A Welcome Home Basket of Goodness
Tuesday 6th May 2008 by Cherry Menlove
My ‘nearly’ hubby and I were at the wedding of our next door neighbours on Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding in a little village called Bramley. The bride was stunning and the groom beamed from ear to ear.
 The couple didn’t have a traditional wedding list as they’ve already set up a beautiful home together and just aren’t in any need of another toaster. So whilst they honeymoon in Tuscany (what bliss), I’m creating a ‘Welcome home’ basket to greet them on the doorstep. It all feels very Bree Van de Kamp and I love it.
For the basket itself, I’m opting for a traditional shape with a generous tall handle. It’s the perfect basket for shopping and should discourage from the horrors of everyday plastic bags (far more attractive than a reusable Waitrose number too).
If you fancy creating your own ‘Welcome Home Basket’ for someone special then you’ll probably want to add something a bit sentimental. To the basket I’m adding a framed print of the bride that I took during the speeches; these ‘taken unaware’ shots are so wonderful – the look of marital joy is so clearly on the faces of those being photographed and this one is no exception.
My basket shall also contain the tiny books, Don’ts for Wives  and Don’ts for Husbands . These two books contain entertaining and fun little pieces of advice and proverbs about the journey the couple are entering into.
 It’s always a good idea to add some kitchen cupboard and fridge essentials. You know how it is, after a long flight you come home and realise that not only is there no milk but (even if you were organized enough to remember to freeze some in advance) there is no tea to add the milk to!
Surprise and spoil the happy couple with a luxurious homecoming. Add breads, crackers, cheese and chutneys from somewhere scrummy like Paxton & Whitfield and don’t forget the champagne. Why should this be the end of the celebrations? It is only the start!
The basket is almost complete; all that’s needed now are the final touches. Flowers, you must add some flowers to your basket. Chrysanthemums are my absolute favourite and they keep!
My final finishing touch is some of Kitty Sash’ Mr & Mrs cards (sooo exciting to receive) – a bit of recognition that they’re husband and wife is bound to wash away the wedding downer and keep those smiles firmly on their faces.
A homecoming basket... some overwhelming goodness for a new couple, a new mummy or just someone in need of some serious spoiling...
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