I shared a peek at the gift I assembled for my dear friend’s wedding gift yesterday. It’s something I’ve been putting together for a while, and I’m really happy how it all came together. I also think it’s a fun idea for a great wedding/shower/housewarming/just because gift.
So, I thought I’d share what I included in the picnic basket, including the homemade pieces. Here’s the anatomy of a picnic basket, NewlyWoodwards style…
Plates
The idea began when I saw these plates at Joss & Main. (They aren’t available at Joss & Main anymore, but they are the Arbor Navy & Pink dinner plates.)
They screamed to me. “Buy these for your friend Ashley.” (Don’t online items ever speak to you?) They are fun and modern and hot pink. Perfect for her. And since Ashley’s wedding was coming up, I knew I could make these work for a gift. This was months ago, but I ordered them straight away with her soon-to-be married initial and decided that I’d include them in her gift in some way.
Napkin rings
Then, I spotted these monogram silver napkin rings at Bed, Bath and Beyond. And I had to buy them, too. (Okay, and I bought some for Ryan and I, too. I’m nothing if not selfish.)
So at this point, I had a theme going on. Personalization is all the rage, so I decided to run with it. And I wanted her gift to be something unique and special, so the personalized picnic basket was born. I like this idea for a wedding gift because it’s something you’d never buy for yourself. But, how often do you have to bring things to a potluck or bring picnic-wares to an outdoor concert or tailgate? This is perfect for that, so I think it’s pretty practical.
And since the plates were navy, white and hot pink, I decided to stick with those colors as I was filling the basket.
Napkins
I picked up these cute ric-rac napkins for a steal at Pier One. I like having white napkins, so versatile. I was planning to embroider them, but I thought they were cute as-is. And I was getting a little personalization-happy. (Is there even such a thing?)
Basket
I was on the look-out for a basket that would be useful for a cool, modern couple, but the normal wicker just didn’t fit. So, I ordered this fabulous collapsable market basket from Etsy seller Cupcake Stitches.
I really like this basket a lot. It’s great for a picnic, but just as useful for a trip to the farmer’s market.
Silverware
To avoid disposable utensils, I picked up a set of four place settings from Target. They included a knife, fork and spoon for each.
I originally planned to make a roll-up placemat with pockets for the napkin and utensils that I found in the book One Yard Wonders. But, after I cut the pieces, they seemed pretty small and I wanted to use the napkin rings instead of sticking the napkins inside the pocket, so I improvised.
I ended up making this little caddy with the extra fabric I had leftover from the pot holders and casserole carrier I made for Ashley for her shower. I like that everything coordinates. And I thought it was handy to have a place for the silverware, so it doesn’t get lost in transit.
It rolls up, as you can see above on the far left.
I didn’t use a pattern, but it’s really pretty simple. It’s quite similar to the colored pencil holder I made for Shelby last year.
Glasses
The cute melamine wine glasses are from Target. Perfect because there are two blue ones and two pink ones.
I also included a bottle of Asti in the basket. Because what good are wine glasses without sparkling wine?
Blanket
And, finally my favorite part – the picnic blanket.
I didn’t want anything too fussy and I was hoping to pull in a monogram in some way.
I used Twirly Candy Pink for the top and Solid Candy Pink for the back. They are both medium-weight fabrics, which I think will hold up well. There is cotton batting in between, so it’s quite thick. I was able to use the same fabrics for all the gifts for them, and I like the consistency of that.
I cut the “C” out using Wonder Under and my Cricut. (So cool! This is the first time I’ve tried cutting fabric.)
But the coolest part, in my opinion, is that the blanket is super portable. You simply fold it in half twice and roll it up like a sleeping bag.
I made a cuff with a handle so it is easy to bring with you. I embroidered it with the couple’s wedding date and last name on my machine.
I may or may not have put it together inside out two times before getting it right. (That wasn’t annoying at all.) But, if it would have been right the first time, it would have been a quick project. In fact, I’d like to make one for Ryan and I to keep in the car.
For someone special in your life, a picnic basket could be a good gift idea. It takes a little time to assemble, but it’s a fun process and I love that the end result is personal and fun for the recipient.
I hope it’s something the couple enjoys and can use a lot. From a romantic picnic for two to tailgating or heading to a potluck. And if they are ever in the mood for a picnic for 4, I told the newlyweds to give the Woodwards a call. We’ll bring the wine.
What do you think?
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This is such an awesome gift! I love every bit of it!
Can you stop hogging all the talent now? Share a little please. You are gift-making & gift-giving extraordinaire. For reals. Please add one of these babies to my pile of stuff. Same colors too because that combo is one of my faaaaves.
This is a wonderful wedding gift, it is personal and I am sure they will get lots of use out of it.
You are so crafty — what a great gift!
Did you sew the blanket together in any places other than around the edge? How big is it? I love the idea of a picnic blanket & the awesome colors you used!!
What an amazing and thoughtful gift! I always said our picnic basket was my favorite wedding gift and this one puts ours to major shame. The fabrics you chose were fabulous and I love how it all coordinates. How about I have another wedding and you can make me one?
Wow, Kim, you did a fantastic job! What a great present and I love how you coordinated everything. 🙂 I have a similar market basket and I use it all the time.
You do amaze me! Love this gift…and I am going to have to make one of those picnic blankets. I never thought to cut fabric with the cricut! Going to give it a try 🙂
Wendy
P.S.(yes, online shopping talks to me all the time too!)
love it. love all it. it is the perfect amount of personalization and so sweet.
Great basket!! Love the basket and blanket especially!!
Such a cool gift, Kim! I can’t believe all the stuff you made…so thoughtful!
What an awesome gift, Kim! I love the picnic blanket, and those plates are fabulous!
If I were to get married, something like that would be my ideal gift, Kim. It’s just so personal and it’s obvious you really appreciate your friendship!
Oh my goodness!! I LOVE this! What a great gift. I am sure that your friend will love it. I will defiantly have to keep this in mind for a future gift idea.
Wow, you put in a lot of time & effort into that gift! So thoughtful!
I love the roll-up for the silverware! I’ve never seen that done before.
So cute!!!
What a great gift Kim!! I love it!
Great personalized and thoughtful gift! What is not to love?
Not only do I love your gift, I’m now wondering when you are going to open and etsy store… you know so “no sew” folks like me can buy one of those picnic blankets… swooooon.
Kim, you are amazing!!! That is SUCH a thoughtful gift, and the couple is sure to be blown away by how much time and thought you put into it. I want one for myself!!
if/when i get married, i’m inviting you. even though i’ve never officially met you … i’m inviting you. you give THE best gifts!!
Kim! This is amazing! I’m totally going to steal this idea at some point. Mark this down as one of my favorite Kim projects to date (and that’s saying a lot because I love everything you do!!!)
You are so creative! I wish I had your creative skills. Absolutely love the end result. Especially the fabric on the picnic blanket!
That’s a really cool gift. You really one-upped all the other wedding gifts! 🙂
Oooooh! I wish you were my high school friend, lol! AWESOME gift!
Such a cute gift! They’re going to love it! I know I would.. I love how personalized it is! 🙂
Fantastic gift!! I love giving picnic baskets and yours was adorable!!! Too cute!!!!!
That is just amazing, and such a good idea! You could totally put those together and sell them! You make me wish I were crafty. 🙂
This is an awesome present! I love the colors and your homemade touches make it extra special!!
I love to choose a theme and create a basket using items that fit the theme! This one is great, especially with a summer wedding! The color scheme is absolutely adorable!
I checked out the baskets on Etsy, sometimes Etsy can be expensive but that’s truly a great deal! They will use that for years and years to come.
Of course, the other stuff rocks too, especially the stuff you made …
GIRL! If I was getting married again you would SO be on the guest list! lol
What a cute idea! I’m sure they will love it!