WICKER BASKETS are so versatile so it's a good idea to have a few extra ones at home.  They will come in handy to fill as gifts or to tidy or brighten up a room.  Here are some great ideas.

A THEME BASKET is becoming ever so popular in gift giving.  If you are making up a basket for a person you know, find out about their likes and hobbies.  The person receiving the gift will surely appreciate it more if you have put a little thought into your gift.  Customizing a basket for a special person takes a little time and imagination but it is all the more worth the effort when you see the surprised and pleased look on the receiver's face.

 

A Gardening Basket could include mini tool sets, gloves, seeds, small terracotta pots or mini gardening books. 

Make a Bath and Beauty basket by first lining a basket with a white or bright towel and filling it with soaps, moisturizers, aromatherapy products and face cloths.

 

Food baskets could contain a variety of food products from savoury to sweet:

                           

An appetizer food basket could display cheese, crackers, pretzels, jars of pickled onions and tins of pâté.

OR you could fill a basket with different kinds of pasta and tins or jars of different sauces and condiments.  Add a pair of stainless steel serving tongs and a pepper mill.

If you like to make preserves how about a basket with some of your best preserves?  For a person who works outside the home, this surely will be a much appreciated gift.

AND how about a wine basket? Choose a white, a rose' and a red wine, a set of wine glasses and some crackers and cheese?  Maybe even a candle holder and some candles!

 

           

A Book Lover's Basket will surely please a bookworm - fill with a couple of books (check out beforehand for titles not yet read), some stationery, pens and pencils, a diary or calendar and maybe a book token.

A variety of Chocolates and Cookies can make a great Sweet Tooth Basket.

For A Lovely Baby Basket cover a wicker basket with a baby blanket or a baby towel and  fill with baby products (shampoos, baby cream)  toys, bibs, baby booties, a baby album, perhaps even a lullaby CD.

 

Always make sure you place the items carefully in such a way as to avoid them moving around when being transported.  Wrap your basket with cellophane and secure with cello tape and ribbons.  For a seasonal gift use appropriate decorations,  for example red and green or gold for Christmas, yellow and white for Easter.            

Use baskets in different rooms in the house to tidy up and brighten up your rooms. 

Keep your desk neat by putting a small basket to one side to fill with paper clips, pens and pencils, scissors, notepads and business cards.

Your dressing table could always do with one to hold make up items.

Your dining table would look more dressed up if you line a basket with a decorative napkin to hold bread rolls, crackers or fruit and nuts.  Use a small basket for after dinner mints, candy or chocolates.

Use a wicker basket as a base for holding a houseplant or fill with potpourri or pine cones and place in the hallway or family room.                             

 Keep a basket near your favourite chair for your magazines or sewing.

Roll up different coloured towels to fill up a basket and place in the bathroom - add soaps - besides being a practical idea, it will also brighten up the room.

A theme basket is only limited by one's imagination and maybe budget.  Do not be restricted to wicker baskets: decorate a box to resemble a basket, use other containers like terracotta pots for gardening gifts or a colander to act as a food basket and decorate with paper or fabric, raffia or ribbons.  You could also try making a dough basket.  Plan well by knowing what the recipient of your gift would appreciate most.  Let your imagination run free and you'll soon be flying with a basketful of ideas! 

 
                         

                                                      HAPPY CRAFTING!