Tips on How to Make a Beautiful Gift Basket: One trick of the trade is to fill the bottom of the basket with filler. This will give the illusion of a fuller basket and make the gifts easier to see. Overfill the basket, as it will be weighted down as gift items are added. Begin adding the biggest and tallest items toward the middle or back. Aim for balance in weight and arrangement. To hold some items in place, use tape to attach them to each other, to the basket handle, or to the container. The deep filling makes it easier to keep things still by "sinking" them in a bit. Continue arranging gifts and then "fill out" the look of the basket. Make sure the paper or shred shows through. Fill in with more, if necessary. Add little items such as silk flowers or whatever works with the theme. Gift cards are a good small-space addition. Wrap with cellophane or clear cellophane bags made for baskets - available at craft shops or dollar stores near the wrapping paper. If using a bag, gather at the top of the basket and tie with a ribbon. Leave some of the plastic fluffed out above the ribbon. Add a pretty bow or a matching trinket. Tape the bottom of the bag tight to the basket if it tends to stick out. If preferred, simply add a bow and skip the covering. Add a gift tag and deliver! Get more great crafts and recipes from "Home & Family" on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/hallmarkchannel.
Organize. Store all summer weather items - not thrown in the garage or a closet - take this time to install shelves and organize. Check all smoke detectors. Put a new battery in each detector, even if it appears to be working fine. The small investment in a new 9-volt battery is a small price to pay for safety. Replace them every six months. An easy way to remember is to change them once for summer and once for winter. Check to make sure fire extinguishers are in good condition. Keep them in easy-to-grab places, but out-of-reach from children. Check your clothes dryer. Clean the exit vents and clean behind them. This is a common place for fires to start. Check your washing machine hoses for cracks or bubbles. This is the most common cause of flooding in the home. Take a look at all outlets, appliances, cords, etc. for damage and replace if necessary. Check all air conditioning vents & screens in the house. These will soon have a lot of air blowing through them and this small step will prevent dust and debris from blowing around the house.
PETAL SUGAR: Rose infused sugar. Great for ice cream, cookies/scones, dipping your glass rim before pouring a cocktail; Moroccan iced tea. Must use organic/culinary grade roses.
