Learning to Make Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are very simple and extremely easy to assemble. They are just the solution when you can't decide on any one particular gift item and are suitable for all occasions. It does not have to be the typical hamper type any more. Today there are a myriad of basket shapes that you can experiment with. There are baskets with or without handles and in sizes that can accommodate almost anything you set your heart on. You can design them according to the planned contents which could include chocolates, coffee and cake, beauty products, deodorants and perfumes, apparel, accessories, etc.
You need to decide on the special basket 'theme' before anything else. The next step involves looking for the perfectly sized basket, either in a brick and mortar outlet or online. There are a number of resources that enable you to experiment practically, by fitting the components within and wrapping the basket in the desired fashion to see what the final product would look like, before deciding on any one particular basket. You need to then purchase all the items decided on, within the theme and work on the placement. You could enhance the look further with a little decoration, in sync with the theme. For example, if the theme is 'chocolates and flowers', you could pin a few artificial flowers on the sides or wind a flowery creeper along the handle and include some chocolate wrappers for the buffer or stuffing within.
Use cellophane sheets to cover the contents in the basket. The sheets are available in many colors and color combinations. You need to place the sheet on a table surface and place the basket in the middle. After placing a cloth napkin or paper doily at the base, arrange the items in the basket. If it contains breakable items, secure them by wrapping them individually in cloth or tissue, to prevent breakage. The positioning of the components can be done tall to short, from the center all around. Irrespective of the theme, a sprinkle of glitter and candy makes any gift special.
You need to then gather the cellophane paper from all sides, pulling up the short sides first. This is best done with someone's help. The cellophane can be secured with a twist tie, which can then be covered with ribbon. You can choose the width of the ribbon according to the size of the basket and the items within. The bigger the basket, the broader the ribbon and vice versa! You can design a nice bow and leave long, tendril-like curved tails. You could also choose from among the ready-made bows now available. This will eliminate the need to remove the twist tie.
Once the basket is wrapped, attach the gift tag either with string or tape. The way the tag is place also makes a huge difference to the overall appearance of the item. In case of any gaping cellophane, the adjustment should always be made by pulling gently on the top section. Then, the secured section can be sealed with a small piece of clear tape. You can also choose to gather the cellophane to form 'petals' of a unique bouquet. You should avoid touching the cellophane often and adjusting it unnecessarily. The paper crumbles easily and will look used and untidy after some time. Buy the clear variety of cellophane, with small gold patterns. The design is very versatile for any occasion and covers up any kind or re-wrapping or adjustment endeavor.
Gift basket themes and ideas vary according to the preference of the receiver. The cost of assembling a gift hamper depends on the quantity and the cost of the items in it. In order to save money, you should plan ahead and look at announced 'sale items' over many days. In the case of a 'romantic' theme, the basket would ideally include a small bottle of wine, two wine glasses, cloth napkins, a candle and candies. A great gift basket for Mother's Day would ideally have slicing and paring knives, packets of spices or seasonings, a garlic press, mittens, a set of small recipe books and measuring spoons.
