Emma is the one story that stands above all others when it comes to summertime picnic perfection. Since summer is officially in full swing, I’ve got an itch to take the party outside, and Emma shows us how exquisitely. Overflowing baskets and mountains of strawberries, pretty glasses and straw hats — thanks to Jane Austen, there is no better way to dine outdoors.
1. English Willow Picnic Basket, $234; 2. Cheshire Cheese, $13.50; 3. Floppy Straw Hat, $48; 4. Strawberry Growing Kit, $13; 5. Fluted Glass, $8; 6. Grapevine Corkscrew, $32; 7. Bread Board, $56; 8. Crossroads Napkins, $16; 9. Vintage English Coffee Pot, $98; 10. Horn Cheese Knives, $58/set of 3
Even if it isn’t my all-time favorite Austen adaptation (hi, Sense and Sensibility), it’s hard not to fall under Emma Woodhouse’s spell. Flighty and self-absorbed but hopelessly well meaning, she’s the first Austen heroine who has the best of the best in beautiful things. Watching her unwittingly tangle up romances left and right is a real treat given that everything she touches is perfectly charming and the sweetest blend of fancy and country. The tents alone make you want to beg her to set you up with a suitor, even if you know she’ll only muck it up in the end.
1. Paisley Scarf, $19; 2. Bow Headband, $38; 3. Conroy & Wilcox Marie Antoinette Ring, $1920; 4. Sunflower Pitcher, $28; 5. Scroll Bistro Table, $198; 6. Floral Clippers, $13; 7. Chloe Ballet Flats, $375; 8. Antique Regency Chair, $900; 9. Serving Stand, $150; 10. Antique Writing Box
41 Comments
I haven’t seen Emma, but this looks absolutely beautiful. I just checked and it’s an Instant Play on Netflix. Guess what I’m doing tonight!
That blue table – Fantastic!
Though I like the newer Emma staring Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller far better than this one.
Oh these are dreamy and perfect! I love Jane Austen and most modern adaptations of her works. :)
Oh, I just love this movie. You’re right, it’s perfect when it comes to displaying summertime picnics :)
“I love John, I hate John!” Hearts and stars for this movie (ok, so not the truest adaptation, but I just love it all the same). Where is my Knightly in shining armor?
I so love this perfectly-beautiful film. The music, the costumes, the scenery… Love it. Thanks for reminding me I need to buy the DVD since my beloved VHS is obsolete.
Love the picnic basket! This is one of my favorite movies – although watching it always makes me think about how much I want to wear empire waist dresses and how absolutely awful I look in them. Ha! Thanks for the awesome Living In post.
OOOOOH it is SUCH a conundrum I have, trying to decide which ‘Emma’ adaptation I love better, the Gwynnie version or the Kate Beckinsale version. I think I have to ultimately go with Gwynnie. Thanks so much for this very lovely post!!
LOVE THIS MOVIE TO PIECES!
I saw this last night for the very first time. Beautiful movie and this is a beautiful collection. Now if only you could tell me where I can get Emma’s lovely dresses, I will be set!
This is one of my favorite movies – the hair, the clothes, the romance. Swoon. I had a whole season of my life where everything was “Emma” – the empire wastes, the delicate heirloom jewelry, shawls, updo’s with soft curls, lace, oh how I love thee.
This is totally funny! I just watched this movie out of the blue a couple of weekends ago & was daydreaming about the style and life since. I love your picks & thoughts!
I love everything Austen, and this movie has always been one of my favorites. Who wouldn’t want to be invited to a picnic with Emma Woodhouse?
Although I’m usually pretty annoyed by Gwynnie, I must admit I love this adaptation. It might not be 100% faithful, but the light touch and humor perfectly suits the low-stakes drama in Emma. And the Mrs. E is so wonderfully awful. A great post for the first day of summer!! Makes me want to lie outside on a blanket and read the book :)
This totally put a smile on my face because I often daydream I am living in movies like Emma, having picnics and walking through the fields picking flowers. Such a lovely collection. :)
Great choice for a Living In post – so beautiful! However, I have to promote the newer BBC version of Emma which completely blows this one away! Romola Garai gives depth and humanity to Emma, winning over even the most egalitarian of viewers, in a way that Paltrow just can’t hack.
I love all the Austen books…I actually took the first image and drew and illustration from it. I love her look in the film and the costumes are amazing i wish we still dressed like that sometimes.
I never tire of this film, and this mood board suits it perfectly!
Great! Now I totally want to host a picnic in the early 19th century! And how am I supposed to do that, Design Sponge, hmmm? HOW I ask you. That’s what you get for inspiring me.
Well done, it does make me want to live in Emma! I do like the BBC version better though, I think it’s my preference for Johnny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley…
I have just watched this movie two days in a row! Lovely post :D
oh this just made me SMILE! LOVE this movie. I want to dig into my movie box and find it now :) x
oh Gwenny. such a beauty.
I love miss Paltrow, but I agree with Becky & Heather the BBC version is by far the best.
While I agree that the performers in the new BBC version are better, too, the decor at Hartfield is what draws me in every time. It’s a must see!
Delicious! We had a strawberry-picking day today, which always puts one in this sort of mood! Perfect post for today. Thanks for the smiles.
Just watched this movie the other day and am always in awe.. Thanks for bringing aspects of it to real-life!
I was totally under the impression that summer started last month! Where have I been?! Yes this is picnic perfection at its finest! Love this movie so much.
my wedding dress was designed to resemble the white dress she’s wearing in a few of these photos and, on my wedding day, i had my hair similarly styled, to boot. it’s a visually lovely film, and i (obviously) adored and was inspired by the styling and costumes. we just celebrated 13 years of marriage, and so this is wonderfully nostalgic.
I think I need that bistro table. Sigh.
The only word I can think of to describe this film is LOVELY. It’s just so lovely. I want to be on that blanket wearing a long flowing dress and a hat while sipping tea with Gwynth Paltrow. Sounds….. lovely.
such a classic movie! and what a lovely picnic basket!
oh, i am going to have to watch this one again for the set decoration. the bbc version is exquisite, but i also don’t recall a profusion of picnicking delights to rival this. i will be studying your deconstruction carefully for my next picnic. the baskets! oh! that’s the way to do things. good old fashioned stuff. of course having an extra servant or two to lug the bottles and baskets up the hill would be helpful too. x
I love this movie! Alas, I was born too late …
My absolute favorite movie…I love everything about, in my garden endeavors I always have thoughts of Emma. Wonderful film!
what a lovely post! i love this movie, i believe i’ve seen it a kazillion times!
I love this movie, and I love that you do post like this!
I just went through all the old (posted) Living Ins and can’t believe you haven’t covered “Practical Magic.” The kitchen is to die for!
Such a classic. Loving these items. Need that picnic basket pronto!
Where can I find the tent that is used in the movie?
I want to know where to find the tent?
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