Holidays

Delicious Ways to Celebrate National Pretzel Day

April 21, 2015

We at 1-800-Baskets love pretzels. In fact, we love them so much that we give away free pretzel treats EVERY Wednesday over at our Facebook page – it’s true!

That’s why we are so excited about the upcoming National Pretzel Day on April 26. In honor of this cool and crunch-filled holiday, we’re sharing 5 delicious ways to celebrate. Have a must-try way we didn’t mention? Share it with us in the comments below!

Candy Covered Pretzels
It’s sure to feel like a celebration when you’re biting into one of our Candy Bar Pretzels! This sweet and salty assortment is packed with loads of delicious crunch. The best part? Each bar comes individually packaged so you can indulge on this occasion and then save some for later!

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Add Pretzels to Your Favorite Recipes
Pretzels add a salty crunch to any recipe. That’s why they’re a great addition to any recipe – be it an appetizer or a dessert! We especially love the salty and sweet pairing, which is why these pretzel-crusted brownies from Celebrations.com make for the perfect sweet way to celebrate this special day.

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Share the Pretzel Love
If you want to spread the pretzel love, surprise a special someone with one of our sweet pretzel greetings! Each card costs only $5 delivered and is the perfect way to remind someone you are thinking of them (and their love for pretzels).

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Make a Pretzel-filled Trail Mix
Pretzels are one of the most common ingredients in trail mix, and it’s not hard to see why! We love the sweet twist Celebrations.com put on their mix with their recipe for S’mores trail mix.

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Make Soft Pretzels for Snacking
If you’re looking for something with a bit less crunch but still want to celebrate, you’ll love this homemade soft pretzel bites recipe. These homemade bites are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce and are the perfect snack to celebrate National Pretzel Day!

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Easter

Easter Brunch Essentials: 5 Ways to Wow

March 23, 2015

Take your traditional Easter brunch to the next level with some stunning decor ideas and recipes! Here are some of our favorite ideas to inspire and as a great starting point for you to start planning for your celebration.

Start off with an Eggciting Place Card

Wow from the beginning by adding a festive touch to your spread with a fun personalized place setting like one of these Easter egg-inspired place cards from Celebrations.com.

Alternatively, you can brighten up your spread by setting a vibrant treat such as these Easter Candied Apples on each guests’ place setting. Keep them in the wrapping and it’ll even serve as a fun party favor!

Bountiful Brunch Foods

Whip up some homemade traditional brunch foods like these berry scones from Celebrations.com. Make a variety of flavors so guests not only have more variety but also to add some color to the spread!

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like baking from scratch, our gourmet Brunch Market Box has all of the supplies and ingredients you need to create a stunning brunch spread including pancake, waffle AND scone mix for easy baking!

Creative Centerpieces

Wow guests with gorgeous Easter decor like this DIY Carrot Vase centerpiece idea. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so stunning!

Alternatively, you can even use a beautifully put-together Easter Basket as a centerpiece. Turn it into a fun activity by handing out raffle tickets and the winning ticket gets to take the basket centerpiece home!

Festive Sips

The food is important, but don’t forget to jazz up the drinks as well! We love this layered punch which is reminiscent of a stunning sunrise – perfect for an early Easter brunch.

Darling Desserts

Even brunches should end on a sweet note! For a fun Easter dessert, whip up a batch of these “surprise” Easter egg-inspired treats from Celebrations.com!

If you don’t feel like baking but still looking to make a statement, you’ll love our eggcellent Easter brownie cakes!
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What are favorite ideas for an Easter brunch? Share with us in the comments below!

Fruit Club

Last-Minute Colorful St. Patrick’s Day Drink: Rainbow Fruit Sangria

March 16, 2015

Looking for the perfect last-minute recipe to add some color to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? Start with a colorful assortment of fruit (like one from our famous fruit baskets) and make your own rainbow in a glass! If this drink is for adults, top with white wine. If this drink is for children, a light colored sparkling soda such as Sprite or ginger-ale will work.

Get the full recipe for this Rainbow Fruit Sangria over at Celebrations.com!

