Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Errand day

It looks like one of our cars has died--the same week my husband's boss has injured his back. Crazy all around.

The Sunday School class is handling meals for the family, but my husband's team needed to send a Get Well gift as a matter of courtesy. 4 people contributed $4 each for a total of $16.

I assembled the best snack and fruit selection available in fifteen minutes, choosing items which were nonperishable and sugar-free. I really felt God leading me as I raced through the store, sales flyer in hand:

two bags of organic chips for height ($2), 3 Campbells Select Soups ($4), mixed nuts ($2.50), rye crisps ($1), Laughing Cow cheese ($2.50), 6 individual sugar-free applesauce cups ($1), two packages of trail mix ($1), 4 oranges ($1) and 4 pears ($1).

Don't you hate how gift baskets are often half empty? Yet, you do need something to lift the base, or else everything settles at the bottom.

Instead of filler, I layered a package of paper plates and napkins across the bottom (25-cents from yard sale). Six applesauce cups elevate and cushion the fruits. A bundle of greenery adds color to the handle.

22 comments:

Saralyn said...

You continue to amaze me with your brilliant ideas! Wow! So much better than $50 flowers.

TJ said...

That looks great! I always hesitate to make a gift basket, because I struggle to make them look nice. Thanks for the tips!

Amy said...

Great job, Meredith! We always seem to be along the same wavelength since yesterday I talked about holiday gift baskets and how to give your baskets height. Love the paper plate idea! Great job!

~Babychaser~ said...

Great work! Did you already have the basket?

Unknown said...

That's an amazing basket. Beautiful!

Monica Wilkinson said...

That is gorgeous and I'm sure will be a blessing to the family who receives it!

Meredith said...

Thanks!

Amy, I wish I'd had time to read your article yesterday before putting this together. I probably missed an important tip.

Babychaser (love that name, BTW), I did have the basket already. It's actually much broader than this photo shows. My son used it for Easter last year, but I figure I can always pick up another before spring.

Molly said...

That basket certainly looks more expensive that $16.

Great job!

Tamara said...

Great work, Meredith! I LOVE the idea of padding the bottom with paper plates and napkins. I know your husband's boss will be blessed by the gift and the caring thoughts and prayers behind it.

Carrien Blue said...

oh well done, that looks great.

DonnaB said...

That's an amazing job. Your husband must be so proud of you and your creativity.

Meredith said...

Actually, he grew up with an artistic mother, so he kind of takes this stuff for granted.

Yet another reason why I SO appreciate the feedback I receive here. Sometimes it's just nice to have another woman's perspective on homey things!

Anonymous said...

You are seriously a genius! As usual, I'm awe struck!
Lisa

Angi said...

Forget Martha $tewart, YOU should really have your own show. This simple basket looks stunning and would be a welcomed sight to anyone.

Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I think this is such a great gift to receive - so practical & useful & the best part is it's clutter-free/consumable. I'm sure your dh's boss will love it. This is the kind of gift I just love myself as well. Nice job!

Karen said...

Mercy! You amaze me again, Meredith! You have certainly been blessed by God with the gifts of {frugal} beautiful hospitality & giving. Great work!

Anonymous said...

Anyone, convalescing or not, would love to get this. Well done!!

Brenda

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous!

*carrie* said...

Meredith, what a thoughtful gift! You are an inspiration.

Anonymous said...

This is so pretty,what a great job you did.You have such a good eye for putting things together,you ought to think of doing videos for your site for those of us who need a little visual aide.;) I love your blog,you always inspire me,and I know that the family you gave that basket to loved it.God bless you.Love,Gayle

Hyperactive Lu said...

Love the basket! What a great idea and yes, the normal baskets are half empty and SO expensive! Great use of a little money!!!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I love that you can do all these things for cheap. Anyone can make a $200 basket look nice, but $16 is impressive!