Browsing Tag

gourmet gift baskets

Gift Baskets, Picnic, Summer Time Gift, Sweepstakes

Summer Fun Sweet vs Savory Showdown!

June 23, 2016

Summer barbecues and parties just wouldn’t be the same without a variety of snacks and treats to keep the crowd happy! While some of us look forward to the creamy savory cheeses and salty snacks, others can’t wait for the grand finale–the dessert table! There’s no right answer but you can cast your vote — We’re holding a Summer Fun Sweet vs Savory Showdown starting 7/11/16. Sign up here: Sweet vs Savory Sweepstakes!

Root for your favorite! Sweet vs Savory. It’s a Sweepstakes too! You could win a beautiful summer gift from 1800Baskets.com brimming with mouthwatering sweets or savories. The 1800Baskets.com Sweepstakes runs  July 11 to August 1.  Don’t miss the fun!

Need a gift for a summer occasion? Try these in-season favorites! Dana’s Bakery Macarons and Savory Gourmet Snack Basket are wonderful gifts for a summer birthday, thank you or to wish them congratulations.

Sweet vs Savory Showdown Macaroons

Dana’s Bakery Macarons

Sweet vs Savory Showdown Snack Basket

Savory Gourmet Snack Basket

For more gift ideas visit our Summer Collection!

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Easter, Gift Baskets, Holidays, Party!, Sweepstakes

What’s Hoppin on March 21?

March 2, 2016

Thanks everyone for tweeting at  the Twitter Party! 

You can use promocode: HOPPIN  for Easter baskets or for all gifts on our site until 3/27/16.

Congrats to the winners: @stephan94848598, @rmgm, and @LoveSportsMom!

#Hoppin Basket Twitter Party

 Hold the Date! Don’t Let it Get Away!

Monday, March 21 at 1:00PM CDT

Register before 12:00PM CDT March 21.

DM @1800baskets for registration. “I would like to register for the Hoppin Basket Twitter Party”

Delicious Prizes! Springtime Snacks Gift Basket, Bloomin’ Spring Sweets Tower, Sweet Easter Egg-Shaped Oreo Cookies

#Hoppin #Sweepstakes

 

1-800-BASKETS.COM®
#Hoppin Basket Hunt 2016 Twitter Party

OFFICIAL RULES:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES, INCLUDING THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AS OF THE DATE OF ENTRY WHO HAVE OR OPEN AN ACCOUNT ON TWITTER.COM. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

1. ENTRY PERIOD: 1-800-BASKETS.COM® #Hoppin Basket Hunt 2016 Twitter Party with giveaways (hereinafter the “Sweepstakes”) begins at 1:00 PM CDT on Monday 3/21/16 and ends approximately at 2:00 PM CDT on Monday 3/21/16 (the “Entry Period”).

2. HOW TO ENTER/PARTICPATE: You must be 18 or older and have or open an account on Twitter.com to participate in the Sweepstakes. Accounts are free and can be opened by visiting Twitter.com.

To enter the Sweepstakes you must do three things:
You must follow 1-800-BASKETS.COM® on Twitter (@1800Baskets) during the Sweepstakes Entry Period.
You must RSVP before Noon CDT on 3/21/16 here: Register with a DM (direct message) to @1800baskets “I would like to register for the #Hoppin Basket Twitter Party.”
You must use the hashtags #Hoppin and #Sweepstakes in tweets when responding to the posted questions from @1800Baskets on Twitter during the Entry Period.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY TERMS & CONDITIONS. Use of computer programs and/or other automated devices to enter the Sweepstakes are prohibited. Normal Internet access and usage charges imposed by your on-line service will apply. By entering and using the promoted hashtags (#Hoppin & #Sweepstakes) you understand that a) the Sponsor has the exclusive right to use your entry and excerpts of your entry in any advertising and promotional materials (visual, sound, print and/or electronic form), including posting entries or portions thereof on its website, social media accounts/pages, advertising. etc.; b) you grant any and all necessary rights and licenses provided herein, including without limitation, all necessary copyright and other related rights to the entry, free and clear of all claims and encumbrances without violating the rights of any person or entity, including any right to privacy or publicity; and c) you hereby hold the Sponsor harmless from and against any third party claim arising from use of the entry and waive any right to inspect or approve uses of the entry or to be compensated for any such uses. All entries become the exclusive property of Sponsor, and may not be acknowledged or returned. Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor.

