There's nothing quite like the bounty of an overflowing gift basket to charm a friend or loved one. Unfortunately, that same overflowing nature (along with their unusual shapes) makes it difficult to finish a basket's presentation with gift wrap. You don't have to settle for a simple bow on the handle, though- with a little effort and creativity, the wrapping on your gift basket can be as beautiful as the basket's contents are exciting.
If you'd prefer the gift to be a surprise entirely, box it up to disguise the shape. This is the simplest route, and gives you the opportunity to wrap it like you would any other gift. However, you need to take precautions- loose items could be jostled loose, so wrap the box from the top to the bottom, and resist the natural urge to turn it over to hide your tape seal. You might want to enlist a friend to help- have your helper tip the box gently so you can reach underneath it to secure the paper.
Another thing to consider before boxing a gift basket is the contents of the basket itself. Boxing is ideal for non-perishable goods, but never box a basket full of fresh fruit. The warmth and dark of the box will ripen fruit, and by the time your recipient opens it, they could be greeted with an overripe and rotting mess- hardly the impression you want to give!
For a sheer and classic look, nothing beats organza. This light, semi-transparent fabric can be purchased at any fabric store and at many of the larger department stores. It comes in an array of colors, and though it looks delicate, its tight weave makes it sturdy and strong. Select a color that complements your gift- mulberry organza for a red wine basket, for example.
You will need to cut two-thirds as much again of organza as the size of your basket to ensure full coverage, as well as a yard of matching ribbon. To prepare the fabric, iron it on a low setting, with a damp cloth to protect it. It's not necessary to iron the ribbon. Once you've done this, place your gift basket in the middle of the fabric, then draw the edges up around the top of the basket. Secure it tightly with the coordinating ribbon and add a gift tag.
Wired ribbon is ideal for finishing the wrapping. This stiff ribbon will hold any shape you desire- multiple layer bows like rose petals, or even a heart shape for that personal touch. Feel free to experiment- you can smooth wired ribbon out as often as you like, so don't hesitate to play with it until you get a shape you particularly like.
If you feel especially creative, buy additional ribbon and finish your organza before you use it to wrap. Sew ribbon along the edges of the fabric and use this to wrap your basket. This finished piece can be used by your recipient as a doily or centerpiece base, making it two gifts in one. If you have access to an embroidery machine, consider stitching a monogram into one corner to make it truly unique.
You can achieve a more opaque, but similar effect with tissue paper. Tissue paper is also inexpensive, so you can be extravagant with it. Select multiple sheets in different, but complementary, colors. Spread the sheets out on a flat surface, then stagger them giving each successive sheet a quarter turn so that the finished array looks like a star.
As with the organza, place your basket in the middle and pull the sides of the paper up to form a spray at the top. Secure this with ribbon then take some time to fold out and fluff the edges of the paper leftover at the top. With several colors and designs, this will create a gorgeous starburst effect.
Regardless of the style of wrapping, once the basket is sealed, dried flowers, colorful beads, or a delicate spray of feathers can add beauty and style to an already elegantly wrapped gift. Consider hand-stamping your own gift tag, or using a favorite photograph of the recipient in place of a traditional "to" tag. Each of these little details can make a big impression, so be creative! A quick trip through a craft store can be a valuable source of inspiration.
Whatever you choose, just remember, it's the thought that counts!
