Monthly Archives

April 2013

Uncategorized

The Best Snacks for Baseball Season

April 29, 2013
Candy Bar Pretzels

Candy Bar PretzelsPlanning on enjoying America’s favorite pastime this spring? Whether you’re watching the ballgame from your living room or from the bleachers, rooting for the home team isn’t nearly as fun if you don’t have some awesome treats to chomp on. Handy bite-sized snacks are the MVPs of baseball snacking: They’re easy to pop into your mouth while you concentrate on the biggest plays, and they have big-league flavor. Here’s our all-star lineup of the best snacks to eat during baseball season!

Flower in Bloom Gourmet Fruit & NutsFlower in Bloom Gourmet Fruit & Nuts

A healthier spin on the traditional peanuts and cracker jacks, this assortment of mixed nuts and dried fruits is a delicious and guilt-free pick for the big game. The sleek wooden tray is loaded with cashews, almonds, pears, peaches apricots, dates, plums and more—all cleverly arranged into the shape of a blooming flower. Perfect for spring’s best sport!

Candy-Covered Pretzel RodsCandy Bar Pretzels

This sinfully delicious snack brings together all the classic treats you’d find at the concession stand—without the hefty price! Golden pretzel rods are dipped in creamy caramel and then covered in one of five candy favorites—Oreo, Butterfinger, M&Ms, Mounds or Heath Bar—to make a sweet-and-salty double play that no one can resist.

So Good Gourmet ApplesSo Good Gourmet Apples

These pitch-perfect candy apples come in four decadent flavors and are served on an easy-to-hold stick so you won’t drop the ball on game day. Take your pick from toppings like white confection and cinnamon; honey-roasted peanuts and milk chocolate; white confection and milk and dark chocolate; or pecans and milk chocolate drizzle.

The Popcorn Factory Snack Attack Deluxe TinThe Popcorn Factory Snack Attack Deluxe Tin

Only for serious snackers, this deluxe tin comes with enough sweet treats to feed the entire team. With mini pretzels, licorice, Tootsie Rolls, peanuts, chocolate chunk cookies, popcorn balls, gummy bears and five different flavors of popcorn at hand, you’ll have enough to satisfy your cravings, even if the game goes into extra innings!

It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Martini Mixer Market BoxIt’s 5:00 Somewhere Martini Mixers Market Box

Forget boring old beer. Celebrate your big win in style with one of your favorite cocktails and some fancy salty snacks. This kit already comes with everything you need to make a toast your team players: lemon drop, cosmopolitan and dirty martini mixes, plus savory bits like stuffed Greek olives, cheese straws and more.

So, baseball fans: What’s your favorite team, and what kind of snacks do you like to eat while you cheer them on?

Gift Baskets, Uncategorized

How to Plan the Perfect Picnic for National Picnic Day

April 23, 2013
Fruit & Cheese Deluxe Picnic Gift Basket

Fruit & Cheese Deluxe Picnic Gift Basket

Happy National Picnic Day! There’s no better time to take advantage of the delightfully warm spring weather, so pack up your basket and head outside for a day of fun, food and sun with your loved ones. Whether you’re laying out your blanket on a sandy beach or a grassy park, use this step-by-step planning guide to ensure your National Picnic Day celebration is a success!

1. Plan ahead.

A few days before your picnic, think about what food you’d like to serve. Give yourself enough time to shop for all of the ingredients and prepare your meal. Once you’ve fully prepped your menu items, place them in tightly sealed containers or sandwich bags and store them in the refrigerator overnight so they’re ready to pack and go on the day of the picnic.

2. Pick the right food.

So you don’t waste time heating food at the last minute before you head out, opt for dishes that are best served cold or at room temperature. You should also stick to portable food that is easy to eat by hand. Single-serve fare—like salads, sandwiches, bread, cheese, fruit and cookies—is the easiest to serve and eat at a picnic.

Your menu should consist of salad, a main course, an appetizer, dessert and a refreshingly cool drink. The picnic baskets at 1-800-Baskets.com already come with delicious gourmet meat and cheeses as well as fruit, so most of the work is already cut out for you! If you need some help figuring out the rest of your food and drink selection, check out these picnic food ideas and picnic punch recipes from the party experts at Celebrations.com.

3. Pack the perfect picnic basket.

A big, sturdy picnic basket will keep your food and supplies safe and help you transport everything to your favorite picnic spot. The picnic baskets at 1-800-Baskets.com aren’t just charming; they’re also durable and come in the perfect size for all your picnic needs.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you make sure your picnic basket is equipped with all the supplies necessary for you and your loved ones to enjoy your outdoor meal:

_    Cozy picnic blanket or tablecloth
_    Any utensils you need to eat your meal, like plates, forks, spoons, knives and cups (help save the environment by using lightweight and reusable acrylic utensils that can be washed and stored away for your next picnic)
_    Napkins, paper towels, and wet cleaning cloths
_    Can opener or a sharp knife to open packaged food
_    Wine or bottle opener
_    Extra aluminum foil or food containers for leftovers
_    Three plastic bags: one for garbage, one for recyclable items, and one for dirty dishes
_    Ice packs
_    Thermos
_    Sunscreen and bug spray
_    Outdoor toys or sports equipment, like a Frisbee, volleyball, jump rope, etc.

To make serving easier, pack your picnic food and supplies in layers: Keep anything you’ll be eating or using first at the top of the basket. Here’s the ideal way to pack your basket, layer by layer:

  • Bottom: Line the bottom of your basket with paper towels and cleaning cloths, since you won’t need them until the end of the picnic. Then, stack heavier items on top, like wine bottles, thermoses and ice packs.
  • Middle: Neatly stack your plates and cups along the side of the picnic basket so they’re easily reachable when you’re ready to eat. Nestle the food and dessert containers in between the cups and the plates, and lay utensils individually wrapped with napkins on top. Make sure all perishable food is sitting on top of the ice packs.
  • Top: Softer items—like salad, bread, individually wrapped sandwiches, chips and cookies—should sit at the top of the basket to prevent them from getting crushed. To cap everything off, fold up your picnic blanket and place it at the very top of the basket. That way you won’t have to dig around for your blanket when you’ve arrived at your picnic spot, and it’ll give your basket some extra protective cushioning.

4. Scout out the best picnic location.

You’re ready to grab your basket and go! A great picnic isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the fresh, natural surroundings. Pick a beautiful, sunny spot that’ll set the mood you want for your picnic, whether it’s romantic and secluded, or lively and family-oriented.

Where will you be enjoying your perfect outdoor meal on National Picnic Day?

Gift Baskets

An Earth Day Tribute: 30 Different Uses for Baskets

April 16, 2013
Denarii Lavender Spa Gift Basket

Denarii Lavender Spa Gift BasketIt’s that time of year when we all band together to raise awareness of protecting the environment: Earth Day 2013 is on Monday, April 22! In the spirit of conserving our planet’s resources and bringing new life to old objects, we’ve come up with a list of 30 fun (and totally practical) ways you can reuse a gift basket! This year, get in on the worldwide recycling effort by trying one of these creative ideas:

1. If you keep healthy snacks within sight, you’re more likely to eat them. Use a basket to store wholesome treats so they’re always within arm’s reach.

2. Instead of piling your magazines on top of your coffee table, neatly stow them in a basket instead and place them in your bedroom, living room, kitchen and even bathroom.

3. Never lose your remote controls again: Keep them in a basket next to your living room couch or on top of your coffee table.

4. Don’t know where to put all that mail? Don’t clutter your desk with loose paper. Neatly organize your bills and stationery in a small basket at home and at work.

5. No one said toolboxes have to be manly. Place any small, frequently used hand tools in an easy-to-reach basket.

6. Always have a fresh supply of bathroom towels: Roll them up, arrange them in a basket and place them next to your bathtub.

7. Dress up your favorite blooms by placing the flower pot in a basket.

8. If you often find yourself wrapping gifts at a moment’s notice, keep a basket filled with all the necessary supplies: wrapping paper, tissue paper, scissors, ribbons, etc.

9. Your basket can also double as a cute beach or picnic tote. Just toss in some snacks, flatware, blankets, towels or toys and head out to your favorite warm-weather spot.

10. Give your fireplace a stylish rustic look by storing firewood and matches in a basket next to the hearth.

11. No need to buy a big, expensive cooler for your backyard party. Line a large basket with a sturdy garbage bag, and then fill it with ice and drinks for a much cuter alternative.

12. Make your own coffee station by placing a small basket on your kitchen countertop and stocking it with tea bags, sugar packets, envelopes of hot chocolate, single-serve coffee cups, coffee filters, honey, coffee stirrers, etc.

13. Cleanup after playtime is a snap when you use a basket as a storage bin for small toys.

14. Keep your craft room tidy by putting away your bulky art supplies, knitting supplies, etc., in a basket.

15. Your dog or cat will feel like royalty when you make them their own DIY pet bed. Just place a pillow at the bottom of a basket and voila! Your pet has a new throne.

Orchard Indulgence Fruit Gift Basket

16. Don’t hide all your pretty jewelry in a box. Display it in a cute basket on top of your dresser instead.

17. Save some precious drawer space and keep your kitchen utensils organized in a basket. That way, you’ll have your forks, knives and spoons handy no matter where you’re eating.

