How To Make a Gift Basket - Gift Baskets Made Easy
by Mariette Mifflin
Gift baskets are extremely easy to assemble, but the final result looks stunning - a true labor of love (without the 'labor'). Suitable for any occasion, gift baskets can often be just the solution when you can't decide on a particular gift item. You can use different shapes of baskets, with or without a handle, and the size depends on what you want to put into it.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes or less
Here's How:
Decide what the basket 'theme' will be first, then look for a sufficiently sized basket, and purchase all the items for it.
Cut 2 yards of cellophane and lay it on the table surface, right side down, and place the basket in the middle of it.
Arrange all items inside the basket; you can place a cloth napkin or paper doily in the bottom. Ensure that breakable items are secured or wrapped in cloth or tissue to prevent breakage. Position tall items in the centre, with medium items on the outside, and small ones in between. Individually-wrapped candy sprinkled throughout the items, adds a nice sweet touch.
Gather up the cellophane, pulling up the short sides first, then longer sides, and secure with a long twist tie. A helper is great for this step.
Add the ribbon, making a nice bow with long curved tails. Or attach a ready-made bow. No need to remove the twist tie.
Attach the gift tag with string or tape it to the front cellophane.
If one of the short sides of cellophane is gaping, you may be able to adjust it by pulling gently on the top section, or secure with a small piece of clear tape.
Resist the urge to 'play' with the cellophane to get it just right - the idea is to gather the cellophane which produces an array of varying sizes of cellophane 'petals' - a unique 'bouquet'. If the 'petals' are too long for your liking, you can trim them with scissors.
Tips:
Cellophane is sold in either clear, colored, print or festive. The clear with a small gold pattern is very versatile for any occasion.
Ready-made bows are great for taking the hassle out of making one, but make sure that the size is right for the basket - a large basket requires a larger bow. Likewise, don't hide a small basket with an oversized bow.
Other items can be used instead of a basket, such as a casserole dish, pie plate, serving bowl, or gift box bottom. If the basket or container has very low sides, you may require a helper to gather up the cellophane.
The gift tag can be attached by a string from the gathered bow, or taped to the front of the basket.
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