But I'm back today, actually with something a little different ... a guest blog! I wanted to share the work of one of my very talented friends, Cheryl. There are some people in this world who really have a gift for, well, gift baskets -- and she's got it!
Just in time of the holidays, we're sharing her most recent creation, a basket she did for a charity auction we do at our work this time every year. The idea is amazing, packed with simple goodies that deliver a very special experience. Whether you're looking to share a pretty basket with a teacher, neighbor, friend or charity, try Cheryl's tips for giving something truly amazing!
Take it away, Cheryl ...
First, supplies!
· White Basket
· Red Crinkle
· Tony Bennett Christmas CD
· Ziploc® Limited Edition Holiday Design Qt. Size Bags
· Glade® Holiday Baking™ Candle
· Cookie Cutters
· Parchment Paper
· Wilton
· Wilton
· Wilton
· Holiday Sprinkles
· Holiday Dessert Paper Plates
· Holiday Beverage Paper Napkins
Note: Cute black kitty not included with gift basket. :)
Next, the idea ...
"Sweet Traditions of Christmas"
Whether you’re looking to create a special gift for a loved one, friend, or donation to support a charitable organization – there are loads of simple ideas. Here’s one …
Make a memory complete including senses of smell, taste, and sounds to last a lifetime – a fun activity for a crisp winter afternoon or evening.
It’s as easy as gathering Christmas cookie and candy recipes passed down by generations and placing them on decorative recipe cards. Or pick up that Christmas cookie book sitting right under your nose at the grocery checkout aisle.
Include cookie cutters, colored sugar sprinkles, decorations, and packages of holiday napkins & paper plates.
Set the mood by tucking in a scented candle and Christmas CD by a favorite artist and your favorite songs.
Add embellishments of special candies – such as red, green and silver Hershey Kisses, Candy Canes or individually wrapped mints!
Christmas memories I love most are of making fudge, caramels, and baking & frosting cut-out cookies with my family. And sampling during the process was an added bonus!
So … take a little time and you, too, can pass on traditional smells, tastes, and sounds of the season.
And may you, your friends, and family enjoy sharing the wonders of creating Sweet Traditions of Christmas!
Cheryl actually took time to put these very words to paper, rolled it up, secured with a pretty ribbon and included it in the gift basket. Great idea!
Cheryl also used a light-weight crafting material to line the basket and when everything was (beautifully) packed inside, rolled it up and tucked it in ...
She also knows how to make bows from regular ribbon and floral wire. (No worries, someday we'll show you how to do this; it's easy.) If you don't know how to make your own, go store-bought for this extra special touch on your basket.
Awesome right? Here's the aerial view.
This basket really packed a powerful punch and received many bids at the silent auction it was in. It helped to raise money for a great cause and will certainly make for a very special day of baking for the recipient. I love that Cheryl didn't just include gifts, she created an experience that will create special memories ... in an amazingly beautiful way.
Hopefully you'll find a few ideas you can use yourself this holiday season -- cheers!
