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How to Plan the Perfect Picnic for National Picnic Day

April 23, 2013

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

It’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.

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

Celebrate 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?

Gift Baskets, Uncategorized

The History of Baskets

February 13, 2013

Sierra Sensation Fruit & Gourmet Gift Basket

With their charming looks, natural texture and unbeatable durability, baskets are the perfect place to nestle everything from baby shower gifts to wine, fruit and other household items. Because baskets have become a staple of gift-giving and home décor in the modern world, it’s easy to overlook the fact that they also carry a long history that dates back thousands of years. Here’s a quick recap of how baskets made their way into your heart and home!

The First Baskets

It’s hard to tell exactly when the first basket was crafted. They were initially made from natural materials that easily decay over the years—like wood, roots and grass—so finding a perfectly preserved basket has been no easy feat for historians. But some remains have been found inFaiyum,Egypt, and scientists believe that they’re the oldest baskets ever found: 12,000 years old, to be exact! In theMiddle East, other ancient baskets that have been around for 7,000 years have also been discovered. The Sumerians used these hand-woven containers to bury their dead in 4,000 B.C., and multiple mentions of baskets are made in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Earliest Uses of Baskets

Even though we don’t know precisely when baskets came about, we do know what they were initially used for. In the days before refrigerators, plastic storage containers, pitchers and closets, man needed a place to store food, water and other personal belongings. So, different types of basket weaves were invented to accommodate different needs. For example, people who lived near the ocean designed tightly woven baskets that would hold fish and water. Others who lived in wooded areas made baskets that would hold grains and other harvested foods.

In some parts of the world, pieces of baskets have been found buried in thousand-year-old gravesites along with traces of pollen, which suggests that baskets were used in the ancient times to bring flowers and other gifts to deceased loved ones. Proof that gift baskets and flowers have been a part of important life occasions for a very long time!

When trading over far distances eventually became the norm, baskets were used to transport goods from one place to another. As a result, different basket-weaving styles were spread across borders and cultures. For example, baskets were used to package and deliver products in factories during the Industrial Revolution. They were also used to transport carrier pigeons, ammunition, food and other supplies during World War I and World War II.

As time passed and as more weaving techniques were discovered, baskets became unique art forms as well as practical necessities. And so today, baskets are collected for not only their functionality as storage containers and gift-holders, but also their one-of-a-kind beauty. So if you really want to give your loved one a truly original gift that shows you care, hand them a beautifully crafted basket loaded with their favorite goodies!

Do you know any other fun facts about baskets? Share them with us!

Gift Baskets, Uncategorized

5 Glamorous Appetizer Recipes for Your 2013 Oscar Party

January 30, 2013

Creamy Brie Cheese And the award for best Oscar party feast goes to … you! The glitziest night in Hollywood is less than a month away, so now’s the perfect time to start planning your showstopping menu. Just pick your favorite cheese from our gourmet food gift baskets, and pair it up with one of these scrumptious appetizer recipes from the party experts at Celebrations.com. Whether you’re hosting a few gal pals or a full-on cast and crew of friends, everyone will love noshing on these delicious finger foods while they guess the night’s big winners!

Oscar Party Snack No. 1: Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich

An all-American delight with serious flavor, this sammie is the ideal appetizer for all those Zero Dark Thirty fans in your crowd. It’s also a picture-perfect match for our smooth and creamy Baby Swiss Cheese.

Oscar Party Snack No. 2: Aged Cheddar and Applewood Bacon Potato Skins

Put some Django Unchained–style zing into your awards night fare: When they’re made with Fiscalini Aged Cheddar Cheese, these tater skins are smoking hot fun.

Oscar Party Snack No. 3: Brie and Pear Baguette

Give a nod to your Les Miserables–loving friends with this French hors d’oeuvre. Our delicate Creamy Brie Cheese plays an outstanding supporting role alongside the sweet apricot and pear spreads.

Oscar Party Snack No. 4: Mac and Cheese Bites

For something rich and comforting—a la Silver Linings Playbook—treat your guests to these bite-sized snacks made with Vella Mezzo Secco Monterey Jack Cheese.

