- Baskets have a huge variety of uses.basket of washclothes image by Betty Oesterling from Fotolia.com
Whether you're giving a gift or looking to add a personal touch to your home, baskets are great. Their variety is almost endless--they come in all shapes, colors, sizes and textures. So if you already know what you want to put in your basket, it is easy to shop for one that will fit your needs. - If you have a lot of items to give someone, try a gift basket. You need a basket that will hold all the items; line it with tissue paper or straw, and arrange the items nicely, with the larger items behind the smaller ones. Complete the look by using cellophane to wrap the basket and placing a ribbon or bow on top.
Your gift basket should have a central theme. For example, if you're making a spa-themed basket, you might include bubble bath, shower gel, bath salts, an eye mask and a loofah. Other popular themes include sports, chocolate, coffee and tea, cocktails, candles, pets, beaches, picnics and travel.
There are many occasions for which giving a gift basket is a popular option, including birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, Mother's and Father's Day, teacher appreciations, housewarmings, graduations and holidays. - Baskets make great decorations around the house. Some people display empty baskets on top of their kitchen shelves if they have a country themed kitchen. If you prefer, use a basket liner to give it some color and personality. If you have a large basket, consider displaying it in your living room or bedroom and filling it with some throws or blankets.
Baskets filled with dried flowers make good centerpieces on a table. They can also be used functionally to hold napkins. Many people use baskets to hold their fruit or bread. If you're thinking of going on a picnic or taking food to someone, use a picnic basket. You will find there is a use for any kind of basket you have. - Baskets are a great way to organize belongings and create a unified look. Some baskets even have lids, so you can hide the contents. Use labeled baskets to store children's items, such as toys and books. Place baskets on top of your closet shelves to hold smaller items such as belts and hats. If you have a small, flat basket, use it as a utensil holder in your kitchen, or a remote-control caddy in the living room. Baskets are also great for storing magazines, books and newspapers.
If you have a lot of craft materials or tools, baskets are an easy way to keep everything tidy. There are even baskets shaped like stairs that you can use to hold things that need to be taken upstairs or down. Get creative and you'll see there's a basket that can be used for all your organizational needs.
