WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THESE BASKETS?
Bread so that this home may never know hunger.
Candle so that this home may always have light.
Salt so that life may always have flavor.
Sugar so that life shall always have sweetness.
And Wine so that joy & prosperity shall reign forever.
There is just something magical about working with homebuyers and handing them the keys to their new home on closing day! So as I started branching out on I started looking for a closing gift that was somewhat different, yet memorable. Thus.. these baskets.
If you know me at all, you probably know that I am very sentimental and cheesy when it comes to Christmas movies. If you ask me, hands down the best one ever made is It’s A Wonderful Life. When I was younger, I thought of it as just an old black and white Christmas movie but as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate the timelessness of the story and how familiar George Bailey’s story is on especially tough days.
The story has so many memorable takeaways, but one I absolutely love is how George and his wife Mary, always seem to want the best for those in their lives. George takes over the old Building and Loan company when his father dies and wants nothing more than to help people get into their own homes. Sound familiar? That’s my favorite part of working as a Real Estate Agent. There is one scene where everyone is celebrating because his old friend Mr Martini is finally able to move into his family into their own home. At the end of the scene, George and Mary present them with 3 small gifts as a house warming present just before George announces “Enter the Martini Castle”. I’ve always thought it was such a sweet sentiment!
I start off with the cutest basket I can find, add a fresh baked loaf of bread, a container of salt, and a bottle of wine that pairs well with … well anything, and I add my own label to it. However, I did decide to add my own touch with a couple extra things for good measure, besides who doesn’t need sugar or love candles? The finishing touch is a printed card with the meaning behind everything in the basket. I know that I could make the gift baskets a little more fancy with expensive gifts or expensive gift cards but I like the simplicity and practicality of what George and Mary did all those years ago.
It's just a tiny scene, but it captures such a meaningful moment.