Oscar Party Snack No. 5: Easy Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Fans of the epic film Lincoln will rave about this White House–worthy delicacy. Sierra Nevada Classic Aged Goat Cheddar is sure to steal the spotlight in this presidential recipe.

Check out Celebrations.com for even more great tips on how to host a 2013 Oscar viewing party!

What main courses will you serve with your awards night appetizers?

Gift Baskets, Uncategorized

Something to Warm up Your Winter: Gourmet Italian Meal in a Basket

January 23, 2013

Brrr! The outdoor temps have hit rock bottom, and nothing can really warm you up like some good, comforting Italian food. But there’s no need for you to pile into your car and brave those icy roads to get to your favorite restaurant. The Cucina Rustica Italian Gift Basket has all the ingredients you need to make a three-course gourmet Italian meal right at home. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to heat things up in your kitchen; even an arctic chill doesn’t stand a chance against this hearty menu!

Appetizers

Start your cold-day feast with some enticing hors d’oeuvres. First, set your appetite in motion by tossing a fresh green salad and topping it with your Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Colavita Balsamic Vinegar that’s included in your Cucina Rustica Italian Gift Basket. Add even more depth, texture and flavor to your salad with other toppings, such as olives and tomatoes. Two sensational kinds of Bell’Italia breadsticks are also included, so make sure to serve those alongside your salad for dipping. To wrap up your first course, top the rich and savory sundried tomato crostini and the fragrant rosemary bruschetta—both of which are in abundant supply in your food basket—with freshly chopped tomatoes, classic Italian meats or artisan cheese.

Main Course

Now it’s time for the main event: pasta, the ultimate feel-good food! Whether you’re in the mood for the soothing effect of long Isola Capellini pasta or the bite-sized perfection of Isola Tortigioni pasta, the Cucina Rustica Italian Gift Basket lets you pick how you’ll indulge in your heavenly meal. Feel like spoiling yourself? Make both! Boil it until you’ve achieved the ideal al dente texture, then cascade the warm, mouthwatering and spirit-lifting Isola Traditional Marinara Pasta Sauce on top of your pasta. And there you have it: an authentic Italian entrée in mere minutes. Perfecto!

Dessert

What better way to cap off your toasty meal than with a little bit of sugar? When it comes to the Italians, dessert is their specialty. And with the rustic Italian gift basket, you’ll have enough traditional treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pamper yourself with gourmet Chiostro Di Saronno Italian Biscotti (a world-renowned delicacy), light yet delectable Delser Italian cookies, or tart-and-sweet Lazzaroni Limonelli Italian cookies. They’re guaranteed to have your blood pumping with pleasure in no time.

It’s easy to see why the Cucina Rustica Italian Gift Basket is our top pick for a frosty winter day. What other kinds of gift baskets thaw you out when the temperature is low?

Gift Baskets

10 Ways to Make a Sick Friend Feel Better

January 16, 2013

To the Rescue Get Well Dog Lover's Tower

With this cold and flu season being one of the worst yet, chances are that someone you know will catch the bug. And since a thoughtful gift or a helping hand can be the greatest medicine, we’ve gathered a list of 10 ways you can show your friend some TLC when she’s under the weather. Give them a try and we guarantee she’ll be back to her fabulous self in no time!

Let her know how much you care by regularly checking in on her via email. While you’re at it, send her some links to interesting articles, funny YouTube videos, or fun throwback photos of your friendship through the years.

Burn her a few CDs with her favorite songs, rent some cheap DVDs from Redbox, stock up on a bunch of juicy gossip magazines or buy a couple of board games at the local consignment shop. Bring everything to her house and spend some time enjoying them with her.
Instead of focusing on her being sick (that’ll only make her feel worse!), comfort her by doing things that you normally do as friends. Have a good old chat, laugh, share stories and ask each other for advice.

