Baskets & Storage Bins

Decorating with Baskets

Take your home from cluttered to calm by decorating with baskets. Whether using them for storage or as decorative accents, baskets complement nearly any aesthetic. Looking for hidden storage solutions in the living room? Use a wicker basket with a lid to corral remote controls, video game controllers and television accessories. The lid conceals what's inside and allows for easy stacking with other baskets next to a media console. Fill multiple woven storage baskets with small tchotchkes, and place them on a modular bookcase or glass coffee table. Large rattan floor baskets are the ideal home for extra blankets and throw pillows. Push one against a chair, sofa or loveseat for quick access. In the kids' playroom, consider using baskets with handles for toys and art supplies. If there's limited space in the playroom, opt for baskets that serve as underbed storage instead. Or, utilize one to tuck away yoga and workout accessories. Store produce in fruit holders or tiered fruit baskets on the kitchen counter and organize the laundry with woven hampers. For additional storage in the bathroom, stash makeup, towels and accessories in wire baskets tucked under the sink. Or, for a purely decorative touch, stylize stems and branches in a complementary basket.

Gift Basket Ideas for Christmas and Other Holidays

If you have smaller handheld baskets lying around, consider using them as the base for a seasonal gift basket. Wondering what to put inside? Use these ideas as inspiration:

• Gardening Gift Basket: Line a wire basket with a graphic dish towel, perhaps one printed with garden themes, and include potted amaryllis or freesia bulbs.
  
• Cooking Gift Basket: The key ingredient for this Christmas gift basket is a marble mortar and pestle. Add on herbs, spices and flavored sea salt. Include a recipe for homemade salsa.


• Wine and Cheese Gift Basket: Begin with a slate or wood serving board. Accompany with cheese tools, cheese markers and a bottle of your favorite wine.


• Baking Gift Basket: Layer a tiered cupcake stand with festive paper liners, colorful sprinkles and a mini recipe book. Wrap with cellophane and tie at the top with ribbon.
• Tea for Two: Bundle a tea press with a pair of cups and saucers and a selection of artisanal teas and shortbread cookies. Include a tea towel or two new placemats.
  
• Coffee-Themed Gifts: Bundle a pour over, French press or thermal carafe with a grinder, coffee scoop and bag of fresh coffee beans for the perfect Christmas gift basket.


• Chocolate-Lovers Gift Basket: Start with a festive holiday mug and fill it with a tin of fine hot chocolate mix. If you have the time, consider adding homemade marshmallows. Round out the basket with decadent chocolate truffles or candies.


• Spa Gift Basket: Line a long basket with super soft hand towels and add in a glass or ceramic bowl for small soaps or bath crystals. Glass votives and tealight candles are a perfect finishing touch.


• Pasta Gift Basket: Fill a pasta pot with pasta bowls, fun dish towels with a red and white graphic theme, a cheese grater and a package of imported Italian pasta.
• Mixologist Gifts: Pair a complete bar tool set with a cocktail shaker and recipe book of craft cocktails. If the recipient has a favorite liquor, such as tequila or gin, consider adding a bottle with a variety that is new to them.
• Gifts for Ice Cream Lovers Partner an ice cream machine with sundae dishes and delicious toppings, like dark chocolate, sea salt caramel and nuts.
• A New Year's Gift Basket:Besides the obvious (your choice of champagne or Prosecco), furnish handmade champagne flutes to enjoy the bubbly. Consider including a serving tray for their upcoming New Year's party.


• Easter Gift Basket: The two biggest factors to take into account when crafting a gift basket for this spring holiday is the recipient's age. Parents of babies will appreciate being gifted board books and rattles, as well as extra clothes, bibs and blankets. Toddlers might enjoy presents that include bath toys and building blocks, while older children will be happy to see sports gear, art kits, jigsaw puzzles and candy.