Something Gifty

A crafty acquaintance recently got married.  We wanted to give her something thoughtful and yet affordable.  I hoped to think of something homemade to tuck in.  We thought about a gift-basket of some sort.  Then we had a brain wave. 

We took a new terra cotta pot, and tucked in a square table-cloth (I whipped it up with some canvassy fabric in a country print I thought would appeal to Bride).  Partner made two loaves of French bread, and we found some fancy salt, a funky bottle of olive oil, and a pot of jam.  We tucked in a card with a note about wishing them a life full of happiness and good flavor.  We had hoped to include a packet of seeds or a potted herb or something for some symbolism about growth, but our seasonal timing is off there.  We liked the idea of a gift for now (the bread, cloth, some condiments) and later (the pot, plant, cloth, some of the condiments).  It sort of reminded me of that scene from It’s a Wonderful Life where the Baileys give the families bread, salt, and wine when they move into their new homes.  

Flower pot, homemade French bread, table cloth, and sundry condiments recently composed and wedding-giftedBride and Groom loved this gift.  It is one we’ll remember next time someone we know gets married.  It can be dressed up or down with a different cloth or pot (though there is something very comforting about that big terra cotta pot), could include a bottle of wine or champagne and glasses, the aforementioned growing thing, or other items to suit the personalities of the recipients.  We could decorate the pot.  It could include homemade food and objects or nice store-bought items.  It strikes me as a good gift for a couple that already has an established household and isn’t in need of more practical objects.