Whether it's for a birthday party or Christmas celebration, gift baskets make a lovely present for almost any festive event. Gift givers may fill their baskets with any number of themed items, but baskets brimming with delicious chocolate treats remain particularly popular among the general public. Although it may require a bit of time and effort on your part, making your own chocolate gift basket for friends and family tends to display a detailed personal touch.
Instructions
1. Gather together chocolate treats that you think the recipient might enjoy. Consider items in addition to simply chocolate candy, such as hot cocoa mix, chocolate-covered nuts, baking chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and cooking books with an emphasis on baking with chocolate.
2. Count and size up the number of items you bought. Estimate the size basket you will need before purchasing a basket and straw at a party supply or arts and crafts store. Practice arranging the items in your basket.
3. Fill the basket with old newspaper about a quarter of the way full to provide a firm base for the treats. Scatter a pile of straw on top of the old newspaper for a more decorative feel.
4. Place the chocolate gifts in the basket, making sure to put the taller items closer to the back and the shorter/smaller items near the front. Position them so that they support one another. Tape the items together if necessary to keep the chocolate gifts from shifting.
5. Cut a piece of cellophane big enough to cover the entire basket from all sides. Place the basket on top of the cut cellophane. Gather all the ends of the cellophane and bring it to a point at the top of the basket.
6. Cut some ribbon and wrap it around the top portion of the cellophane tightly two or three times. Leave enough ribbon hanging over in order to tie a bow.
Tags: chocolate gifts, chocolate treats