Oval Woven Wicker Bread Basket

Serving bread in the bag it came in works, but it never feels like much of a meal. A simple basket on the table changes that. Warm rolls, a sliced loaf or a pile of fruit look inviting, and everyone can reach them easily.

The Oval Woven Wicker Bread Basket brings that small touch to everyday dinners and special occasions alike. It comes in three sizes, looks good enough for guests and stores flat when you are done. That mix of charm and practicality makes it a lovely storage basket for the kitchen and dining table.

What makes the oval bread basket stand out

The oval shape is the first advantage. It suits the shape of rolls and sliced bread, and it sits neatly on a table without taking up the space of a round bowl.

The woven wicker is the second. Wicker over a frame gives the basket a warm, natural texture, and the weave and tone vary slightly from piece to piece. It looks just as good on a rustic farmhouse table as on a simple modern one.

The three sizes are the third. The smallest suits a couple of rolls at a place setting, the largest a shared loaf or a fruit bowl, and the middle size sits comfortably in between.

Easy storage is the fourth. The basket stores flat when it is not in use, so it fits in a drawer or a narrow cupboard.

The fifth is how simple it is to care for. Line it with a napkin, shake it out after the meal and put it away. There is nothing to scrub.

Where it looks best, room by room

• Dining tables. Rolls or sliced bread for a family dinner.
• Kitchen counters. A fruit basket within easy reach.
• Breakfast tables. Croissants or toast at each place.
• Buffets. Bread and crackers beside cheese and dips.
• Picnic tables. Rolls for an outdoor lunch.

On a dining table, a large basket lined with a linen napkin makes a simple loaf look special.

At a breakfast table, small baskets at each place setting feel like a hotel touch at home.

Choosing the size and placement

The basket comes in three sizes:

• Small. 7.5 by 5.1 by 3 inches, for a couple of rolls at a place setting.
• Medium. 10.2 by 6.3 by 3.3 inches, for a basket of rolls to share.
• Large. 11 by 7.5 by 3.7 inches, for a shared loaf or a fruit bowl.

Think about how you will use it. For individual servings, the small size works well. For a family meal, the medium or large size gives everyone access. For fruit on a counter, the large size holds the most.

Check the table space, too. A long, narrow table suits the oval shape, and the basket can sit in the center or near the end where the bread is most often reached.

A few tips help:

• Line the basket with a napkin or a cloth before adding food.
• Shake out crumbs after every use.
• Keep it dry; do not wash it.
• Store it flat in a dry drawer or cupboard.

Care is simple but important. Shake the basket out after use rather than washing it, and keep it dry, since wicker goes soft and can turn musty if it stays damp. Dust with a soft brush when needed and wipe spills promptly.

The napkin lining does more than catch crumbs. A folded cloth around warm bread holds in the heat a little longer and adds a splash of color to the table. Swap napkins by season for an easy change of look.

For fruit, choose pieces that keep well at room temperature, such as apples, oranges and bananas. Wipe away any juice quickly so it does not soak into the weave.

For parties, a set of baskets in different sizes creates a layered buffet. Bread in the large one, crackers in the medium one and small treats in the smallest.

Because it stores flat, you can keep several baskets on hand without filling a cupboard. They are ready whenever guests arrive.

It also makes a thoughtful host gift. A basket with a fresh loaf and a jar of jam is a warm way to say thank you for dinner.

For everyday use, the medium size is a good all rounder. It holds enough rolls for a family dinner, yet it is small enough to leave on the counter with a few apples or lemons between meals.

If you enjoy baking, a basket lined with a clean cloth is also a lovely way to let bread cool on the table before slicing, and it keeps the loaf covered from dust while it rests.

At breakfast, small baskets can hold warm toast or croissants beside each plate. Guests help themselves, and the table looks generous without much effort.

Pairing it with other pieces

A wicker bread basket pairs well with a linen table runner, cotton napkins and simple placemats. Woven placemats or a jute runner echo the texture for a relaxed, natural table.

Browse the table linens collection for runners, placemats and napkins, or the storage collection for more woven baskets for the kitchen.

Is the oval bread basket right for your space?

This basket is a strong fit if you:

• Want to serve bread or rolls in a nicer way.
• Need a fruit basket for the counter.
• Like natural, woven textures on the table.
• Want a choice of three sizes.
• Prefer pieces that store flat.

It is not the right choice for wet foods, sauces or anything that needs washing after use. A ceramic or glass bowl will suit those better.

For bread, rolls and fruit, though, a woven basket turns a simple meal into something a little more special. Shipping is free to every US address, and most orders arrive in 6 to 9 business days.