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Christmas food gift baskets

Testing recipes and the planning of the gifts can be your year long past time and you will not have to beat the crowds or stress much.

The holidays conjure up all sorts of feelings in people. For families that have experienced happy harmonious celebrations the holidays are something to look forward to. 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 belief’s 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.

When you make the majority of your gifts, you will rarely stress about what you are going to give people on your gift list. Take advantage through the year to make several different craft items which you can include in Christmas gift baskets along with goodies that you make in the kitchen.

Through the year, you can look for different containers to use for the Christmas gift baskets. Most times the best is to use baskets however, depending upon the likes and personality of the recipient, one may use another type of container - if your nephew is just getting into fishing, it makes sense using a tackle box for his container. There will be also times when you come across beautiful hat boxes that make a great alternative to a basket. Although each of the gifts you give will be unique if home made, it is good to have a planned gift set, as well a collection of trusted HOliday recipes. Your standard fair for the Christmas gift baskets could include something knitted or crocheted, either socks, slippers mittens, scarf or hat, a piece of beaded jewelry for the women, a loaf of bread, homemade jam, caramels, fudge and a specially made candied apple. The second time around, it will really make you feel good when you hear people cheer the moment you show up with the Christmas gift baskets. An you will feel like you aregiving part of yourself in each gift. The making of the gifts can be your year long past time and you will not have to fight crowds and full parking lots.

If you are not a crafty person, you can still make your own gift baskets, even food ones, then make the gift personal for the selection and presentation.

Personalizing a Christmas gift food basket

Personalizing your Christmas gift food basket makes a thoughtful message of care and love that is sure to be appreciated. A Christmas gift food basket for your grandmother is likely to be different than one for a child or your boss.

Elderly people may have restrictions in their diets. Don't give Grandma a basket full of truffles if chocolate doesn't agree with her. She may lean towards fresh fruit, fine cheeses, and breads. So consider the appetites of your recipient when you plan your Christmas gift food basket.

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 home-made muffins, breads, cookies and jams.

Crafts stores also have ribbons and laces, dried flowers and cute faux bird ornaments to embellish your basket.

Party stores carry a huge selection of tissue wrapping. Just go take a look at the myriad possibilities. You'll find a suitable paper for everyone on your list. Cellophane wraps and confetti products are other choices for a festive lining for your basket.

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 seasoning 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 seasoning and natural remedies are very popular now. Go to a book store 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!