Make the most out of your house visit and ask if there’s anything you can help her with, like cleaning, organizing things, doing laundry, walking the dog, going to the doctor or pharmacy, etc. On your next trip to the grocery store, give her a call and ask if there’s anything she’d like you to pick up.

If she has kids, offer to take them to the park, the movies or a museum so she can get some much-needed rest. Even just a couple of hours of total peace and quiet will make her feel like she’s on a Caribbean vacation!

Soothe her tummy by cooking her favorite meal (soup will most likely hit the spot), or team up with a few of your other friends to cook multiple meals and stock up her freezer for the week.

The No. 1 prescription for smiles on a sick day: sugar! Surprise her with some deliciously sweet snacks in a gift basket. Try the To the Rescue Get Well Dog Lover’s Tower or the Get Well Soon! Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Can for your chocolate-loving lady friend; the Get Well Wishes Fruit Tower for your health-conscious amiga; or the Get Well Fortune Cookie for the gal who always knows how to make you laugh.

Help her keep cozy in style. Give her a cute fuzzy robe, oversized slipper booties and a pair of oh-so-soft pajamas that she can wear around the house.

If she’s up for it, take her out for a mani-pedi, or bring someone to do it in-house. Lying in bed with the sniffles makes you feel anything but beautiful, so a bright, fresh nail polish color will be just the pick-me-up the doctor ordered.

She doesn’t have enough energy for the nail salon, you say? That’s OK. Instead, give her a spa gift basket and a gift certificate for a massage that she can look forward to using when she feels better.

What are some get-well-soon tricks you use when your friends are feeling out of sorts?

Gift Baskets

Meet the Artisans Behind Our California Crafted Meat & Cheese Gift Basket

November 30, 2012

If you really want to show someone how exquisite they are, nothing will get your message across better than the California Crafted Meat & Cheese Gift Basket. To ensure that your loved one gets the quality products they deserve, we teamed up with the makers of top-of-the-line artisanal cheeses and premium gourmet foods. Our partners aren’t just experts; they’re food artists, and we love them so much that we just have to introduce them to you. Meet the three artisans—Bellwether Farms, Cypress Grove Chevre, and Colombus— behind one of our most sophisticated gift baskets, and find out how they harness their passion to deliver delicacies to your doorstep.

Bellwether Farms

Bellwether Farms, a premier creamery on the beautiful Sonoma County coast, was established back in 1986 by Cindy Callahan, a former nurse. Their long tradition of making fine cheese started entirely by chance: When Cindy bought sheep as an easy way to manage the farm’s grass, a friend happened to suggest that she try milking the sheep. And so the dairy farm was born.

Today, Bellwether Farms uses fresh, rich and creamy milk from Jerseycows (which are rarer than traditional black-and-white cows and make the best milk for dairy products) to create first-rate cheeses. The cows are fed a healthy diet of fresh grass, alfalfa and grains to enhance the flavor of their milk, and they are never pumped with hormones. To give their goods a personal touch, Cindy’s son, Liam, makes every pound of cheese with his own hands.

The Callahans found inspiration for their famous Carmody cheese, which is featured in our California Crafted Meat & Cheese Gift Basket, on a trip toItaly in the ’90s. After traveling toMilan to see firsthand how Gorgonzola is made, Cindy tried making her own cheese that had a similar mild, creamy and buttery taste … and she perfected it. Tipping her hat to her hometown, Cindy named the delicious cheese “Carmody” after a road that runs right near her farm.

Cypress Grove Chevre

Just like the fortuitous discovery of Bellwether Farms, Cypress Grove Chevre has a similar history surrounded by luck. Mary Keehn started raising Alpine goats in the 1970s so that she could provide her children with a healthier source of milk. It so happened that she actually had a knack for rearing goats, eventually earning her national recognition as one of the country’s best Alpine goat breeders.

As her herd of goats and their supply of milk kept growing, Mary gave cheese making a try. And being the winner that she is, she nailed it. Now, with its remarkable collection of goat cheese flavors invented exclusively by Mary, Cypress Grove Chevre has become one of the most renowned and awarded sellers of goat cheese in the country.

