Monday, December 1, 2008

Christmas Gift Hampers and Corporate Christmas Gift Baskets

By Juliette Crane

In the Scottish tradition I decided to make Christmas food hampers for my friends, family and work colleagues this year. This may seem like a lot of work but it really isn't if you have your technique down pat. The Scottish Christmas food hampers have been around for generations but it has never been so easy to create them as it is now. Corporate Christmas gift baskets are one type of these. And yes, hampers and baskets are pretty much two different words for the same thing.

For families that have a history of being dysfunctional the holidays my mean sad memories and dread at getting together again. For families that do not celebrate the holidays due to their beliefs it may be a time of feeling excluded and even alienated. No matter where you fall in this continuum the holidays are quickly approaching and gift lists and shopping needs to begin.

Visit a crafts store for the ultimate basket choice. Kids like handled baskets they can swing as they carry a booty of candy to their room! Large shallow rectangular or oval baskets are perfect containers for homemade muffins, breads, cookies and jams. Crafts stores also have ribbons and laces, dried flowers and cute faux bird ornaments to embellish your basket.

I rarely stress about what I am going to give people on my gift list because I make the majority of my gifts. Through the year I make several different craft items which I include in Christmas gift baskets along with goodies that I make in my kitchen. I originally started giving the Christmas gift baskets when I was a college student and could not afford a great deal for gifts.

Now you're ready to start with the contents. One theme could be favorite foods. Does your sister love everything Cajun? Line her basket in red-hot cellophane, and fill it with assorted hot sauces, Cajun seasonings and maybe some boxed jambalaya or "dirty rice" mixtures. You can attach recipes to the hot sauce bottles for blackened catfish or gumbo for an exemplary Christmas gift food basket.

The world traveler on your list will be happy to receive a variety of exotic imported foods. Check out a cheese shop for unusual quality cheeses. Add some ethnic foods, such as German sausage, Italian pesto, French champagne and Indian condiments.

Herbal seasonings and natural remedies are very popular now. Go to a bookstore or library and get a book of seasoning recipes. Visit an herb store to purchase your selected ingredients. The party store or craft shop can furnish attractive small bags or spice jars to contain your creations. Buy or make labels for each container, with a short description of compatible dishes. For example, "Excellent with potato salad, omelets or salad." Many common culinary herbs have medicinal value. Rosemary and garlic are good for your heart. Thyme is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Ask at the herb store to learn which of your selected herbs has medicinal value. Take notes. This Christmas gift food basket idea is a good choice for a cook or health-conscious recipient

Use your imagination and let the ideas fly. You can make an elegant Christmas food gift basket for everyone on your list. Remember, it's Christmas, so pass the truffles! - 15432

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