Empty Baskets....How to Select, Freshen, or Paint Empty Gift Baskets!

How To Select Empty Baskets

Empty baskets are available in many shapes and sizes. They can be made of wicker, rattan, wire, and chrome. Some have a stationary handle; others have free-swinging handles; some have small handles at either end; and others have no handles.

Inexpensive baskets are readily available at dollar type stores. Department Stores like Walmart and Target are a good resource for empty baskets at reasonable prices. Nearly new baskets can be found at flea markets, yard sales, thrift shops, Good Will, Salvation Army Stores, and eBay.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting empty wicker baskets:

Purchase a basket with a sturdy bottom if you plan to include heavy items.

A stationary handle works better if you want to anchor a breakable item such as a wine bottle. Tie the neck of the bottle to the handle with twine or ribbon.

To freshen a basket: rinse it in hot soapy water, rinse, and air dry.

If you paint a basket, use nontoxic, odorless spray paint. Allow it to dry in an open area for several days.

Before selecting empty baskets, you may want to visit my webpage which outlines the actual process of making gift baskets.

When I first started making gift baskets, I tended to purchase a basket that was too large. When the completed basket appears to be overflowing with gift and food items, it looks much better than a sparsely filled gift basket. If you purchase a basket that is too large, fill it with small boxes of cookies or stick a couple of silk flowers in the empty spaces.

Basketmaking: If you've ever considered making your own baskets, check out this information.

A picnic basket is a nice option as a container for a bridal shower, wedding or a housewarming gift. It's really easy if you add terry towels or a fabric tablecloth in the bottom. This will make it b>easier for you to place the gift and food items where you want them. Add a bottle of wine, a corkscrew, cheese, crackers, napkins, candy, cookies, etc. Or make it less formal with bottles or cans of beer, chips, salsa, nuts, etc.

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