Basket Case

I have quite a thing for baskets. I find it almost impossible to walk past one in a shop without at the very least stroking it. Baskets have been around practically since civilisation began, perhaps that is where this primal urge of mine comes from. However urges aside, baskets are sustainable, versatile and environmentally friendly, so what's not to like?

I have a basket in the bathroom in which I store toilet rolls and display my 'show' towels. Now I realise that any heterosexual men reading this will be perplexed by the notion of towels that are not actually for use but there mealy  for decorative affect, but most women and indeed gay men embrace
the concept.

I have large baskets, almost of Phileas Fogg proportions, for logs for the open fire, medium baskets for smaller logs for the wood burner and small baskets for storing kindling. A little over the top?  Perhaps.

I even have a wicker tray which I find to my frustration is not particularly functional, due to the woven nature of the material making it an undulating surface on which to carry and serve hot beverages. The same is true of the set of eight platters that whilst bringing a tactile, rustic quality to a table setting, means that guests have to endure a very rocky dining experience, which is not entirely due to my lack of  culinary skill. Again for any heterosexual men, I appreciate that the idea of a decorative plate laid on a table purely to hold a slightly smaller food plate will be alien to you.

Yet despite my foibles, baskets are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to bring texture and warmth into a room whatever your style. A chunky distressed basket against a white wall or high gloss kitchen can look amazing, and no Aga in sight!

Use a shallow basket to serve crusty bread, display a couple of wicker hearts on a dresser or door knob, and of course show off your 'show' towels to their best advantage. Just get ready to bite your tongue if they look so good someone dares to actually use them!