Friday, November 28, 2008

Christmas Gift Baskets With Edible Contents

By Juliette Crane

The holidays conjure up all sorts of feelings in people. For families that have experienced happy harmonious celebrations the holidays are something to look forward to.

I made a few some years back and I found the process to be exhausting. The two Christmas food hampers that I made were not well thought out and I just didn't have the organizational skill to make the best use of my time and efforts. I thought that my days of making Christmas food hampers for the holidays were over before they really began.

Visit a crafts store for the ultimate basket choice. Kids like handled baskets they can swing as they carry a booty of candy to their room! Large shallow rectangular or oval baskets are perfect containers for homemade muffins, breads, cookies and jams. Crafts stores also have ribbons and laces, dried flowers and cute faux bird ornaments to embellish your basket.

First of all, you want to choose the containers for the Christmas food hampers. There are typically three kinds of containers available. One is a lovely box that looks like a wrapped present. There is a postal box that is quite plain and more utilitarian in looks. Then there is my personal favorite; the picnic basket.

After you choose your container it is time to fill it with items listed on the site. You can choose from pastas and sauces or sweets or even beer and wine. There are many options and you can mix and match items as you go. I made three Christmas food hampers in one afternoon.

Through the year I look for different containers to use for the Christmas gift baskets. Most times I do use baskets however depending upon the likes and personality of the recipient I may use another type of container. One year my nephew was just getting into fishing so I used a tackle box for his container.

There are also times when I come across beautiful hat boxes that make a great alternative to a basket. Although each of the gifts I give is unique the standard fair for the Christmas gift baskets include something knitted or crocheted, either socks, slippers mittens, scarf or hat, a piece of beaded jewelry for the women, a loaf of bread, homemade jam, caramels, fudge and a specially made candied apple. It really makes me feel good when I hear people cheer when I show up with the Christmas gift baskets.

The best way to find inspiration for your own Christmas food hampers is to go online and make some for your friends and family this year. By next holiday season you will be flying solo. - 16759

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