Labor Day’s the perfect time for a picnic. Dig out your old picnic basket or find one at a garage sale, flea market or auction. Fill it with some colorful melmac dishes from the 1950s, add a red and white checkered tablecloth and you’re all set!

This 1940s picnic basket was made in England of woven wicker. It’s 22 inches by 13 inches by 7 1/2 inches high and has a leather handle and straps. The picnic basket includes service for six—plates, flatware with Bakelite handles, teacups and saucers, two thermos bottles, two food storage tins, jars and salt & pepper shakers. All that’s missing are some hot dogs and chips. It sold for $86 at a Skinner auction in Massachusetts.

Find prices of other baskets in the free online price guide at Kovels.com.