Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF GALE A-Tisket, A-Tasket THE SUMMER'S MOST ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY, AN ENGLISHSTYLE PICNIC BASKET, IS NOW AVAILABLE AT CHATHAM'S PICNIC FASHION BOUTIQUE. BY JESSICA LANIEWSKI W hen Becky Finn relocated to Cape Cod a few years ago, she noticed a surpris- ing lack of places to buy the items she would want for a refined picnic at the seashore— and what's a summer on the Cape without a good picnic? So she opened Picnic Fashion in the pictur- esque beachfront town of Chatham, in a classic shingle-style building oozing old-school New England charm. Inside, it's stocked with high-end gear, including vintage barware from the 1940s to the '60s, stylish linens, and everything else to elevate outdoor dining to an elegant occasion. But the wicker-inclined Finn has a special place in her heart for the Huntsman basket by Picnic at Ascot. "I love the shape of this basket as it allows for easy access to food and gear and is classically beautiful," says Finn. "Some English-style baskets open like a suitcase and may not provide the wow Huntsman basket, Picnic at Ascot ($275). factor of this one." This basket packs a punch with wine glasses, four ceramic plates, stainless steel cutlery, cotton napkins, and a hardwood cutting board—along with the all-important blanket. Finn recommends bringing a few extra accoutrements to complete your own alfresco meal, such as "metal wine-glass and wine-bottle stakes to hold beverages in place—and something unexpected," like candles, a vintage vase for f lowers, or a minia- ture chess set. Pack your basket and head to the grassy lawn at the Benjamin Godfrey Windmill in Chase Park for a leisurely lunch that feels like one of the happy episodes of Downton Abbey. "This bas- ket literally lasts a lifetime, which is why so many are given as wedding gifts," says Finn. "I love offer- ing something that will become an instant family heirloom." 400 Main St., Chatham, 508-348-0588; picnicfashion.com BC 88 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM LOCAL TREASURE 088_BC_SS_LocalTreasure_LteSpr14.indd 88 4/4/14 10:20 AM