Picnic basket facts for kids
A picnic basket is a special basket used to carry food and dishes for a picnic. It's a common item for outdoor meals. Many traditional picnic baskets are made from woven wicker.
While a basic picnic basket is simple, some are very fancy! These larger baskets might have special insulated sections to keep food hot or cold. They can also hold wine glasses, porcelain plates, and cutlery. These items are often held safely in pockets inside the basket. Some modern picnic baskets even come with blankets you can take off and sit on.
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Different Kinds of Picnic Baskets
Picnic baskets come in many shapes and sizes. A simple one just holds your snacks. More detailed baskets are like a mini kitchen on the go!
These fancy baskets often have:
- Insulated parts for hot and cold foods.
- Special spots for wine glasses and plates.
- Pockets to hold cutlery, sauces, and a corkscrew.
- A special section for a bottle of wine, which is a popular drink for picnics.
- Sometimes, they even have a blanket attached that you can spread out.
A Look Back in Time
Picnic baskets have changed over the years. In 1953, an interesting picnic hamper was made for American families. It was designed to clip onto the back seat of a car! This special hamper had a small, built-in icebox. It also had trays that could slide out, so everyone could eat away from bugs like ants.
What to Pack in Your Basket?
Picnic foods are usually easy to eat outdoors. They often include things that are already made. Think about sandwiches, pies, fruit, and cakes. Pre-made salads are also popular.
In 1917, an Australian newspaper suggested a big list for a picnic for 12 people. It included:
- Lots of different sandwiches (ham, tomato, salmon).
- Roast chicken.
- Many kinds of cakes and pastries (sponge cake, currant cake, scones, Queen cakes, lemon cheese tartlets, lamington cake, cream puffs, custard puffs).
- Biscuits and butter.
- Drinks like homemade lemon syrup and milk.
- Sugar and tea.
- Mixed fruit and sweets.
- Things for serving, like a small kettle, plates, cups, a jug, and a drying cloth.
- A Billycan (a type of cooking pot), matches, knives, and spoons.
Where Did the Idea Come From?
The word "hamper" comes from an old French word, 'hanapier'. This word meant a case for goblets or cups. The idea of carrying food in these baskets came from France in the 1600s.
At first, these baskets were used to carry wine. Travelers then started using them for their own food. Long journeys often meant staying overnight at inns where the food might not be very good. So, travelers would bring their own better food in these baskets, which became known as hampers.
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