Sunday, November 30, 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.

That is until I discovered that you can create your very own arrangements online from the comfort of your home. I loved the process so much that I have to share my experience with you. It has never been so fun and easy to make a special gift arrangement than it is right now.

Party stores carry a huge selection of tissue wrapping. Just go take a look at the myriad possibilities. You'll find a suitable paper for everyone on your list. Cellophane wraps and confetti products are other choices for a festive lining for your 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.

The world traveler on your list will be happy to receive a variety of exotic imported foods. Check out a cheese shop for unusual quality cheeses. Add some ethnic foods, such as German sausage, Italian pesto, French champagne and Indian condiments.

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.

Use your imagination and let the ideas fly. You can make an elegant Christmas food gift basket for everyone on your list. Remember, it's Christmas, so pass the truffles! - 16732

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