Gourmet Picnic Baskets - The New Style in Al Fresco Dining   
by Stephanie Gottschalk

Imagine savoring your favorite dish, a glass of wine in hand, a platter of gourmet cheeses before you, dabbing your mouth with a designer-print cloth napkin as you enjoy the company of a loved one. 

This is the kind of experience that the new generation of gourmet picnic baskets can provide - baskets with fine quality tableware, custom accents, brass detailing and all the accoutrements of fine dining. Picnics are no longer about gingham cotton, paper plates and simple finger foods. You can now have a four-star dining experience anywhere you wish - from a boat to a rose garden to a busy town square in an exotic locale.

Today's gourmet picnic basket is an impressive display of craftsmanship, aesthetics and attention to detail. Not only do they contain full sets of plates, glasses, utensils, cloth napkins and tablecloths, and waterproof insulated coolers; in these high quality picnic baskets you'll also find extras such as salt and pepper shakers, detachable wine bottle coolers, mini cheese boards and knives, corkscrews and decorative wine bottle stoppers. They're ideal for special occasions such as honeymoons, anniversaries, dates, and holidays as well as any time you want to enjoy a delicious meal 'al fresco'. To own a gourmet picnic basket is to always have a veritable celebration-to-go; just pack some food and beverages and you can have an impromptu outdoor party any time.

Some of these remarkable gourmet baskets even go so far as to include real crystal, Wedgwood fine bone china, and contents decorated with stunning patterns created by renowned designers. Although some of these picnic baskets are certainly luxurious, having a gourmet picnic basket is by no means out of reach of the average person - pricing starts around $50. Picnic baskets are available for any style or budget. Designs inspired by the Scottish highlands, the French Riviera, African safaris, and Tuscan vineyards are just a sampling of the types of baskets available. You can also choose between sets for different numbers of people, baskets that focus on a wine and cheese or coffee and tea picnic, and various themes such as sports, baby, wedding, and seasonal.

With all the different designs and price points available, you can find a gourmet picnic basket that's perfect for your needs and will always be ready for a fun, delectable meal in the great outdoors - whether it's a special event, a surprise for a loved one or a spur-of-the-moment chance to enjoy a great outdoor location in style.

About the Author

Stephanie Gottschalk writes the blogs 'Picnic Fun - Tips and Recipes' (http://www.picnictips.com) and 'The Joy of Water Fountains' (http://www.waterfountainguide.com) for Specialty Living Inc., an Asheville, North Carolina-based company that aims to share their love of people, nature and life through high quality water fountains and picnic baskets.