Treat Them Right

Guests arriving from out of town are likely to be exhausted after a day of traveling to your wedding location. Delays, inclement weather, or early morning flights can really do a number on a traveler’s energy level. Perk them up with a basket full of goodies awaiting them in their guest rooms. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, but a thoughtful combination of treats and toiletries is sure to boost even the most depleted of energy levels. The best gift baskets are the ones that com plement the style or theme of the wedding, so read on for a few tips to creating beautiful baskets.

Kick things up with a cool salsa-themed gift basket. Little ones will love miniature maracas or castinettes, and the ladies will be intrigued by large paper flowers that can serve as gift tags. Small jars of salsa along with snack-sized bags of corn chips, lime or margarita flavored gourmet jellybeans will take care of the munchies. Toss in a bottle or two of Jarritos Mexican Soda Pop or a couple of cans of Jumex juice and your guests will feel like they’ve stepped into a south-of-the-border fiesta.HOMETOWN FAVORITES
Everyone’s hometown is famous for something, whether it be an athletic team, the scenery, or some sort of gourmet food. A hometown favorite is the perfect way to greet your guests while giving them a taste of local flavor. If your area is famous for athletics, fill each basket with typical sports munchies like popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, and soda. A ball cap, T-shirt, or luggage tag with the team logo will also be appreciated. Round things out with a pack of sports trading cards or if money is no object, tickets to see the home team.

Pack a gift basket full of all the things that get better with age. A small bottle of wine or splits of champagne paired with a couple of personalized glasses are perfect for an in-room happy hour. A few wedges of specialty cheese, a box of crackers, and a small container of mixed nuts are the perfect accompaniment to whichever vintage you pack. And though chocolate rarely lasts long enough to age, it’s perfect at any time so include a small box of truffles or other gourmet chocolate to create the ultimate in indulgence.

Your guests can rediscover their inner child with a basket filled with childhood favorites. A small Etch-A-Sketch or other travel game will help to pass the time, and kid-friendly candies like gummy bears, Pixy Stix, or M&Ms are great bedtime snacks. You can even add a small bottle of bubble bath for a bit of sudsy fun, and a few novelty-shaped scented soaps. Use crayons to write a brief greeting and copy photographs of the two of you as children to attach to the outside of the basket or bag to tie your theme together.

After a day of traveling it’s sometimes difficult to unwind when faced with bedtime in a strange location. Help your guests relax with a basket dedicated to all things relaxing. A few decaffeinated herbal tea bags inside a sturdy mug can be paired with a bath soap or aroma therapy bath oil for a soothing before-bed treat. Individual packets of hot cocoa with a tiny airplane-sized bottle of toffee or peppermint liquor are also welcome additions. But if you really want to treat your guests, arrange with the hotel to have freshly baked cookies and glasses of cold milk delivered to all your guests’ rooms before bedtime.The important thing to remember when creating a gift basket is to include anything you think would make your guests feel more at home. The collection doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be fun and functional. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness.