Dec 15, 2011

Christmas Basket

There is just something about 
putting together a bunch of stuff
in a basket and decorating it ... 
that I just love. Yep, I *love* 
good ol' fashioned gift baskets. 

I think they kinda get a bad wrap 
now that people associate them with 
Walmart. 

OR

The worry that people might 
think that you went shopping down the 
pre-made isle at Target for their gift... 

But, honestly... there is a big difference 
between a home made gift basket and 
one down an isle at a box store. 

First, you can really fill them up with 
*nice* goodies... For example, say you 
have a good friend who *loves* chocolate... 
maybe do an array of Godiva bars with a 
small fondue pot and perhaps even a nice 
bottle of bubbly... WOW, that's a 
gift basket!! Right! 

And then, because you're crafty, you 
up the stakes and decorate your 
basket with paper and tags... 

Let me tell you... your gift will 
be the talk of the Christmas tree! 
Trust me! 

They also make great hostess gifts too!
With all those parties we're invited to.. it's 
nice to bring a little basket of movie tickets and 
popcorn to say 'thanks'... hosting a party is 
hard work... and unless you stay to do the dishes ..
a hostess gift is a MUST! 

So here is one of my baskets this year...

Sorry for the 'desk top' photo... lol... 
only draw back of gift baskets... they're 
really hard to photo :) 


I used the 'Tree Traditions' stamp set 
for a lot of this basket... 

Lots of snow! 


Take a closer peek at the glass jars
full of candied nuts... 



Here is a quick video showing 
how I made the tree and some 
tips on putting together a nice 
gift... 


Also, if you would like my recipe for my 
super yummy candy nuts... here it is... 

You'll need

2 gallon size ziplock bags
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 pound of nuts (I use pecans or walnuts) 
1 cup sugar (or splenda works good too!) 
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of all spice


Directions

Preheat oven to 250 and spray a baking sheet
with non-stick oil. (like pam) 

In a bowl mix together the egg and water 
until frothy. Pour into a gallon ziplock

Pour into the other ziplock all the 
dry ingredients. Mix together. 

Pour nuts into the egg mixture... 
seal and mix mix mix until all the nuts
 are evenly covered with egg. 

Pour wet nuts into the ziplock with 
the dry ingredients and mix mix mix until 
all the nuts are dry and evenly coded. 

Spread nuts onto baking sheet in single 
layer. Bake at 250 for one hour. 

**Stir nuts every 15 minutes***

Yummy! 

Happy Holidays!! 
N. 

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6 comments:

  1. great video! the cone is very cute, and would make a great centerpiece or mantle decoration. love it!

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  2. I have to say, this inspired me! I have been struggling about what to get the mother-in-law for Christmas. I am going to make her a gift basket!!! Thank you so much!

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  3. OMG, I absolutely ADORE This and am thinking I need to get busy this weekend making some gifts. What a GREAT idea!!!

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  4. wonderful video, Nicole! love your paper tree and delightful gift basket! thanks for sharing the recipe, too!

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  5. I personally LOVE gift baskets and always do a few at the holidays! Great basket and recipe too:)!! You Rock!

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  6. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this basket! BEAUTIFUL colors and fabulous creations!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that card!!! LOVE the video too!! You are just amazing:)

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