Decorating Your Own Christmas Baskets

The holiday season is full of laughter, love and gift-giving. What better way to show your appreciation and affection for others than by decorating and giving Christmas baskets as gifts? By personalizing each gift you demonstrate real care and consideration for their tastes. Such baskets are always welcome, whether at home or the office.

The foundation

The first task is to find a suitable basket. Check your local craft store, or perhaps a flea market or thrift store has what you are looking for. Make sure the basket is well-made and capable of holding all the treats you wish to give. Some argue in favor of handles, for additional decorating space if nothing else, while others prefer an open basket to better display your gifts.

Schemes and plans

Next select your decorating scheme. The Christmas colors of red and green blend well with any color of basket, but a dark colored basket works the best. Weave a garland of greenery around the rim, perhaps with a few tree decorations dangling from the edges. While it may seem a bit odd, the artificial grass used in Easter baskets is a good bed for your gifts and fills up the basket nicely.

Fill it up

Now add your presents. A coffee mug filled with gourmet beans, perhaps a few chocolate treats or some fresh-baked Christmas cookies is a great idea. Foil-wrapped Christmas candies add brights accents of color and are also an additional goody for your basket. You could even include holiday themed plants, like a poinsettia or Christmas cactus.

With a little forethought and a touch of good taste, it is easy to create memorable, one-of-a-kind gift baskets anyone is happy to receive.