| Gifts of food are welcomed and appreciated for all | | | | Barbecue Theme |
| holidays and special occasions. It can be a basket of | | | | This is a particularly nice idea for men on Father's Day, |
| homemade goodies or it can be a more elaborate gift | | | | birthdays, or anniversaries. It's also a nice gift to take if |
| basket containing gourmet foods and a bottle of wine. | | | | you are invited as a guest to a barbecue or |
| Wicker baskets are traditional containers, but there are | | | | housewarming party. Use a container that can double |
| many other containers that are suitable. Unbreakable | | | | as a cooler such as a metal or plastic basin, tray, or a |
| containers like wooden crates, trays with an edge, | | | | pail. An unbreakable tray with an edge works well, too. |
| basins, tubs, and ice buckets are good alternatives. | | | | Include gifts items such as bbq tools, an apron, an oven |
| Since theme gift baskets are very popular, here are | | | | mitt, cookbook, or citronella candles. Barbecue sauces, |
| three of my favorite themes when making a food gift | | | | marinades, rubs, hot sauce, and cans of soda or beer |
| basket. | | | | are all necessary items for a cookout. |
| Cookie Lover's Theme | | | | Mexican/Southwestern Theme |
| This is a gift for anyone who loves sweets. It's a good | | | | Anyone who enjoys spicy food would be more than |
| idea for work associates and teachers as well as | | | | happy to receive an assortment of Mexican food |
| family and friends. A cookie jar, mixing bowl, or a | | | | items. The best tip I can gift you in creating this theme |
| basket are all nice containers. Line the container with a | | | | gift basket is to make it spicy and make it colorful. |
| decorative towel, purchased shred, or tissue paper. Fill | | | | Place an assortment of spices, dry or canned beans, |
| it with an assortment of cookies wrapped in small cello | | | | rice, bags of chips, and jars of salsa in a basket or a |
| bags, purchased cookie mixes, chocolate chips, herbal | | | | colorful bowl or serving tray. Add some fresh fruit |
| tea, gourmet coffee, or envelopes of hot chocolate | | | | such as avocados, lemons, limes, and pineapple. You |
| mix. Add a wooden spoon, spatula, and your favorite | | | | may want to add a cookbook for Mexican food or |
| cookie recipes written on recipe cards. Wrap the | | | | beverages. Line the container with bright colored terry |
| completed gift in a cello bag, tied at the top with curly | | | | towels and top off your gift basket with some fresh |
| ribbon. If desired, tie a decorative cookie cutter in with | | | | peppers. Don't forget the makings for margaritas. |
| the ribbon and add a gift card. | | | | |