The Steps

• 1). Fill the bottom of the basket with floral foam or newspaper that has been crumpled to raise the gifts up in the basket so they can be seen when finished. Next, fill the basket with a layer of shredded paper or tissue paper over the foam or newspaper. Be sure to overfill the basket as it will be weighed down by the candles that will be added later. This will give the basket a more filled effect and look more pleasing to the eye. Packing peanuts are not recommended because they can shift when the basket is moved.
  
  
• 2). Choose the candles to put in the basket in order of height. These candles can easily be store-bought inexpensively or even homemade. The taller candles need to be put in the back of the basket, followed by the medium height ones and the smallest toward the front. This allows all the candles to be seen and looks more orderly and visually pleasing. The types of candles that can be used are simple pillar candles, scented candles or candles in pretty containers. A mixture of different types of candles will look best when finished.
  
  
• 3). Cut the cellophane to about two yards, depending on the size of the basket. Two yards is the average length needed for a basket. Either clear or colored cellophane can be used but colored cellophane is an added touch of visual appeal. Lay the cellophane on a flat surface and put the filled basket in the middle. Pull up the sides of the cellophane over the basket and hold tight. A helper is very useful during this step. Once all the cellophane is gathered around the basket, secure the top with a twisty tie. If some cellophane falls down around the sides as it is being tied, you can secure it with a piece of clear tape. The top of the basket should have large petals of cellophane and look nice. If the cellophane was too long and the petals are longer than needed, you can trim them with scissors.
  
  
• 4). Make a bow out of ribbon or buy an already made bow from the store. If ribbon is to be used, wide ribbon with wire edges is easier to use and looks better on the basket when finished. Tie the ribbon onto the top of the basket over the twisty tie. You may want to also put a card for the recipient tied onto the ribbon or taped to the outside of the basket.