18. Keep your bathroom cabinets tidy: Put extra stock of your bathroom essentials (e.g., soap, hair care products, toothpaste, etc.) in a basket under the sink so they’re easy to access.

19. Got a fruit gift basket in the mail? Once you’ve devoured all the delicious snacks, continue using the basket as a storage bin for your apples, oranges, bananas and more every time you go food shopping.

20. With a few craft supplies and a little imagination, you can transform a plain basket into a beautifully personalized gift basket for any occasion, from Easter to bridal showers.

21. Nothing relaxes you more than curling up with a blanket on the couch and watching a great movie. Keep your comfy throws within reach—and add a cozy touch to your living room décor—by piling a few blankets in a rustic-style basket.

22. Always losing a scarf, hat or glove around the house? Designate one basket in your coat closet as the storage spot for all your wintertime accessories. You’ll never have to go searching for a misplaced mitten again!

23. There’s no rule that says you have to toss your trash into an ugly garbage can. Just line a basket with a garbage bag and you’ll have a cute trash or recycling bin that’s a real treasure.

24. Make your guests feel at home by greeting them with a welcome basket in their bedroom. Fill it up with a robe, cozy pair of slippers, map of the neighborhood, spare phone charger, reading material, bathroom supplies and more.

25. Using a basket as a resting place for keys, wallets, sunglasses and hand lotion helps you avoid misplacing those loose everyday items you keep in your pockets or purse.

26. Don’t juggle and drop a million things while climbing up and down the stairs. Always keep a basket at the bottom of your staircase, and fill it with all the items that have to go upstairs. On your next trip up, take everything with you in the basket. Then leave the basket at the top of the stairs, fill it up with things that have to go downstairs, and bring it with you when you go back down.

27. When you’re working outside in the yard, keep all of your gardening tools in an easy-to-handle basket. It’ll helps you effortlessly carry your tools with you as you move about in your backyard.

28. When your kids come home from practice, drop their sports equipment (e.g., balls, hats, mitts, gloves, helmets, etc.) into a basket so it’s ready for them to use again tomorrow.

29. Maximize on storage space and keep your open book shelves from getting messy: Use baskets as organizational drawers that you can slide into and out of the shelves with ease.

30. You can make a piece of wall art out of anything—even a basket! Just cover it up with some paint in the color of your choice and hang it up as a totally unique wall accent.

What other practical ways have you used baskets in your home? Tell us about them!

Gift Baskets, Thank You Gifts

5 Sweet Ways to Celebrate National Sibling Day

April 10, 2013
Cheryl's Thank You Cookie Flower Pot

Cheryl's Thank You Cookie Flower PotCelebrate the lifelong bond between brothers and sisters: April 10 is National Sibling Day! From the early childhood days when you playfully tortured each other, to the now grown-up days when you turn to one another for unconditional love and support, your siblings have always stuck right by your side. Here are some sweet, thoughtful ways to show your brother or sister how lucky you feel to call them family.

Send them a gift.

Throughout life’s most important moments, our siblings are always there for us. They listen to our worries and fears, they give us no-nonsense advice when we need it, and they always know how to make us laugh. Sending them a thank-you gift basket with a heartfelt note lets your siblings know that everything they do is not only noticed, but also much appreciated.

Call them.

Some of us are fortunate enough to live near our brothers and sisters. Others are not. The beauty of brotherhood, however, is that no number of miles can separate siblings’ hearts. Whether the last time you spoke to each other was yesterday or last year, give your siblings a call and tell them how much you love them. Even if you’re going through a rough patch and aren’t on speaking terms, today is the perfect day to make amends.

Invite them to dinner.

Just like the good old days when you used to share a dinner table, have your brothers or sisters over for a comforting home-cooked meal. Make the foods you all loved to eat while growing up, and use the one-on-one time to catch up with each other. Reminisce over happy old memories … and make new ones together too.

Help them with something.

When life sometimes gives you more than you can handle, you can count on your siblings to lend you a helping hand. For all those times they helped you move into a new apartment, fix your car, find a new job, go grocery shopping and more, now’s time to return the favor. No matter how big or small their chores are, show your siblings your gratitude by helping them tackle their to-do list.

Share old photos with them.

Siblinghood is often the longest relationship of our lives: From the cradle to the grave, our brothers and sisters never stop being our siblings. With so many years you share together, you also share a lifetime of photos that capture your most precious memories. Dig up those old pictures of you and your siblings, and look through them together. Physically watching your relationship grow over time doesn’t just give you a sense of closeness and comfort; it also solidifies your brotherly love for many years to come.

How will you celebrate your brother or sister on National Siblings Day?