Gift Basket Decorating Ideas
- Embellishments complete a gift basket.gifts in a basket. image by mashe from Fotolia.com
Create a gift basket for any occasion to provide a personalized present. Choose items to match a specific theme or choose a mixture of items to match the receiver's interests. Decorate the container--you're not limited to regular baskets--in a festive way so that it is pleasing to look at, too. - Choose a basket that matches the theme of the items you are giving. Don't limit yourself to traditional woven baskets, because other small containers serve the same purpose and may complement the gift better. For example, fill a popcorn bowl with items for a movie-night gift basket or use a shower caddy to hold the parts of a dorm-themed gift for a recent high school graduate. Traditional baskets come in many designs; the material doesn't have to be traditional wicker, though--consider wire baskets or painted metal versions.
- Filler elevates the gift items so they are visible over the rim and it also adds a decorative touch. Put in the filler before adding items and wrapping the basket. Use shredded decorative paper or straw. Another option is crumpled tissue paper. Decide whether you want to wrap the individual items or leave them visible. Florist's cellophane comes in a variety of translucent colors or printed designs and works well for gift baskets. Wrap the entire basket in cellophane or gather the items and wrap them before setting them in the basket. Gather the cellophane at the top and close it with a large ribbon bow.
- Embellishments add a finishing touch that pulls your gift basket together. Ribbons and bows are common embellishments. Instead of a ribbon bow, make a bow or rosette from one of the gift items. Make and attach a washcloth rose for a baby shower basket or tie a pretty cookie cutter to the front as the centerpiece on a baked goods basket. Look in floral departments for inspiration. Fabric butterflies and silk flowers add a whimsical touch.
