HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I have just been brainstorming to come up with an idea for my centerpiece for my dinner table on Thanksgiving. I have decided to make and herb basket with appropriate herbs that I can use for the meal as well as a decoration. I've decided that the "usual suspects" should be included as well as some additions that are appropriate for the season. Parsley, sage, thyme and rosemary are good choices.

I'm going to add some small gourds and Fall leaves and tie it with a ribbon. If you have some really pretty leaves from your yard use them. If not, use some silk leaves from your local craft store. I think it will make a very pretty centerpiece and something a little unique.

I've also given some thought to plate decorations and if you are visiting someone else's home, a gift for the hostess. I've decided to tie a small bunch of herbs around the napkin . You can use a narrow ribbon or for something even more in keeping with the theme a small length of raffia, also available from the craft store. Another idea that can become a gift is to make or buy small bags that you can use to fill with your favorite herb mix and a recipe for a dip that uses those herbs.

As for a gift for a hostess, my favorite idea is to bring a bottle of herb-flavored oil, especially if she loves to cook. Flavored oils in attractive jars or bottles make wonderful hostess gifts that can be used long after the holiday. Maybe you have some unique bottles around your house or thay can be purchased at any local gourmet food or craft store.

Place fresh herbs inside the jar or bottle and use a funnel to add the oil of your choice. Cap the bottle and place in the refrigerator for a few weeks to let the flavors blend. When ready to give them away, remove the herbs and replace with new fresh ones to keep the bottle looking pretty. You can use a single herb or combine herbs to make your favorite blend. Decorate the container with ribbon, rope or raffia. If you have a favorite recipe calling for this oil or blend of herbs put it on a small index card, punch a hole in one corner and attach it to the bottle neck. Your host will be so pleased an. Something homemade is always a nice surprise. You can make up several bottles and use them as gifts not only at Thanksgiving, but through the whole holiday season. To make a larger gift you can put 2 or 3 bottles in a basket and decorate for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. Because these have to sit for a while to develop the flavors, it is best to start now.

I have some great ideas for herbal decorations for the holidays that I will post tomorrow, so please stop back

Christmas Herb BasketS

We are now coming into the holiday season. For many centuries, there have been certain herbs that are associated with Christmas. Christmas Herb Baskets make wonderful gifts for family, friends and neighbors.

You make the standard herb basket, but use a special group of herbs. The recipient will love it. Below is a list of plants that you will need.

Rosemary—For remembrance, of course, and long associated with Mary.

Thyme—A manger herb signifying the courage and strength of Christ.

Rue—The herb of grace. In Sweden it is associated with St. Lucy and used to make crowns for celebrations of her December 13 saint's day.

Santolina—The herb of fair linen symbolizing swaddling cloth.

Lavender—The symbol of purity, lavender is said to have received its lovely scent when it served as the drying rack for the Baby Jesus' swaddling clothes.

Pennyroyal—One of the manger herbs. In addition to its pleasant aroma, it repels insects.

It is advisable to mark each herb with a small garden marker toidentify them. A popsicle stick can be painted in Christmas colors and painted with the plant name. Tie a big red bow on the handle and you're all set. I guarantee that it will be a one-of-a-kind gift.

In the next few days, i will post a list of herbs that can be gifted for Hanukkah.