We chose to feature Cypress Grove Chevre’s Purple Haze Goat Milk Cheese in our gift basket because of its unique and oh-so-flavorful blend of lavender and wild fennel pollen, which makes a delicious complement to a variety of sweet and savory foods. Plus, we simply couldn’t ignore its award-winning history: It was crowned Best of Show at the 2009 California State Fair Cheese Competition, and it earned the Best of Class title at the 2011 U.S. Cheese Championship.

Columbus

And what’s artisanal cheese without some choice meats to pair it with? The founders of Columbus left Italy to come to America in 1917, but they sure didn’t leave their authentic Italian traditions behind. With them, they brought their expertise in making artisan salame and premium deli meats, and they began selling it in their new digs—San Francisco, California. In today’s modern age, Columbus continues bringing us unforgettable old-world charm and flavor with their line of Italian fare.

So which Columbus product did we pick as our favorite? The Italian Dry Salame, and it’s not hard to see why. The flavor of these first-class cuts of slow-cured pork is further enhanced with aromatic spices and rich wine, giving the original Italian recipe some San Francisco appeal. Whichever way you choose to savor it—whether it’s in a sandwich or straight from the package—you’ll be captivated by the genuine taste that only the masters at Columbus can create.

Now that you’ve gotten to know the culinary maestros we’ve had the honor of collaborating with to bring you the California Crafted Meat & Cheese Gift Basket, tell us which story you found to be the most inspiring and why!

Gift Baskets, New Baby Gift Baskets, Uncategorized

Most Popular Baby Shower Trends of 2012: Part 2

October 24, 2012

Welcome back to the baby bonanza! Last week, we covered two of the top five baby shower themes of 2012. The fun continues with three more trendy ideas, plus tips on how guests can get involved with fun games and cute baby gifts.

Bring-a-Book Showers
When I was a kid, I used to carry a stack of books (which was often taller than me) everywhere I went … and I mean everywhere. My passion for reading stemmed from the simple fact that there were so many books lying around the house, waiting for their pages to be turned. Bookworms like me who want to start a miniature library for their new babies have given birth to this baby shower trend. When a guest attends a bring-a-book shower, they bring a copy of their favorite children’s book in addition to other essential baby gifts. They can even write a personal message on the inside cover to transform the book into a timeless keepsake. A bedtime story is the perfect addition to baby gift baskets or larger gift arrangements, like the Personalized New Baby Girl Welcome Wagon or the Newborn Girl Comfy Baby Gift Basket. By the end of the day, baby will have a collection worthy of a young scholar.

Mini-Foods/Brunch Showers
Personally, stocking up on appetizers is my favorite part of every occasion. Their small size makes it fun and easy to sample a variety of foods. Combine that with my favorite meal, brunch, and you have the perfect baby shower menu! This year, lots of future moms celebrated with baby-sized finger foods (sliders, mini sandwiches, pies and cakes on sticks, tiny French toast squares, doughnut holes, and mini muffins, for example) rather than larger entrees. Serving your guests small, individually wrapped desserts—like the rich buttercream-frosted cookies in this Sweet New Baby Boy or Girl Cookie Tin—will definitely stir up some excitement at your baby shower. When it comes to baby shower fare, tiny is in!

Man Showers/Daddy Diaper Parties
Who says guys can’t have their own baby showers? While the women are ooh-ing and ahh-ing over cutesy gifts, the men are out for one last late-night hoorah with their buddies before the real sleepless nights begin. Eating barbecued favorites like burgers and wings, watching sports, playing poker and drinking from beer-filled baby bottles are all popular ways for the boys to celebrate. Plus, there’s no need for guests to go gaga looking for baby gifts: All they have to bring is diapers! The Deluxe Baby-Cakes Boy Essentials diaper tower is a great gift option. Bath towels and baby boy gift baskets are also easy and functional gifts for man showers. The Personalized Baby Boy Little Slugger Gift Basket has everything daddy needs to get his future all-star ready for bath time.