3. SWEEPSTAKES PRIZES AND APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES (“ARV”):
Three (3) winners will be selected; each will win one of the prizes listed below. The list of prizes that will be given out (in no particular order):

Springtime Snacks Gift Basket, Product Code 149341 $39.99 USD
Bloom’in Spring Sweets Tower, Product Code 149347 $29.99USD
Sweet Easter Egg-Shaped Oreo Cookies, Product Code 94628 $19.99 USD

Total ARV of all prizes is $89.97 USD.

4. WINNER SELECTION: During the Entry Period The Sponsor will ask a number of questions, some for fun and some for prizes. Three (3) of the questions will be for the prizes listed in Section 3 herein (the “Prize Questions”). Three (3) Prize Questions will be posted by the Sponsor and three (3) winners selected. The format will be as follows: A Prize Question will be posted by Sponsor along with a URL link where the answer can be found and a time frame in which to respond to that specific question with the correct answer and the hashtags #Hoppin & #Sweepstakes. All correct responses that are eligible entries to that specific Prize Question that are received within the stated time frame will be pooled together and a random winner selected. This process will be repeated until all 3 Prize Questions are asked and entries collected. Drawings will be conducted by a representative of Sponsor, whose decisions are final on all matters relating to this Sweepstakes. Odds of winning are dependent upon the number of correct eligible entries received for each Prize Question. Non-winning entries will not be rolled over into the next question drawing. Prizes will be awarded and potential winners will be notified by mention and/or direct message on Twitter. Prizes are nontransferable and no cash substitution is allowed except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to award prizes of equal or greater value if advertised prizes are unavailable.

5. GENERAL RULES: Taxes, related to the prizes are the winners’ sole responsibility, if applicable. Prize winners may be required to execute and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release (where legal) within five (5) days of notification attempt or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner selected. Return of any prize or prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and alternate selection. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission to use winner’s name, likeness, image, photo, sobriquet and biographical information for promotional purposes without further compensation except where prohibited by law. By entering, entrant accepts and agrees to be bound by these OFFICIAL RULES and winners release Sponsor, and their subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents and all others associated with the development and execution of the Sweepstakes from any and all liability for damages, losses or injury resulting from participation in the Sweepstakes or acceptance or use of prize. Entries will be declared to be made by the authorized account. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to the Twitter account associated with the submitted entry. Entries are subject to verification of eligibility and will be declared invalid if they are incomplete, falsified, altered or tampered with in any way. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual that tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or website; violates the OFFICIAL RULES; or acts in an unsportsmanlike, obscene or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person. Sponsor and its agencies are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, misdirected or damaged entries due to internet services providers service, weather, technical, hardware or software malfunctions, telephone failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, garbled or delayed electronic communications, whether caused by the sender, by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in this Sweepstakes which may limit the ability to participate, or by any human error which may occur in the processing of the entries in this Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Sweepstakes if it is not capable of completion as planned, including for infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures or corruption of any sort, and award prizes from eligible entries received prior to cancellation. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

6. ELIGIBILITY: This Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older as of date of entry who have or open an account on Twitter.com. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Employees and families of 800-FLOWERS, INC. (“Sponsor”) their subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates and related companies, advertising and promotion agencies, and their immediate families are ineligible. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.

7. WINNERS LIST: For the names of the winners, visit /
from approximately 3/24/16 through 4/24/16

8. SPONSOR & ADMINISTRATOR: The Sponsor and Administrator of this Sweepstakes are 800-FLOWERS, INC., One Old Country Road, Suite 500, Carle Place, NY 11514.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: NEITHER 800-FLOWERS, INC., THEIR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, OR AFFILIATED COMPANIES, AS WELL AS, THEIR ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION AGENCIES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY OR GOODWILL. IN ALL EVENTS, THE SOLE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF SPONSOR AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE ARV OF THE PRIZES SET FORTH HEREIN.

10. GOVERNING LAW & VENUE: THE NEW YORK COURTS (STATE & FEDERAL) SHALL HAVE SOLE JURISDICTION OF ANY CONTROVERSIES REGARDING THE SWEEPSTAKES AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN THE SAME. EACH ENTRANT WAIVES ANY AND ALL OBJECTIONS TO JURISDICTION AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE VENUE OF THOSE COURTS WITHIN THE COUNTIES OF NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK.

The Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Twitter.com. By entering entrants release Twitter from any and all liability with regards to the Sweepstakes

© 2016 800-FLOWERS, INC.

Gift Baskets, Holidays, Valentine's Day

Romantic Valentines Day Gift Basket

February 3, 2016
Valentines Day Gift Basket

Here’s My Heart Valentines Day Gift Basket

Send a Gift of Romance with a Lovely Basket Handcrafted for Valentines Day 

♥ 

Your sweetheart will adore this Valentines Day Gift Basket which evokes a taste of the European countryside.

This artisan woven basket is abundant with Italian Amaretti Cookies, Butter Toffee Caramels, Fudge Toffee, Royal Chocolate Dark Belgian Chocolate Thins, Toberlone® Swiss Dark Chocolate and more! Many nice surprises for Valentines Day in a keepsake basket with red bow!

countryside and ancient village

For Centuries Valentines Day has been celebrated with gifts, cards, love notes and songs.

Who penned the first valentine? It may have been the Duke of Orleans about 600 years ago!

♥ 

Administrative Professionals Day, Birthday Gift, Gift Baskets, Just Because, Sympathy, Thank You Gifts

Deluxe Balsam Gift Basket. Perfect For Birthdays and For Every Occasion.

January 14, 2016

Want to send a thoughtful gift basket filled with savories and sweets? We suggest a treasure, our most popular gift basket — the Deluxe Balsam Basket.

Elexe Balsam Gift Basket Congratulations

Send a Friend Congratulation Wishes!

This exquisitely hand crafted gift basket is brimming with an abundance of savories and sweets and is wrapped in a beautiful ribbon.  A lovely gift to send to a friend or loved one for any occasion — birthday,  thank you, sympathy, thinking of you or congratulations.

Our graceful, sumptuous gift basket is made of fine, hand-woven natural willow. It’s filled with treats like rich and crisp Fannie May® Cookies & Cream Bark, crunchy Brown & Haley® Almond Roca® Buttercrunch Toffee, decadent Godiva® Chocolate Truffles, lush Ferrero Rocher® Chocolates, velvety Ghirardelli® Double Chocolate Cocoa, smoky mozzarella, mini baguettes and much more! It comes with an occasion specific hand tied bow or hang tag.

Deluxe Balsam Happy Birthday Basket

Know Someone Who Would Love This Birthday Basket?

Occasions To Send The Deluxe Balsam Gift Basket

  • Birthday

  • Thank You

  • In Sympathy & Support

  • Thinking of You

  • Congratulations

It’s easy to visualize your next Deluxe Balsam Gift Basket, our #1 Basket. Go to:  http://bit.ly/1RnIVwy  here on the 1800Baskets.com website and select a birthday, special occasion or sympathy basket.

A great gift is one that is a true reflection of you – of your taste, your style. It reflects how you feel about the person you’re buying it for. 1800Baskets.com

Gift Baskets

Meet our Market Boxes

June 26, 2014

Have you met our Market Boxes? They’re fun, gourmet, and come in an assortment of varieties!

Caffeinated Collections

Wake up Call! Coffee Market Box
The ultimate gourmet caffeine fix for the coffee connoisseur, our Wake up Call! Market Box takes sipping on a cup of Joe to a whole new level. Included in this sophisticated assortment is a premium French Roast, a variety of flavored coffees including French Vanilla and Chocolate Mudslide, and accompanying edible stirrers including rock candy swizzle sticks and chocolate rolled wafers.

106098z

Tea For You Market Box
Tea for you or two for tea? There’s nothing quite as relaxing as an evening spent enjoying a favorite novel in one hand and a steamy cup of rich tea in the other. Our Tea for You Market Box features a variety of teas – including organic Ceylon vanilla, flavored organic green teas, and classic black teas such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey. When paired with the included cookies, this box turns into a night of relaxing indulgence.

106097z

The Barista Market Box
Dessert bliss meets caffeinated sip with our Barista Market Box! Filled with choco-inspired flavored drink mixes such as Ghirardelli® mocha mix, organic coconut chocolate tea, and a even a coffee cake flavored ground coffee blend for the ultimate sweet sip.

