A May basket is an old-fashioned tradition that is popular in many countries around the world. They are typically filled with seasonal flowers, a gift or two, and perhaps a few small treats. A May basket is traditionally hung on a door handle or porch rail, and then if the recipient notices they are expected to reciprocate in kind by leaving a small gift on the sender’s doorstep in return.
Some popular items found in May baskets include spring-themed items such as mini potted flowers, little honey bear jars, seed packets, handmade cards, scented soaps, and pretty jewelry. Other alternative items that make for a fabulous May basket include gourmet chocolates, colorful scarves, fragrant candles, and small potted plants.
You can also decorate and personalize your May basket by adding a custom tag or ribbon to match the occasion.
How do you make May baskets with crepe paper?
Making May baskets with crepe paper is a craft activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. To begin the process, the supplies you will need include a cardboard form – such as a paper plate, basket, or sculpture – and assorted colored crepe paper.
First, choose a color to base the design on. Then use the cardboard form as a template to trace onto the crepe paper, cutting out the pieces needed for the project. If desired, cut small fringes along the edges of the crepe paper and around the sides of the cardboard form.
This will give the basket a decorative edge when it is assembled.
Once the pieces are cut, use a hot glue gun to attach the crepe paper around the cardboard form. Begin by laying the piece of colored crepe paper centered over the top portion of the basket, and continuing down the sides.
Make sure to press the edges down firmly and add a dab of hot glue to secure them. Continue the process until the entire basket form is covered.
Once the crepe paper is securely in place, fill the basket with various spring decorations. This can be a creative activity, and depends on the look you want to achieve. Consider adding colorful plastic or fabric flowers, pastel colored eggs and ribbons, grasses, feathers, and other small decorations.
Finally, cut a handle from a piece of crepe paper and adhere using hot glue to the inside top rim of the basket. The May basket is now complete and ready for gifting!.
How do you make a May Day cone?
Making a May Day cone is an easy and fun way to decorate for the May Day festivities! To begin you will need tissue or crepe paper, scissors, tape, a hollow tube, and ribbon.
Start by cutting the paper into 2-3 inch wide strips. You will need to measure the strips according to the circumference of the hollow tube, which should be slightly longer than the tube itself. Now measure the length of paper to fit the height of the cone shape you want.
Then cut out a 4” inch circle.
Fold the strips accordion style and glue the edges together at one end. Now slime the long edge onto the hollow tube and make sure it is secure. Take the ends of the paper strips and glue them to the flat circle at one edge.
This will form the opening of your cone. Then just tape the edge shut and glue the bottom of the tube onto the circle.
Finish by cutting out a small circle from the paper and glue it over the taped joint. To add a decorative touch, glue the remaining plain circle on the opposite end of the cone.
Finally, tie a bow at the top of the cone for the finishing touch. Your May Day cone is now ready to be used for your spring celebration!
What does a May Day basket look like?
A May Day basket typically consists of a small basket filled with a variety of small items such as freshly cut flowers, candy, fruit, cards, and ribbons. Often, but not always, the basket is decorated with colorful tissue paper, ribbons, and lace.
It is quite common for the basket to have a handle so it can easily be hung on the doorknob or doorstep for the recipient to find. It is also not uncommon for these baskets to contain a variety of confections or treats.
Traditionally, May Day baskets were left anonymously on a neighbours doorstep, but it has become common to include recipient’s name with the gift. Although the contents of May Day baskets vary depending on the season and the age of the recipient, they typically contain thoughtful and meaningful tokens of appreciation.
What are May Day traditions?
May Day is celebrated in many countries around the world as a way to honor spring and its fertility. Traditionally, May Day is celebrated on the first day of May, during the month that historically marks the transition to summer in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
As one of the oldest holidays in the world, May Day has various customs and traditions across different cultures.
In the UK, Europe, and the US, many May Day traditions involve dancing around a Maypole, which is decorated with multicolored ribbons tied to its top. A group of dancers will grip hold of these ribbons and proceed to dance around the maypole; weaving, criss-crossing, and occasionally intertwigning the ribbons.
It is believed that the more intricate the pattern formed by the dancers, the more luck will be bestowed on them for the rest of the year.
