Fresh Gift Ideas
When the skies turn gray and the winds turn cold, you can find warming cheer in the little ways people show they care. It's the perfect time to reach out to neighbors, co-workers, teachers, friends, and family with a gesture of good will and celebration.
In that spirit, here are a few ideas and tips for your very own certified farmers' market inspired gift baskets:
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BASKET
Baskets are well suited to the task of making an excellent presentation, but there is no reason to feel limited to them. Browse local craft fairs and thrift stores for attractive containers that your recipient would be happy to reuse or re-purpose. Or check around the house; you might have some extra containers already.
A GIFT OF GOOD HEALTH
Food is medicine too, and many winter fruits are packed with enough natural vitamin A and C to knock out winter colds with a one-two punch. A Christmas stocking filled with satsuma mandarins or tangerines and fuzzy kiwi fruits are sunshine after a storm of candy, cakes, and cookies. Add a mug with lavender or dried herbs for soothing tea, and throw in a couple of lemons and a little jar of local honey.
BIG BREAKFAST GIFT BASKET
If you're staying at the home of your holiday hosts, show how much you appreciate their hospitality. Line a large container with pretty dishtowels, and fill it with all of the fixings for a yummy omelet breakfast: california cheese, little red potatoes, gourmet mushrooms, garlic, green onions, fragrant herbs, and farm fresh eggs. Carry in a big bag of oranges along with a bottle of bubbly and assure your hosts that brunch is on you.
CENTER OF ATTENTION
Why not let your nifty gifts double as attractive centerpieces or decorations?
For a simple aromatic present, fill a wooden bowl or loosely weaved basket with the most colorful little oranges, lemons and limes you can find. Press dried cloves into the orange and lemon rinds in star-shaped or striped patterns and share a delight for the senses.
Or swap out the fragrant citrus for an arrangement of small and pretty delicata and acorn squashes. Place a large candle jar in the center, and accent this display with a lining ring of red berry clusters or fiery autumn leaves.
For a real show stopper, place a potted poinsettia plant in the center of a large circular basket or clear bowl. Line with flexible boughs of evergreen, making a loose wreath. Fill in the green spaces with eye-popping ornaments of orange persimmons, pink apples, and golden asian pears in a repeating pattern. Along the outside edge, create a Christmas light effect with a chain of thai peppers or dried flowers.
INDOOR PICNIC
A sweet gift idea for the cute couples in your life is an indoor picnic basket. Line a basket or box using any fabric item with a red-checkered motif. Fill with an assortment of California grown snacks, such as olives and tree nuts. Fresh apples pair well with sharp dry cheeses, and dried fruit, such as medjool dates, pair well with soft fresh cheeses. If you choose, you might include a fun music mix, a deck of cards, and a malty microbrew or a beautiful local wine. |