Napa Valley Bistro Market Box

Tour de Taste

Taste of New Orleans
Got a craving for Cajun, but can’t make it to Louisiana? Our Taste of New Orleans Market Box is packed the most delicious parts of Bourbon Street into a deliverable box for authentic N’awlins flavor, no matter where you are.

Taste of New Orleans Market Box

New York Ristorante Market Box
Craving a bite from The Big Apple’s most popular Italian eateries? Save yourself the airfare and get acquainted with our New York Ristorante Market Box, packed with all the ingredients you need to make a complete Italiano dinner from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Napa Valley Bistro Market Box

Napa Valley Bistro Market Box
It’s not every day you can enjoy a taste of famous Napa Valley! Our Napa Valley Bistro Market Box makes it easy to indulge in the fresh and elegant flavors of this sunny district; complete with savory treats such as chardonnay wine brittle, vineyard cheese spread, and sourdough pretzels which make the perfect complement forthe included Pinot Noir Wine Country Soda®.

Napa Valley Bistro Market Box

Cheers to our Boozy Boxes

It’s 5:00 Somewhere Martini Mixers Market Box
All you need for the ultimate martini-fueled celebration, minus the booze. Start with the Amoretti® Lemon Drop or Cosmopolitan Martini Mix, add a splash of your favorite gin and vermouth, then pair with the amazing martini-approved snacks included in our It’s 5:00 Somewhere Martini Mixers Market Box.

It's 5:00 Somewhere Martini Market Box

Bacon, Bourbon & Beer Market Box
Bourbon and beer fanatic will ooh and aah at the assortment of savory, booze-infused treats included in our Bacon, Bourbon & Beer Market Box. From Fiery Beer Brittle to Maple Bacon Chocolate, this snack assortment is not for the faint at heart.

Bacon, Beer & Bourbon Market Box

Party On Margarita Market Box
It’s always a reason to celebrate when our Party On Margarita Market Box is in town! Grab your cocktail glasses and invite friends and neighbors over for a happy hour full of snacks, drinks, and good company. Products features in this box include The Modern Cocktail® Margarita Mixers, jalapeno cheese straws, key lime cookie straws, and savory chipotle peanut squares.

106340z

Market Boxes Tailored for Personalities

Girlfriends Market Box
For the ultimate female-approved gift, say hello to our Girlfriends Market Box! This gift is filled with light and sweet snacks that she’ll love, especially when paired with the included “Girl’s Day Out” chai tea mix; the perfect combination of feminine elegance and fun!

Girlfriends Market Box

Pampered Pooch Market Box
Whether shopping for a pet-lover or for your own pet, our Pampered Pooch Market Box is sure to deliver smiles. Treat the puppy-of-honor to one of the included organic artisan dog treats after an afternoon throwing around the included Paws Claws® doggie tennis balls.

Pampered Pooch Market Box

Birthday Gift, Gift Baskets, Thank You Gifts, Uncategorized

Take a Look Inside Our #1 Gift Basket!

July 17, 2013
Deluxe Balsam Gift Basket

Deluxe Balsam Gift BasketLooking for a special way to say “Happy birthday,” “Get well soon” or “Thank you” to that very important person in your life? Our #1 gift basket is the champion of presents: With its gorgeous packaging and delectable treats, it’s no wonder the Deluxe Balsam Gift Basket is our customers’ top pick! Take a sneak peek inside to see what makes this our most popular gift for every occasion.

The elegant hand-woven basket, made from natural willow and tied with a customized satin ribbon, makes a thoughtful statement for any life event—from birthdays to the loss of a loved one. Just pick the sentiment that best fits the occasion. There are five to choose from: Just Because, Happy Birthday, Thank You, With Sympathy, and Get Well. Everyone will love the basket’s simple and graceful design, which fits in perfectly with any home décor.

Gifts Included in the Deluxe Balsam Gift BasketBrimming with an abundance of sweet and savory snacks, this gift basket doesn’t just complement your loved one’s decorative tastes; it satisfies their every food craving too.  The smoky mozzarella mini baguettes, Otis & Betty’s Original Snack Mix, and crispy pretzel sticks included in the basket are perfect for anyone looking for a salty fix. On the flipside, the velvety Ghirardelli double chocolate cocoa, richWalker’s chocolate chip hazelnut biscuits, crunchy Amaretti Virginia Italian cookies, creamy Debeukelaer Pirouline wafer rolls, and tasty Perugina Capri citrus and berry Italian candies will make anyone with a sweet tooth smile ear to ear.

