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!
Locally sourced items from White’s Mercantile, Tin Cottage, Sew What Gifts and Stitches, and Abigail T Calligraphy.