Get These 3 Ideas for Decorating Baskets for Summer
How many baskets do you have? You can never have enough baskets. They are not only useful but are wonderful items for home decor. You really should see these three ideas for decorating baskets for summer.
With a new season around the corner, decorating baskets for summer is a great way to add different themes and colors to your home.
Yes, you can fill baskets with magazines, blankets, plants, and even trash. I have three totally different basket styles to give you some inspiration.
DECORATING BASKETS FOR SUMMER: 3 IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOU
This post contains affiliate links to products used in this project. If you should order any item from this site, I may receive compensation, but you do not pay a penny more.
Why are we decorating baskets for summer?
Because it’s time to think about summer. If you need inspiration for creating home decor accessories, I understand completely. I use Pinterest all the time to get ideas. That’s what it’s for.
When I find an item I like, but don’t know exactly what to do with it, Pinterest is my go~to source for ideas.
Other bloggers also provide a wealth of inspiration. This lovely vignette from Jamie of Anderson + Grant focuses on one of my favorite things ~ baskets.

For this basket update, Jamie used an old basket that she had had for years. Some paint and home decor items gave her a great home decor accessory.
What kind of basket can be used for home decor? Any kind! Jamie used an old picnic basket for her basket vignette.
How do you decorate baskets? Any way you like! Use your favorite colors, household items, anything you have that you want to highlight.
What can you put in a basket? Anything you want!
The great thing about baskets is the unlimited possibilities.
I had three totally different baskets that I wanted to give a summer vibe.
- An estate sale basket I bought a few years ago and had already updated.
- A freebie basket that is a picnic style.
- A brand new “faux~basket”.
Ready to see some ideas for decorating baskets? Let’s start decorating.
UPDATED ESTATE SALE BASKET GETS A PATRIOTIC THEME
A little history: I bought this basket at an estate sale in 2018 at the same time I bought the teak table that I recycled as our patio table.

Here is how I updated this basket. And here is what it looked like after I finished it.

Here is how I used the basket as an Easter centerpiece.
Since Memorial Day is coming up, I decided to use my refurbished basket with a patriotic theme for our front entry. Red and white would be my color theme.
First, I placed a red check piece of fabric on our entry commode folded like a runner.

Then I filled the basket with crushed newspaper to act as support for my accessories.
TIP: Use more paper than you think you will need. The paper will “sink” from what you put in the basket.

As usual, this time of year, I had my heart set on red geraniums. Fortunately, one of the nurseries close to our home had plenty. I bought three 4~inch pots. I needed a container to put them in and I used one of our old dog water bowls.

I placed the bowl on the newspaper and used two red check dishtowels to fill around it.


Next, I added American flags.


And, finally, I added a couple of red, white and blue decoupaged pots I made last year with some sparkling patriotic decorations.

My first decorated basket using a refurbished basket was done, all ready for Memorial Weekend.
FREEBIE PICNIC BASKET VIGNETTE
I honestly don’t remember who gave us this picnic basket or when. I do know that it was a gift food basket with dishes and silverware, glasses and napkins. The empty basket stays on the top of our laundry room cabinets. I have wanted to use it and now was the time.

I thought about painting this wicker basket like Jamie, but decided that it was more authentic left au natural.
I decided to decorate this basket as a picnic hamper for two in our backyard or for a trip to the park. My color theme would be blue and white because I absolutely love that classic combination.

Here are the things I would use:
- I recently bought these new Blue Willow dinner paper plates and Blue Willow salad size. I fell in love with the pattern.
- Matching blue and white napkins.
- Blue and white dishtowels that I bought for $5 each at the Queen of Hearts Antique Mall on a trip to Atlanta. These would be used as “lap” covers or placemats.
- Two large martini/margarita glasses with cobalt blue stems. These were party favors at a school event for my younger daughter’s high school. We got home with four of them.
- Blue faux flowers for color.


Since the picnic basket would sit on our breakfast table, I wanted to add a tablecloth to set the stage.
I had a piece of fabric with a blue motif to use. I bought two yards of the fabric at IKEA a couple of years ago just because I loved the colors and pattern.

This decorated basket will sit on our breakfast room for a few days just so we can enjoy it.
Isn’t that a pretty sight?
A FRENCH MARKET TOTE BAG FOR A TRIP TO THE PARK
I have been seeing French market totes lately and loved them. I searched for a few weeks until I found the one I liked best.
The French market totes are bigger than a purse so that you can bring home fruits and vegetables. I intend to use this market tote for travel.
I picked this one because it is really big and had double handles ~ one set for hand carrying and one set for over the shoulder.

The tote was a little crushed when it arrived so I stuffed it with bubble wrap to fill it out.

For now, I decorated the tote with items to go to the park near our house. I went shopping at home to fill my French market basket.
- Pretty faux blue flowers ~ just because.

