The Gracious Guest: DIY Gift Baskets

As we move into the season of summer entertaining, backyard barbecues, ladies luncheons, and kids parties will fill our calendars. It’s so important to be a gracious guest and when someone goes out of their way to feed and entertain you, show your gratitude with a little something for the host.

A bottle of wine is always a welcomed offering but putting a gift basket together is a present they’ll not-soon-forget. From something small and homemade to a more extravagant package, gift baskets can be tailored to fit any budget.

Start by selecting a theme. Think about who you’re gifting the basket to, the theme of the event, and how much you’d like to spend. A new mom would love a spa themed basket, guys are aways into a grilling inspired collection of goodies, and your foodie friend would adore a colander filled with fresh pasta, spegetti sauce and a bottle of wine.

Next, choosing a “basket” for your gift is just as important as the contents. Think outside the box when deciding on your container. Choose something that becomes part of the gift, like a lantern filled with s’mores ingredients or a popcorn bucket showcasing movie themed items.

Finally, filling the basket should be fun and thoughtful. I love showcasing local products and including items that are on the top of my favorite-things-list. Your favorite candle or that to-die-for pancake mix tucked in a basket of personalized goodies will leave your host swooning and most certainly get you invited back!

Tea for One

Fill a small picnic basket with items for a beautiful tea party for one. A tea pot filled with spring flowers, a vintage tea cup and spoon, tea cookies, lemon curd, jam, honey, and a personalized calligraphy tag will make for a lovely and relaxing afternoon for your hostess the day after the party.

BBQ with the Boys

I love this lantern chock-full of chic barbecue favorites. A canteen, Turkish T Towel, soda, candle, and s’mores kit make for a fun evening under the stars.

Breakfast in Bed

After a long evening of cleaning dishes, your host will appreciate breakfast in bed the following morning. A basket full of coffee, pancakes and syrup, fresh squeezed orange juice, fruit, muffins, and champagne for mimosas should do the trick!