either, but I do have some fun tin plates that are in the style of French porcelain. I found them at the Musée d'Orsay Gift Shop. Perfect solution! ;-)

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  5. What a special find, I love it! I do think it looks vintage! Okay, you'll have to give us a shout out when you head out, I love picnics!

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  6. Perfect....what a treasure you have found. Enjoy putting it to good use Mary!

    Ciao

    R

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  7. Yes, I would like to come along one day, and we have picnics all year round. The basket is lovely, but we take a little rucksack so that as we walk the hills we have our lunch with us.

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  8. Yes, to all the questions. What a wonderful find and good price too. It "gussies" up quite nicely. Love to have tea outdoors.

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  9. What a great find. I love this basket,,along with all your dishes. Oh, I would love to go on a picnic with you!! (I don't, but would love to!) Glad to see you again!

    Blessings,
    Gert

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  10. Hey, Mary, put me on your invitation list... that looks like fun. and what a great basket to take along!

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  11. What a beautiful basket! I'm sure you will make good use of it. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. That is a beautiful picnic basket you found. I love how you dressed it up in finery that my grandmother would have taken on a picnic when I was a little girl. It was always china - albeit well worn and not 'good' - and perhaps some odds and ends of silverware. The memory stays with me. I have a large picnic basket that will hold dishes and food that was a wedding gift. We haven't used it in years though. We tend to use insulated coolers instead if we should picnic somewhere. Picnics are enjoyable and so are day trips. I hope you get to use your new basket soon. Have a lovely weekend. xx Pam

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  13. We don't go for picnics as such... sadly, my husband being a yachtie all his life can't see the point!
    I enjoy them and as a child we often went on a picnic.
    When we drive out of town I always pack a picnic lunch - I have an old can basket I've had forever and everything goes in that.
    What a bargain Mary and it's a lovely one - well done you!
    Shane x

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  14. That was a wonderful find!! We will have to go "junking" as I love that also! See you soon -Ciao!

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