Serves: 0

Plan ahead to collect containers in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Save ordinary household items such as small jars and bottles, plastic margarine tubs and interesting boxes to decorate and convert into gift containers. Unusual, one-of-a-kind pieces of china or pottery, tins and bottles can be purchased at garage sales, antique or secondhand stores, craft shops and import outlets. Have fun collecting bits of both old and new items which can be used to make interesting packaging combinations. Christmas mugs, gift wrap, decorations and ornaments are festive articles for packaging. Baskets and trays come in a variety of materials...casual to elegant. Choose from wood, wicker, straw, colorful coated wire, fabric, ceramic, terra cotta and others. A wooden crate lined with straw packing material is another idea. A food gift can be personalized with a special holiday greeting on the gift tag, such as "From our house to yours," or include the written recipe complete with serving suggestions.

Combination gift baskets and trays are very popular for a larger, sometimes more expensive gift. Create your unique dessert gift basket by including a jar of your favorite fluffy hard sauce with a Chocolate Walnut Fruitcake and some Cream Cheese Mints To make a brunch basket, line a basket with a napkin or kitchen towel and add a loaf of Holiday Fruit Stollen a jar of Golden Conserve and a tin of Viennese Mocha Coffee Mix or herbal tea bags. Or, place these ingredients on an unusual cutting board along with a knife, overwrap with plastic wrap or cellophane and tie with fabric ribbon. Look for the packaging symbol with the following recipes for more ideas on how to mix and match and decorate your food gifts.