Gourmet Gift Baskets

Wrapping plays a part

Gift giving is a part of almost any celebration and almost as old as celebration traditions themselves. While early ties may have been for practical purposes it’s now a shiny, brightly colored ribbon that adds to the gaiety of the occasion. By embellishing gifts with paper and ornaments we hope to send a message that expresses a special show of friendship.

Like painting, crafts and other spectator arts we hope to create something through the use of shapes, texture and color that will delight and entice the viewer. It’s a kind of visual transfer of emotion through a mysterious box concealed with paper and ties. Handmade gift tags also offer a way to enhance the message. Just a small piece of card stock and scrap paper can be put to good use. A natural element that offers the opportunity to create a small piece of art and a simple hand written thought.

A gift basket is great way to say ”You are special.” Because you know the person you are making it for you can select those perfect little treasures that delight the senses. And what better way to go about it than with a gourmet food basket. But it may turn out to be little harder than you think, because when it comes to food there is of abundance of choices.

Start with a list, since you’ll probably have to visit several stores to find all the items you would like to include. Of course there is a built in up side to this - you can treat yourself to anything that doesn’t fit into the basket. That’s not a bad thought when cruising around the gourmet aisles thinking how nice it would be if someone wold do this for you..

Keep your list in hand as you make your selections, the temptations may be a distraction as you come face to face with gourmet Kona coffee, creamy, dreamy filled chocolates, exotic fruits and cheeses, along with bottled beverages and snacks in tins from far away places. All these sensual delights can be inspirational when doing the basket arrangement. For a successful presentation a good visual balance is important. Start your arrangement with the larger, heavier items in the center. Fruits, delicate and unpackaged items should be protected from bruising. Colored tissue paper will work but don’t obscure with too much paper - the visual effect is important.

To be successful, not everything has to be food, only theme related. This could mean a bunch of artificial grapes or other items that could be used later in a table arrangement. Even a few artificial flowers and don’t forget to include a gift card. A handmade card is a perfect way to top off your effort by putting your feelings into words.

copyrighted - wine gift basket - may be used with appropriate link

Wrapping a gift is great time to let the creative genie out of the bottle. It just takes a few touches to turn a gift into something special

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Tip 23
Paper doesn’t take up much space. Old magazines, calendars and maps can be used for wrapping projects. A department store bag with bold graphics can be transformed with a little creativity.

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