Vintage Round Woven Wire Basket in Silver with Plaited Foot

Woven wire baskets like this were a staple of French tables, used for bread, croissants and fruit, and this one has all the charm of the style. Silver toned wire is woven into an open lattice of overlapping loops that sweep up from a close woven base, finished with a rope twist rim at the top. Underneath, the basket sits on a plaited wire foot, a pretty detail that lifts it off the table and gives it a neat, finished look from every angle.

It measures 19.5 cm in diameter and 9 cm high, and weighs 380 g, so it feels reassuringly solid in the hand rather than flimsy. The centre of the base is woven in a cross pattern framed by rings of tight weaving, which you can see clearly in the photographs. The metal has a soft, slightly tarnished patina in places that suits its age, and could be brightened with a little polish if you prefer more shine.

We have styled it with pearly shells for the photographs. On the table, line it with a linen napkin and fill it with warm bread rolls or clementines. In a bathroom it looks lovely holding guest soaps, rolled flannels or a collection of shells, and on a dressing table it can corral perfume bottles and jewellery.

Set it on a kitchen dresser among white china, or bring it out at Christmas piled with nuts in their shells and a sprig of greenery. A good looking basket that is as useful as it is decorative.