Entertaining

Savory and Sweet Blackberry Thyme Cheese Recipe

March 5, 2015

While cheese can be eaten as is, the entertaining geniuses at Celebrations.com came up with a way to make it even better (if that’s even possible). The careful mix of a soft ripening cheese mixed with blackberry and thyme takes an ordinary roll of cheese and turns it into something truly extraordinary in flavor. Imagine pairing this with a fresh loaf of bread? DELICIOUS. Get the full recipe for this Blackberry Thyme Baked Cheese!

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Looking for more cheesy goodness? Treat yourself (or someone you love) to a savory cheese basket filled with your favorites!

Entertaining

Last-Minute Party Snack: Pulled Pantry Mix

February 12, 2015

Whether it’s neighbors popping in to say hello or in-laws surprising you with a visit, sometimes there isn’t always time to plan a full menu to feed the guests. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still wow!

Celebrations.com came up with the perfect snack for those last-minute guests: a pulled pantry party mix! Check out their tips for this easy idea (hint: it includes grabbing odds and ends for your pantry and creating something delicious and new!).

Recommended Snacks To Keep In The Pantry:

Dried Fruit & Nut Assortments

Nuts

General Snack Assortments

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day Spa-tacular: 10 Tips for Having a Spa Day At Home

February 3, 2015

Valentine’s Day 2015 is on a Saturday – make it a romantic celebration-in with these at-home spa tips!

If you’re looking to make this a weekend celebration, check out our ideas on how to celebrate a Valentine’s Day weekend! Pick up a spa basket filled with all of the essentials – keep in mind when choosing the perfect spa assortment to try and choose a scent you will both enjoy. Here are several tips for a spa day at home – while this is a great activity for a romantic night, in a spa day can also work for ladies night!

Spa gift basket with lavenderStart by selecting the spa scent. When choosing your spa assortment, try to choose a scent that the both of you will enjoy. If you’re unsure, a safe option is always a “clean, fresh” scent such as with the Apres Rain Spa Basket.

Create a spill-proof zone. Neither one of you is going to want to jump and grab the paper towels when you’re mid-relaxation with a face scrub on. Rather, take some time beforehand to cover floors and surfaces in old newspapers or similar so any accidental drips or spills can be addressed after the relaxation time is over.

Keep the menu light. Starting with breakfast and throughout the entire day, choose meals that won’t leave you feeling heavy or bloated.

Skip the 3pm coffee. If coffee or tea are part of your daily routine, be sure to indulge in the morning, pre-spa activities. The reason for this is any muscles that caffeine can actually cause muscles that have relaxed during the spa-tacular itinerary to tense up.

Light candles. Set the scene with dim lights and lit candles. If your spa supplies are scented, opt with unscented candles as to avoid overwhelming the senses. Celebrations.com shared an easy tutorial on turning using sheet music to create your own “musical” candles for Valentine’s Day, which brings us to our next tip…

Prepare a playlist. For a romantic spa day, pick your favorite love-inspired songs. If you the two of you have a special song, be sure to throw it in the mix.

Prepare warm towels. If possible, do a laundry load of towels and dry them morning of. Store them in an sealed bag to keep the warmth in. That way, you have warm towels to use during your spa day!

Prepare conversation cards. As much as you may know about the other person, there is always more to learn! Prepare conversation cards with random questions such as, “what’s your favorite 80s song” or “what’s your dream vacation” or similar questions that you may not know the answers to. Alternatively, you can prepare topics to discuss for a deeper conversation. These will come in handy during downtime such as waiting for a face mask to harden!

Cool down with refreshing sips and snacks. You’re guaranteed to be spending a lot of time in hot steam during this day, so be sure to stay hydrated and refreshed with cool drinks or snacks (like mini wine popsicles – yum!).

Experiment with essential oils. As mentioned above, spa and steam go hand in hand. Take advantage of this by adding a dash of essential oils to the mix! Choose essential oils known for their benefits, such as sage, eucalyptus, or clarysage.

Just Because

5 Tips for Keeping In Touch With Old Friends + New Acquaintances

January 14, 2015

What’s the age-old saying, new year new you? Make it a point this year to stay in touch and strengthen bonds you may have made in the past with these tips for keeping in touch with old friends and new acquaintances.

tips-for-keeping-in-touchStay on top of birthdays. Thanks to social media, this is easy! If you’re not always on top of checking your social profiles on a daily basis, be sure to opt in for birthday reminder emails; if staying in touch is important to you, wishing someone a “happy birthday” is an easy and personal way!