- A pretty blue shawl in case it gets cool or breezy.

- Of course, a hat for keeping the sun off my face. I bought this hat at the Dollar Tree several weeks ago (here’s a similar hat). I removed the aqua ribbon and replaced it with a light blue one.



- A sweet book I enjoyed ~ The Girl who Read on the Metro.

Now I was ready to hang my decorated French market basket.

I hung it in our entry on the guest closet handle ~ ready to grab on the way out the door.

BASKET SHOPPING
Here are ideas for baskets and accesories.
FINAL BASKET THOUGHTS
I hope that I’ve given you some ideas for decorating baskets you already have or new ones that you find. Keep an eye open at garage sales, flea markets or estate sales. Or even curbside.
I literally found these two baskets a few Sundays ago as I was walking Nola. They are both in great shape. I loved the style, design, and size. I don’t have any baskets like them. Look for these baskets in a new post near you.

Want a DIY basket project? I have this Anthropologie~Inspired Basket Project for you.
I can’t wait to use them. What would you do with these baskets? Leave them as is or paint them or something completely different?
Here’s another recent basket arrangement I made for our living room coffee table. For this one usiing flowers, i used an old basket that I gave an update
Don’t forget to PIN all the pretty basket ideas. Let’s start with these three baskets decorated for summer.



HI Carol, I love your picnic basket and the tote is fun too! Great ideas for my favorite baskets! Great job Carol. Oh and I love the fresh flowers! laura
Thanks, Laura. You need baskets of all sorts to use in different ways. The more, the merrier.
Love the three basket decorating ideas that you created. All three are perfect for summer decor. Great score on finding two baskets while walking in NOLA. I am looking forward to seeing how you update them.
Hi, Paula. This was certainly a fun challenge. I can’t wait to see what I do with my curbside baskets because right now I’m not sure. You’ll be the first to know!!
I don’t know why I never think to paint the baskets I find. I just leave them there. Well not anymore. I can hardly wait to find another basket and get to painting. You’ve given me more great ideas for baskets. I think hubby and I need to go on a picnic like in the good ol’ days. Thanks for joining in. Pinned
Cindy, some baskets beg to be painted and some shouldn’t. I still haven’t decided what to do with the two I found on the curb. So glad I gave you some ideas. Isn’t that the pleasure of blogging?
Love your ideas for using a basket, but especially that French market tote! So pretty! And great estate sale finds, too!
I know, that tote is awesome. I can’t wait to use it on a trip. I’m sure I’ll take it to Haven.
Good variety of ideas
okay, I think I want a french market bag now;) Love that look! Yes, baskets are a wonderful thing in all their possibilities!
Hi Carol! I love that you created three different basket looks and each is really nice!!! Where did you find the market basket? I’ve been looking for one exactly like yours. I like that you can put it over your shoulder, too.
Enjoy all of your pretty baskets and have fun on your picnic,
Hugs back,
Barb 🙂
Hi, Barb. Thanks so much for the sweet comments. I found the French market tote on Amazon. The link is right there I’m the post. I can’t wait to use it on a trip.
Carol,
I loved all three of your basket ideas. These challenges are so fun.
You created something truly special with each basket Carol. If I had to pick a favorite it would be the picnic basket. I always go a little weak at the knees when I see blue and white dishes! Pinning!
Such lovely ideas Carol. I adore the patriotic theme!
Especially loved your French market tote. I have a large straw bag I loved to take to the outdoor flea market (wonder if it will be open this year). Wallet in the bottom, a chapstick, and I’m ready to roll! I seldom paint baskets unless they need a touchup. Need to think on that one! They are so pretty painted, then distressed. I make a lot of theme baskets (Usually Christmas oriented) for our church’s bazaar) and “Be good to yourself” baskets with a mix of homemade stuff like bath salts, sugar scrubs and “storebot” stuff like candles, books, stationery, lotion, etc.–little extras for pampering. I have a hard time passing up baskets!
All great ideas, Carol! I love using baskets as decor, too. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
All of your ideas are just so lovely for summer! I really love the grab-and-go straw purse. That is genius as I’m always scrambling to go out the door!
Hi, Christy, Thank you for your sweet feedback. Loved creating these basket vingettes.
Carol, I am a basket lover, too! I absolutely love your picnic basket and I am going to do something similar with mine. Also, your market basket is so cute and looks great hung on the door knob. You have given us so many ideas for baskets — and I thank you! My husband always laughs when I find another basket to bring home. He thinks I have enough — if that is possible! Baskets add so much to a home and I love using them for throws, cushions, plants, towels, and magazines.
Enjoy your day! Thanks for all your great ideas!
Love, love, love! You always have such great ideas. Thanks for sharing with us on Crafty Creators!
XOXO,
Niki