What makes a good picnic basket

Written by Michelin Guide Digital-Singapore. Features Features 1 minute. Features 2 minutes. Chef Malta Michelin Guide. Features 1 minute. Nine new restaurants were awarded One Michelin Star. All articles of Features. Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading.

Dining Out 1 minute. Travel 2 minutes. Dining Out 2 minutes. Bib Gourmand Singapore guide. Features 3 minutes. Dining In 2 minutes. A tote stretches the original definition of a basket, but you'll often see it lumped in with picnic baskets. Lunch totes usually feature two shoulder straps connected to a bag made out of polycanvas.

One of the strong points of the lunch tote is that it's essentially a carryall, so it can be used for more than picnics. Most totes are insulated, can be sealed, and have an extra pocket in the front. Like the lunch tote, the picnic backpack does not fit the traditional definition of basket, but it serves the same function, along with a few extra advantages.

It's a regular polyester backpack that's converted to hold food, accessories, and beverages. The main compartment holds the food and the front compartments usually hold accessories. Now that you know what styles of picnic baskets are available, let's look at the features you need to consider when buying one. If you're the adventurous type who loves having picnics at the summit of a mountain, a basket with only a handle is not going to cut it. That's why how you carry a basket is important.

Here are the four most common carrying options you'll encounter. Most traditional picnic baskets will only have a built-in handle. This is great for traveling short distances because although it doesn't add much weight, it's not the easiest way to hold a basket for long periods of time. This is what you'll see on lunch totes. It slides over your shoulder like a purse. Shoulder straps are great for slightly longer distances and can be more stylish.

As a longer shoulder strap, a sling strap is designed to be worn across the chest like a messenger bag. This is a comfortable way to carry an insulated picnic basket, which is where you will typically find a sling strap. Finally, there are the straps you'd find on a picnic backpack. While a backpack is not a true picnic basket, it's perfect for long excursions because of the way it distributes the weight. Another factor you need to weigh is the size you'll need.

Picnic baskets are categorized by how many people they are meant to serve, though dimensions within those categories vary considerably. Here are the sizes:. If you're a social butterfly who likes to go on double-dates, a four-person basket is a no-brainer. However, if you're the romantic type who only picnics with a loved one, opt for the smaller two-person basket.

Larger families will want a six-person basket. Material is an equally important consideration when selecting a picnic basket because it brings different qualities to the table. These are the main types of materials, but bear in mind that they aren't mutually exclusive, meaning you'll often see different materials on the same basket. As one of the most iconic materials for picnic baskets, willow is chosen for its pliability, which means it's less likely to split when woven together.

It can also be bent around corners, making it an all-around fantastic material for baskets. This material comes from a tropical palm tree and is known as one of the strongest woods available. Rattan is frequently used in wickerwork for durable furniture and baskets. You'll usually find it on the handle of a picnic basket because of its strength.

So how do you make sure your picnic basket is stocked with everything you need to make a memorable outdoor party? Start with these suggestions for dining al fresco to help make sure you're packing a picnic basket that everyone will enjoy.

Items like frosted cupcakes or salads with dressing can be magnets for sand on a beach—and cheese, meats, and mayo-based salads could spoil if left all day in the hot sun. Choose a menu that'll keep for as long as you need it to. We have a few great picnic menus to consider, depending on when and where you're picnicking. Some salads, like panzanella , pasta or potato salads with a vinegar-based dressing, and tabouleh are easier to transport and leave at room temperature than mayo-based options.

Make sure you keep food safety in mind when you're packing your picnic basket! The traditional wooden or wicker picnic baskets look gorgeous, but they generally aren't as good as coolers at keeping everything temperature controlled.

You are now subscribed to the Escape newsletter. About our privacy policy Our Privacy Policy includes important information about our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information including to provide you with targeted advertising based on your online activities.

Now, tell us a bit more about yourself so we can send you travel deals and advice that matter most to you. Departure City. First time commenting? We still need some details from you My Escape Please enter your details below and one of our friendly partners will get back to you within hours. Number of children. Yes, I would like to receive MyEscape Newsletter. By enquiring about this deal, you are consenting to us providing your details to the deal provider who will use and store them in accordance with their own privacy policy.

You also consent to the travel provider giving us information about what deals you book with them. We've sent you an email with the details of your enquiry. Please allow up to one business day for a travel consultant to get in touch to arrange your getaway. Sorry, Enquiry not sent.