3 Great Ways to Use Wicker When Entertaining
There’s something instantly inviting about wicker!
A wicker basket filled with fresh bread. A woven tray carrying cocktails from the kitchen to the patio. A beautiful wicker serving basket holding napkins or utensils. Even a simple woven placemat can make an everyday meal feel a little more special.
That’s because wicker adds natural texture and warmth to entertaining. It can make a table feel relaxed and bring a casual elegance to everything from a backyard barbecue to an outdoor dinner party.
But what exactly is wicker? Is wicker the same as rattan? And what are the best ways to use wicker when entertaining?
Let's take a closer look.
What Is Wicker?
One of the most common misconceptions about wicker is that it is a specific material.
It isn't.
Wicker is actually a weaving technique used to create furniture, baskets, trays, placemats, and other decorative and functional items.
The material being woven can vary considerably. Traditional natural wicker may be made from:
Rattan
Reed
Willow
Bamboo
Seagrass
Cane
Water hyacinth
Raffia and other natural fibers
Today, wicker can also be made from synthetic materials such as resin, vinyl, and polyethylene. These materials are particularly common in outdoor furniture because they can be designed to resist moisture, sunlight, and changing weather conditions.
So when you're shopping for wicker, remember:
Wicker describes how something is made, not necessarily what it's made from.
That distinction becomes especially important when choosing wicker pieces for entertaining.
Wicker vs. Rattan: What's the Difference?
If you've ever searched for wicker furniture or baskets, you've probably noticed that the words wicker and rattan are often used together.
They're related—but they're not the same thing.
Rattan is a natural material. Wicker is a weaving technique.
Rattan comes from climbing palms native to tropical regions. Its long, flexible stems can be processed and woven into furniture, baskets, trays, and other products.
Think of it this way: Rattan is the material. Wicker is the method.
A rattan basket can be wicker because it is woven. But wicker doesn't necessarily mean rattan because wicker can be made from many different materials.
Understanding the difference can help you make better choices when shopping for entertaining pieces.
Why Wicker Works So Well for Entertaining
So why is wicker such a popular choice for entertaining?
The answer is texture.
A table filled with smooth glassware, ceramic plates, and metal utensils can sometimes feel a little formal or visually flat. Adding a few woven pieces introduces natural texture and warmth.
And wicker is remarkably versatile.
Depending on what you pair it with, wicker can feel:
Casual and beachy
Rustic and farmhouse-inspired
Classic and traditional
Garden-inspired
Modern and understated
Elegant and sophisticated
That versatility makes wicker especially useful for entertaining because the same piece can work in many different settings. Here are three great ways to use wicker when entertaining:
1. Serve Bread in a Wicker Basket
One of the easiest ways to use wicker when entertaining is also one of the most practical: serve bread in a wicker basket.
Instead of putting rolls or sliced bread directly on a plate, line a shallow wicker basket with a clean cloth napkin and fill it with bread.
It immediately makes the table feel more abundant and welcoming.
Wicker bread baskets work beautifully for:
Dinner rolls
Baguette slices
Biscuits
Cornbread
Flatbreads
Croissants
For a casual gathering, place the basket in the center of the table and let guests help themselves.
It's a small detail, but it's exactly the kind of detail that makes a meal feel thoughtfully prepared.
2. Add Wicker to Your Table Settings
Wicker doesn't have to be the centerpiece of your table. Sometimes it works best as a subtle layer underneath everything else.
Try woven wicker placemats underneath dinner plates or woven chargers beneath individual place settings.
The natural texture works particularly well with:
White dishes
Blue-and-white china
Linen napkins
Wood serving pieces
Clear glassware
Fresh flowers and greenery
For an outdoor dinner, woven placemats can make a simple table without a tablecloth feel finished and pulled together.
3. Mix Wicker With Other Materials
One of the secrets to using wicker successfully is not overdoing it.
If every item on your table is woven, the effect can become visually repetitive–even annoying to the eye.
Instead, mix wicker with contrasting materials.
Wicker and Glass
Clear glassware creates a beautiful contrast with natural wicker.
Wicker and Ceramic
White or colorful dishes stand out against woven textures.
Wicker and Wood
Wood and wicker create a warm, natural combination that works especially well for casual entertaining.
Wicker and Metal
Brass, copper, stainless steel, or black metal can give wicker a more sophisticated edge.
Wicker and Linen
Few combinations feel more relaxed than wicker and linen. Try a woven placemat with a linen napkin for an easy, elegant table.
The goal isn't to create a "wicker table."
Use wicker as one texture within a larger entertaining design.
My Choice and Recommendation: I don’t prefer using a wicker picnic basket because the basket is not flexible and is really only used for hauling items. I prefer an insulated bag for carrying picnic items–but, I like to use wicker items, such as baskets, at a picnic.
The Bottom Line: Wicker Makes Entertaining More Welcoming
Wicker is one of those entertaining materials that can be both beautiful and useful.
It adds texture without feeling fussy, warmth without feeling heavy, and a casual elegance that works equally well indoors and outside. And because wicker can be woven from everything from rattan and reed to modern synthetic materials, there are options for nearly every entertaining style.
You don't need an entire wicker furniture set to make it work.
Start with a bread basket. Add a serving tray. Try woven placemats. Use a few small baskets for snacks or entertaining supplies.
Before long, you'll discover that wicker isn't just something you decorate with.
It's something you entertain with. Now, go and enjoy your next gathering!