Summertime's coming! Patio Caddy

One of my favourite things to do in the summer is have dinner outdoors on the patio. There's something very luxurious about sitting in the warmth of an evening sun around a table with my husband, and sometimes our children and friends. I think I savour it so much because those days don't come around very often here. It's usually too cold. So when they do come, I want to be prepared!


A few months ago I found this wire and wicker basket at the thrift store. I brought it home, thinking it would make a good caddy for taking things to the patio from the kitchen. The above picture is the "before" state.

I painted it white and then antiqued it a little with brown shoe polish. I just used a cloth and rubbed it on. It didn't take much.

I lined the bottom with a cloth napkin - I might get my husband to cut a piece of thin wood to give it more stability, but this works fine for now.

Then I altered three tin cans with pieces of old linen, buttons and lace. I stamped labels onto twill tape - knives, forks, spoons. The basket is ready for the patio! It also holds napkins and a vase of flowers. I think this will sit on my kitchen counter in a few months, reminding me that eating outdoors is food for the soul as well as for the body.


I also made a little tag for the basket using a quotation glued to a sample chip for formica countertop. A bit of seam binding for ribbon and an old millinery flower top off the handle. This was fun and quick. Bring on the sunshine!

Although this isn't exactly a table setting, I've included it in the Tablescape Thursday lineup over at Between Naps on the Porch. There are so many creative tablescapes so be sure to visit the link.