This gift basket for people who love to cook is one of my favorite baskets to assemble. I once made a gazillion of them (okay, that’s an exaggeration, but it felt like that), for a gala dinner in which gift baskets were centerpieces instead of flowers, so people would bid for them. You can fill the basket with whatever delectable goodies you like, but I also add wooden utensils, kitchen towels or even potholders because a chef can never have too many of them.

I like using baskets that aren’t really baskets — like this colander. It serves as a basket, but it’s also useful and goes with the theme. They always sell great colored colanders at Ross or Marshall’s. 

The colander is also nice and deep so I can hide foam at the bottom of it. Line the colander with a sheet of tissue paper. Then place foam at the bottom (I used floral foam), and surround the foam in crumpled newspaper or butcher paper to keep the foam really snug. Then fold the tissue paper over to hide the foam underneath.

Next, tape skewers to the back of all your elements. These skewers will act like “stems” that will be inserted into the foam. For heavier objects, you can tape two skewers to them.

When you’re through, add tissue paper in any empty spots to fill up space and add some festive color. Bon appetit!