In the Netherlands, bonfires are lit to symbolize the victory of warmth over cold during the transition to the summer months. May Day celebrations in Italy often involve carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary through the town and has been a tradition since the 16th century.
In ancient Rome, the celebration was held on April 27th and was known as the Floralia. Fertility rites were held to honor the goddess Flora, and many plays and theatrical performances would take place to commemorate the day.
The traditional German version of May Day is called Walpurgisnacht, which translates to “Valborg night”. It is held on the evening of April 30th and is a night for traditional folklore including songs, dances, fortune-telling and the burning of fires.
No matter which country you are in, May Day is sure to be filled with fun and festive activities.
What can I put in a basket for a gift?
A basket is a great gift for any occasion, and you can fill it with all kinds of items. Depending on the recipient, you could create a gift basket of their favorite snacks and treats. This could include candy, cookies, chips, popcorn, and other small treats.
You could also create a themed basket, such as a home spa basket with bath bombs, lotions, candles, and a cozy robe. If the recipient enjoys hobbies, you could make a basket with related items, like a tea-lovers basket with various teas, a mug, and a teapot.
For someone who likes to cook, a basket filled with cooking gadgets, like an apron, an oven mitt, and utensils should be a hit. A catch-all basket could include a coffee mug, stationary, a journal, and coffee or tea.
No matter what types of items you choose, include a personalized note or card with the basket to make your gift extra special.
How do you fill empty space in gift box?
Filling empty space in a gift box is an important part of creating a professional and attractive presentation. One of the easiest ways is to use tissue paper. Tissue paper will not only fill empty space, but it will also provide a layer of protection for any fragile items in the box.
Crumpled up tissue paper creates an attractive, puffy effect that adds a layer of insulation to the box. You can also use soft cotton filler for a classic branded look. Depending on the type of gift in the box, popcorn or bubble wrap can also be used to fill in extra space.
If you are using a gift basket with a handle, you can secure the handle using packaging tape and make sure the handle doesn’t move while in transit. Finally, you can use shredded paper as an attractive, colorful way to add texture to the inside of the box and fill any empty gaps.
What do you put in a relaxation gift basket?
A relaxation gift basket can be an ideal present for someone who needs to relax and unwind. A great basket may include items such as scented candles and essential oils, bubble bath, a cozy throw blanket, herbal teas, a massage oil or lotion, herbal supplements, relaxing music, a head or back massager, a journal and pen, yoga mats and props, aromatherapy items such as incense sticks, and books or magazines on relaxation and meditation.
Other additions could include a yoga video, a meditation audio track, loose leaf teas, a canvas tote bag with nature-inspired artwork, and/or a subscription to a relaxation app. Also, consider adding items specific to the individual, such as aromatherapy snacks, a herbal tea mug, or items related to the person’s favorite hobbies, such as gardening tools, cooking accessories, or art supplies.
With a bit of thought, a relaxation gift basket can be a thoughtful and useful gift sure to bring some much-needed peace-of-mind.
What do you put in a large basket for decorations?
A large basket can be used to create a variety of decorative displays. Depending on the size and shape of the basket, you can use it to create a centerpiece for your table, as part of an entryway or mantel display, or in any room in your home.
Here are some decorating ideas for utilizing a large basket:
• Seasonal Fruits & Greenery: Fill the basket with a variety of in-season fruits and greenery, such as oranges, ivy, and apples. Add silk leaves, pine cones and other nature-themed pieces for an extra layer of texture.
You can further customize the look of your display with a colorful ribbon or twine.
• Wrapped Gift Items: Line the basket with colored tissue paper, add several small gift boxes, and tie with a bow at the top. This works well for a focal point in a child’s room, adding a touch of whimsy while still being practical and decorative.
• Candles: Place a few pillar candles in varying heights within the basket. This adds a lovely atmosphere and a soft glow to any room.
• Rustic Decor: Fill a large basket with pottery, jugs and pitchers, wooden bowls and spoons, antique glassware or seasonal florals and foliage. This adds a unique, rustic charm that looks great in any room.
• Holiday Decor: Fill the basket with items related to the holidays, such as mini eggshells and moss for Easter, gourds and pumpkins for Thanksgiving, and wreaths and candy canes for Christmas.