Food Baskets IdeasGifts
of food are welcomed and appreciated for all holidays and special
occasions. It can be a basket of homemade goodies or it can be a more
elaborate gift basket containing gourmet foods and a bottle of wine.
Wicker
baskets are traditional containers, but there are many other containers
that are suitable. Unbreakable containers like wooden crates, trays
with an edge, basins, tubs, and ice buckets are good alternatives.
Since theme gift baskets are very popular, here are three of my
favorite themes when making a food gift basket.
Cookie Lover's Theme:
This
is a gift for anyone who loves sweets. It's a good idea for work
associates and teachers as well as family and friends. A cookie jar,
mixing bowl, or a basket are all nice containers. Line the container
with a decorative towel, purchased shred, or tissue paper. Fill it with
an assortment of cookies wrapped in small cello bags, purchased cookie
mixes, chocolate chips, herbal tea, gourmet coffee, or envelopes of hot
chocolate mix. Add a wooden spoon, spatula, and your favorite cookie
recipes written on recipe cards. Wrap the completed gift in a cello
bag, tied at the top with curly ribbon. If desired, tie a decorative
cookie cutter in with the ribbon and add a gift card.
Barbecue Theme:
This
is a particularly nice idea for men on Father's Day, birthdays, or
anniversaries. It's also a nice gift to take if you are invited as a
guest to a barbecue or housewarming party. Use a container that can
double as a cooler such as a metal or plastic basin, tray, or a pail.
An unbreakable tray with an edge works well, too. Include gifts items
such as bbq tools, an apron, an oven mitt, cookbook, or citronella
candles. Barbecue sauces, marinades, rubs, hot sauce, and cans of soda
or beer are all necessary items for a cookout.
Mexican/Southwestern Theme:
Anyone
who enjoys spicy food would be more than happy to receive an assortment
of Mexican food items. The best tip I can gift you in creating this
theme gift basket is to make it spicy and make it colorful. Place an
assortment of spices, dry or canned beans, rice, bags of chips, and
jars of salsa in a basket or a colorful bowl or serving tray. Add some
fresh fruit such as avocados, lemons, limes, and pineapple. You may
want to add a cookbook for Mexican food or beverages. Line the
container with bright colored terry towels and top off your gift basket
with some fresh peppers. Don't forget the makings for margaritas.
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