Now that the sweltering heat of the summer is gone and the mosquitoes have gone into hiding, it is the perfect time for some al fresco dining! Get outside and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather with a picnic. As I’ve been telling you, my sister was married recently. We assembled a honeymoon picnic basket for the newlyweds. While searching for ideas, I saw some cutlery packets, and I just had to make my own version with baker’s twine!
Start with a brown paper lunch bag. Cut off the top 4 inches of the lunch bag.
Open up the lunch bag piece so that the inside flaps are sticking out. Trim about 2 inches off each side.
Sew the sides and bottom of the remaining piece of the bag using a wide zig-zag stitch. Then, gather a napkin or two, plasticware, a straw, and baker’s twine.
Fold the napkins and insert them into the packet. Next, insert the plasticware and straw. Finally, add a baker’s twine bow.
I found this basket at a garage sale for 2 dollars. I removed the seventies fabric from the inside and then cleaned the basket. I removed the leather clasp pieces and spray-painted them silver. Then, I spray-painted the basket green since the wedding colors were green and gray.
It turned out great, and the newlyweds were delighted with the basket! The dinnerware packets could be used for weddings, parties, school lunches, or even dinner on your deck. They are a fun way to easily contain the items needed for a meal.
Jessica says
I am in love with this! I will be making these for my Wedding for next May! This is perfect and I will also be on the hunt for a picnic basket to store them all so the guest just have to grab one out! 😀
Dolly says
Where did you buy the straws? I need that color. Thanks for your help and great post.
Tonia says
I think I ordered them on Amazon.
April Hoff says
Love this idea! So cute! I plan on including this on a DIY Party Idea round up!
Lynette says
I love this idea!! Both ideas! The basket and the packets. We are having a special women’s ministry event in August. You just gave me the best idea ever – those packets will be the talk of the event! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Event Invitations by Tango Design says
Love the idea….not sure if i can do the sewing with no sewing machine…..but the whole concept is super cute. Thanks for sharing, makes any event so special
Lynette says
I have an idea….it would take time and depending on how many you intended to make…but could you hand stitch the pouches? Like just do a straight running stitch or take a pen and make the dots for a dot-to-dot zigzag stitch by hand as well? Just a thought so you can make them, too! 🙂
Emily (B. Lovely Events) says
Love love love this! So colorful and easy yet makes for a great napkin packet! I just had to share with my followers for summer bbq napkin ideas! http://blovelyevents.com/2013/06/19/creative-napkins-for-a-lovely-bbq/
Amanda - Small Home Big Start says
Fantastic idea! I’m going to do this for our next backyard BBQ. Pinning this so I don’t forget. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Tonia says
Thanks Amanda!
Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says
I seriously LOVE your basket!! You’re right, it beautiful outside…this week. I’m afraid that the heat will be back next week. But we are enjoying it for now 🙂
Bliss says
Pinning these, they are darn cute.
Bliss
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Just beautiful Tonia. I love that colour green you painted the basket. How cute!
Anne xx
Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says
I love absolutely everything about this post – the basket, the cutlery packets – all of it! Such a great idea!
Tonia L says
Thanks Randi! They were fun to make!
Vanessa says
What a neat idea! I love this.
Tonia L says
Thanks Vanessa! I was just thinking that I should make some to store in our car so that we have them when we decide to eat on the run or at a park.