Keep track of fun facts. Keep a rolodex of contact information AND fun facts you learn about them. Do they have a favorite artist or travel spot? Send them articles you may come across related to their interests. If they have children, write down any ages, birthdays, or interesting facts about them so you can bring up these facts when appropriate. Putting that extra personal touch and showing them you care will really make them more susceptible to building a stronger, longer lasting relationship.

Use email to add humor to their day. Now days, most email inboxes are flooded with promotional offers and add little value to their life. Give them a reason to open their inbox by adding a touch of humor to their day (or week). Be it a funny article, photo, or just a simple joke that will make them smile, they will be reminded of you and your bond will grow stronger. Be sure to add your contacts to the “bcc” list so their emails don’t become public knowledge.

Utilize social media. Help your other relationships by making social media your best friend! A simple “like” on a work anniversary, life milestone, or status update will keep you at the top of their mind and remind them to maybe reach out to you and give YOU a call. While “liking” is a great first step, actually commenting on the social status or photo is an extra personal touch and a great way to start a quick conversation and dialogue.

Host Mixers. Keep in touch with an entire group in a matter of hours by hosting a mixer for everyone to enjoy! This can be as complex as a themed party or wine party at your home or as simple as a happy hour at the local pub.

Fruit Club

Start the New Year Off Right With Healthy Smoothie Recipes

January 8, 2015

Did your New Year’s resolution involve a healthy 2015? If so, or if you’re just looking for a satisfying smoothie sip to whip up in your favorite blender, you’ll love these must-try smoothie recipes from Celebrations.com!

Each recipe featured includes at least 1 fruit or berry for a satisfyingly sweet way to get your daily serving of fruits. Quick tip: if you have a fruit that’s just about to turn, throw it in the blender and turn it into something new and delicious. Smoothie on!

Gift Baskets, Holiday Gift Baskets

Holiday Gift Baskets Ideas for Every Relationship

December 12, 2014

While you may known your friends and family members well enough to get them a gift that perfectly speaks to them, there are others in your life who are slightly harder to shop for. Surprise those outside your extended circle with the no-fail gift of a gift basket! Here are some holiday gift basket ideas for those in your life who deserve a special sentiment for the season.

Boss & Coworkers

Chances are, you see your colleagues more than some of your friends and family members! Thank them for all of the support throughout the year with a coffee gift basket to help keep them fueled throughout the day. Does your business friend enjoy tea rather than coffee? Send a tea gift basket instead!

In-laws

Toast to your significant other’s family with a festive wine gift basket! It’ll give you an excuse to stop by If you’re not sure if they prefer red or white wine, be safe and give a gift that includes both.

Neighbor

They grab your mail when you’re away and feed your dog when emergencies arise; spread some holiday cheer to your literally “closest” pals by surprising them with a Meat and Cheese basketon their doorstep. Who knows, maybe they’ll even invite you over to indulge in the bounty!

Child’s Teachers & Caretakers

There’s no denying that taking care of children can be… stressful. Thank those who help protect and educate your most important gift – your children – with a gift that’ll help them melt their stresses away with a luxurious spa gift basket.

Service Employees

Thank your local post office worker, garbage disposal associate or the helping hands that keep your building afloat (superintendents, doormen) with a juicy gift that’s sure to sweeten their season! These holiday fruit gift baskets are sure to satisfy even the “pickiest” recipient!

Long-Distance Friends

Far in distance but near at heart! Your friends and acquaintances may be more than a short drive away, but let them know they’re still at the top of your mind with an overabundance of festive sweet treat with one of the decadent dessert baskets from Cheryl’s.

Holiday Gift Baskets

The Ultimate Holiday Entertaining Guide

December 9, 2014

The holiday season is finally upon us! Do you know what that means? Holiday parties, family reunions, and of course – gifting! Our friends at Celebrations.com put together The Ultimate Holiday Entertaining Guide featuring festive foods, fun party ideas, creative decor inspiration, and a holiday gift guide to satisfy every type of recipient!

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What is your favorite way to entertain the holiday season? Do you fill your weekends with swinging holiday soirees? Or keep it casual with at-home holiday movie nights? Share how you celebrate in the comments below!