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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Victorian Picnic









The Victorians knew well the art of the picnic. I was reminded of that recently when I researched this new old wicker picnic hamper that I found. But the minute the weather turns in spring it seems like it's all I can think about myself. Plain or fancy, nothing seems more "in the moment" than taking time out for a savory bite in beautiful surroundings. And nothing more romantic.




I found the perfect country picnic bouquet at the grocery store by happenstance. We don't have Queen Anne's Lace naturally here because of the moisture it needs, so I was beside myself to be able to bring a few sprigs home with me! I know many of you have meadows full growing right by the wayside. How wonderful!




I can enjoy an impromptu lunch outdoors by just picking up the fixings at the grocery store or sandwich shop on the way once in a while. But how lovely to grab a few pretty dishes and laces to make an occasion special when you have a bit more time!




This rose tablecloth from the fifties seems like just the thing to bring along!















I can't tell you how thrilled I was to come across this wonderful old English basket by Drew & Sons. They made luggage and travel items for the upscale market in London at the turn of the last century. Smaller "En Route" tea baskets are more commonly found. Some of them with the tins and teapots and all the fittings included, complete with a camp stove and a hefty price to match!




I discovered mine already painted white tucked away in a corner of a nice antiques shop for a killer bargain price. It's huge and heavy, with oak supports and heavy canvas underneath. And don't you love the old leather handles? Just the thing to transport you to another century!













I have placed just a few things inside for now for show. But it makes me want to plan something really special soon. Wouldn't a Brambly Hedge picnic party be fun?


















Limoges for two. . . .








Happy springtime dreams to you too!

Hope you're having a great week.

Jacqueline






Join me at






34 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post... I am now daydreaming of a Victorian picnic... Your wicker basket is lovely.
    Have a great week!

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  2. Lovely! May I please attend? I shall bring the scones, clotted cream, lemon curd and the matching teacups and saucers to your Limoges plates.

    It will be such fun!

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  3. Your picnic is just lovely! I am smitten with all the lovely details of Victorian life and you shared such lovely pictures of it :) I found you via Wow us Wednesdays. Have a beautiful week!

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  4. Hi Jacqueline,
    What a pretty setting and the basket is a treasure. The lace and rose cloth are beautiful. I adore your Limoges plates.
    Happy Spring to you and many special picnic's to enjoy this season.
    Hugs, CM

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  5. Absolutely perfect. I love your new basket and the Limoges for two. Enjoy!
    xo,
    Lin

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  6. I love picnics and we go often. I always use my picnic basket with all it's place settings intact. You found such a lovely one too. The pretty table cloth and plates go so well.

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  7. So beautiful and very romantic....LOVE the picnic basket and the gorgeous china!!!!
    ~Des

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  8. love your new basket, jacqueline! and the plates are so pretty!

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  9. Beautiful! You definitely peaked my interest in setting up a picnic soon! Love that basket. What a find!

    Perfect for my "Let's Talk Vintage!" link party every Tuesday at nine AM. It is still open if you have a minute to hop over.

    Found you via "Victorian 1885" blog

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  10. How lovely! I have few of the same dishes! Love them

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  11. Just really lovely, i enjoyed this post very much.. I have been collecting different pinic basket this past year. I rcently purchase four limoges plates at a local thrift a dollar 99 each so excited perfect. Condtion. I cant wait to picnic this summer lovely post ty with Love Janice

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  12. Jacqueline, this is a beautiful post, for the eyes and the imagination. What a lovely thought to go on a Victorian picnic with your beautiful basket filled up with fancy and delectable items. That was a great find, my friend..Happy Wednesday..Judy

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  13. OK now I am thinking a picnic is needed, especially with beautiful china such as yours and the rose tablecloth just sings to my heart. The hamper is a lovely find. The flowers just top it off with JOYFUL smiles.

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  14. Thank you for stopping by and sharing with "Let's Talk Vintage!"

    ~Jill

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  15. The picnic basket is so pretty. The last photo is my favorite.

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  16. This is a simply delightful post - I love all the vintage linens and the picnic hamper. I had to look up Brambly Hedge - and can't believe I missed those delightful books when they came out. It could be because my kids were teens at that time and were interested in older books. Now I must get all the books and read them to our youngest grandson. I think he will find the critters delightful.

    We love picnics too - any kind - any place. Because we have so much rain in the Pacific Northwest we often find ourselves having car picnics - which are still a lot of fun. And with our rain comes fields of Queen Anne's lace - we are so very lucky.

    Your bouquet is delightful and perfect for the Victorian picnic.

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  17. I have just found your beautiful blog & I love it.
    Your table linens are beautiful, I love old things & am going to enjoy going through some of your old posts.
    Fondly Michelle

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  18. That basket is fabulous. A good friend of mine gives me my Christmas gifts each year in an old basket he has found during his haunts. I wish he'd found this one!

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  19. When I saw your post I was jumping up and down inside! I love your dishes & tablecloth! The added bonus was the roses on everything! I love roses! I forget to pack a picnic basket for my husband and I. I think your post inspired me to do that this week on our adventure!
    What a perfect setting to have a picnic with all your pretties.
    Blessings My Friend,

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  20. Oh my my... I hope I am not too late?
    A picnic is just what I need! Picnics are all the fine things of nice weather rolled into one perfect afternoon...
    Love Love Love that basket (you do find the very best things), Limoges always makes my heart sing!... and your perfect bouquet, I love the smell of Stocks and they are a wonderful pairing with the lovely Queen Anne's Lace... I used to have Queen Annes' Lace in my garden and my neighbor would always ask "isn't that a weed" .. hee hee hee.
    Thanks for the picnic, it was delightful:-)
    Hugs...

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  21. Now I want to plan and go on a Victorian picnic.

    EVERYTHING is beautiful!

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  22. Wow!! Love that basket! I want to picnic with you. Lol

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  23. Thanks for linking up to Show and Tell Friday! I think we both shared the same dishes tonight! That is amazing!

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  24. Oh wow, what a beautiful Victorian picnic! Everything is just perfect for the occasion.

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  25. Oh Jacqueline, That makes me want to go pack a few items and have a picnic! It looks so beautiful and happy! Love it all! Thank you for inviting us to picnic! Blessings, Cindy

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  26. I'm just green with envy right now (in the nicest sense of the word, of course!). I have a lovely wicker picnic hamper but nothing with a great backstory like yours. Love a nice picnic!

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  27. Oh what lovely pictures! I love limoges...
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  28. Thank you for the virtual picnic ~ I really needed it after seeing rain turn to snow one more time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
    'love & hugs from afar'

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  29. Your basket is perfect for a romantic picnic - what a treasure! Lovely with the linens and Limoges. Looks big enough to host a crowd, too - maybe your sweet grands? xo Karen

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  30. What a fabulous find Jacqueline. I'm a big fan of picnics and have several different baskets, but I'm sure none are as lovely as your vintage basket.
    Wishing you many beautiful picnic filled spring days xx

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  31. What a great basket Jacqueline and the Limoges is swoonworthy! Thank you for joining HSH!

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  32. The tablecloth is almost identical to one my mother, now approaching 100, often used on our table for Sunday dinner. We didn't have much, having returned to rural Missouri to farm, but she had bought this at an earlier time when my father had good, regular work during World War II. I think I saw it in her linen closet a few months ago. As usual, your post is beautiful.

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  33. I'm so jealous of your basket! What a cool find!

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