There you have it: the top 2012 baby shower trends. Which one is your favorite? If you’ve recently thrown, or been invited to, a baby shower with a unique theme, tell us about it! What was it, and how did guests get in on the action?

Gift Baskets, Thank You Gifts

The Top 5 People You Should Say “Thank You” To

October 3, 2012

Thank You Parisian Terrace Fruit Gift Basket

Welcome back, gift basket fans!

After taking a short break, the Designer’s Corner Blog is back in action! Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Stella, the new blogger, and I’m so excited to be bringing you fun, creative party and gift ideas each week!

One of the first things everyone learns about me is that I’m obsessed with finding the perfect gift to make someone smile ear-to-ear. When I’m celebrating a special occasion, I can never walk into a store, pick a random item on a shelf and throw it in a gift bag. I spend hours, even days, searching for presents that are personal, meaningful and practical. In other words, I want my gifts to speak to someone’s heart—and to be cherished long after they’re given. Now, I’d like to share my gift-giving mania with you! I have tons of gift ideas for you, so let’s get started.

National Gratitude Day might be over, but that doesn’t mean the spirit of appreciation can’t live on! There are so many people who brighten up our lives each day in both small and big ways, and there are even more thank-you gift options that show them how thankful we are to know them. I personally love thank-you gift baskets because you can fill them with tons of personalized items. I thought it would be fun to put together a list of the top five people we should all thank on a daily basis, plus some great thank-you gift ideas for each!

Mom
My mom, who looks like my identical curly-haired twin, has been my best friend since the moment I was born. She’s the first person I go to when I need advice or a good laugh, and “me-time” is not a word in her vocabulary: She always puts family first.
Ultimate Thank-You Gift: If your mom never stops giving, spoil her with the Best of Junior’s 4-Flavor Cheesecake Sampler.

Best Friend
My life wouldn’t be the same without my weekly dates with my best chicas. These girls don’t hesitate to lend me their ears whenever I have something juicy to say, and there is never a blah moment when we join forces.
Ultimate Thank-You Gift: Gather all your gal pals and treat them to a night of tasty drinks and gut-busting laughs. This Complete Wine Tasting Party Kit Gift Box will do the trick.

Spouse/Significant Other
Whether he’s sending me handwritten “I love you” notes in the mail or traveling two hours to surprise me at work during lunchtime, my boyfriend pulls out all the stops when it comes to showing me how much he cares.
Ultimate Thank-You Gift: Show your sweetheart just how sweet they are by surprising them with a box of Fannie May Decadent Chocolate Strawberries.

Neighbor
I’m lucky enough to live in a neighborhood where everyone looks out for one another. My neighbors go above and beyond lending the occasional cup of sugar: I know I can always trust them to keep a watchful eye on my home while I’m away.
Ultimate Thank-You Gift: Return your neighbor’s considerate gestures by leaving a Wonderful You Thank You Gourmet Fruit Gift Basket at their doorstep.

Teacher
I might not be in school anymore, but it’s because of the lessons I learned from my English teachers that I’m here writing this blog! My instructors were never short on encouragement and inspiration.
Ultimate Thank-You Gift: Forget the boring red apple and drop this Big Thank You Caramel Apple With Candies on your favorite teach’s desk.

Now it’s time for me to get to know you! Who are you grateful to have in your life, and how would you thank them?

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gift baskets

1. Plan ahead.

2. Pick the right food.

3. Pack the perfect picnic basket.

4. Scout out the best picnic location.

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Send them a gift.

Call them.

Invite them to dinner.

Help them with something.

Share old photos with them.

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The First Baskets

Earliest Uses of Baskets

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Oscar Party Snack No. 1: Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich

Oscar Party Snack No. 2: Aged Cheddar and Applewood Bacon Potato Skins

Oscar Party Snack No. 3: Brie and Pear Baguette

Oscar Party Snack No. 4: Mac and Cheese Bites

Oscar Party Snack No. 5: Easy Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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Appetizers

Main Course

Dessert

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Bellwether Farms

Cypress Grove Chevre

Columbus

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