Present Food Gift Baskets for Christmas

A food gift basket is a Christmas gift that's sure to be treasured by its recipient. Of course, you can purchase food gift baskets already assembled, or you can create your own gathering items that your friends and family will love. For the friend who loves hosting cocktail parties, include a book on hors d'oeuvres and garnishing tools. Or, for a delicious way to start Christmas Day, pack a basket with all of the fixings for Christmas morning breakfast.

If you're putting the baskets together, begin with the essential materials: You'll need an appropriately sized basket, packing material, ribbons and gift tags. Pack all the items securely. If the basket doesn't have a lid, wrap it in cellophane or tissue paper, then tie it with a ribbon.

Our food gift basket suggestions can be tailored to suit other tastes and interests. You can adapt this idea to other areas, including gardening with a basket filled with seed packets, garden gloves and a few tools.

FOOD GIFT BASKET IDEAS

Hot Cocoa Gift Basket

• Individual packets of cocoa
• Cellophane bag of cookies or biscuits
• Stainless-steel whisk
• Jar of preserves
• Stoneware mugs

Breakfast Gift Basket

• Bag of pancake mix
• Pure maple syrup
• Reversible cast-iron griddle
• Juice glasses
• Spatula

Hors D'Oeuvres Gift Basket

• Hors d'oeuvres cookbook
• Pastry brush
• Mini muffin tins
• Pastry bags with couplers and assorted tips
• Garnishing tools
• Serving tray