So if you’re in search of a gift for your #1 friend or family member, look no further. Give them the gift that all of our customers are raving about, and you’re sure to make a big impression at your next important event!

Father's Day, Gift Baskets

The Perfect Father’s Day Gifts for Your Dad’s Personality

May 30, 2013
#1 Dad Snack Bowl

For as long as you can remember, your dad has been your hero. Whether you took long weekend fishing trips or went to baseball games together, what you remember most about spending time with Dad as a kid is that you wanted to grow up to be just like him. His strong, steady confidence and his passion for his hobbies were your inspiration, and they helped shape the person you are today. So this Father’s Day, which is coming up on Sunday, June 16, show your dad how much you still—and always will—look up to him. Give him a basket full of gifts that perfectly fit his personality and his interests. Here are some Father’s Day gift ideas for every kind of dad:

#1 Dad Snack BowlDad Personality #1: The Sports Fanatic

Father’s Day Gift He’ll Love: #1 Dad Snack Bowl

Your dad is the definition of a true blue fan. He loves his team, and he made you part of the family sports tradition long before you were even born! For the man who never missed a chance to share every big game with you, give him something that’ll make him feel like the MVP he really is. This bucket is filled with the most delicious game day snacks, like kettle popcorn, seasoned pub mix, caramels, peanut butter barrels, and strawberry jam shortbread. Perfect for the captain and his rookie to share while cheering from the stands!

Classic BBQ Grill Gift SetDad Personality #2: The Top Chef

Father’s Day Gift He’ll Love: Classic BBQ Grill Gift Set

No one knows how to flip a burger quite like your pops does. Rain or shine, he loves heading outside to fire up the grill and cook up a good meal for his family. And what’s not to love about hanging out with your father, enjoying some good food and great conversation over the BBQ? This Father’s Day gift makes quality grilling time even better. It’s packed with grilling tools, gourmet snacks, and Pork Barrel Original Barbecue Sauce so Dad can sear the perfect barbecue dinner … with you right by his side.

Fisherman's Favorite SnacksDad Personality #3: The Outdoorsman

Father’s Day Gift He’ll Love: Fisherman’s Favorite Snacks

Dad’s idea of a great family vacation is heading out to the lake and sitting in a boat with nothing but a couple of fishing poles … and you! He taught you everything he knows about reeling in the big fish, and those lazy summer days you spent with him are still your most cherished childhood memories. Help Dad pack up for your next big fishing trip together with this authentic fishing creel basket, filled with delicious gourmet snacks like cheese spread, mozzarella baguettes, smoked salmon and more. It’s the perfect catch for the perfect fish-loving dad.

Starbucks Break Time Gift BasketDad Personality #4: The Businessman

Father’s Day Gift He’ll Love: Starbucks Break Time Gift Basket

Your dad might have worked long hours, but he never forgot to take a break and spend time with one of his favorite people: you! He also told you plenty of fun stories at the dinner table about his job, and he even brought you to the office a few times to show you off to his co-workers! A caring and hardworking dad like him deserves to kick up his feet and enjoy a fresh hot cup of coffee. This Starbucks gift basket comes chock full of Pop’s favorite coffee, hot chocolate, tea, biscuits and more, complete with two mugs for you to enjoy break time together!

What’s your dad’s personality like, and what kind of gift basket would he love to get on Father’s Day?

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, Uncategorized

The History of Baskets

February 13, 2013
Sierra Sensation Fruit & Gourmet Gift Basket

Sierra Sensation Fruit & Gourmet Gift BasketWith 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.

Modesto Valley Fruit & Nut Gift BasketIn 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 CheeseAnd 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!

Kentucky Hot Brown SandwichOscar 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.

Aged Cheddar and Applewood Bacon Potato SkinsOscar 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.

Brie and Pear BaguetteOscar 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.

Mac and Cheese BitesOscar 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.

Easy Gourmet Grilled Cheese SandwichOscar 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?