Fruit baskets are classic "anytime" presents that you can send to friends, family and even coworkers without worry. Packing a fruit basket can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. Select your container first so you know how much fruit to purchase. Choosing the correct type of fruit to send in the mail is the key to a successful basket. Since the basket is going in the mail, you should use Priority Mail when shipping through the United States Postal Service, as a quick transit time is crucial.
Instructions
1. Choose a container. A fruit basket does not have to be in a basket; it can be in any kind of a container, including boxes, buckets, crates and shallow vases. Generally, baskets are more difficult to deal with when shipping, as most tend to have handles. If you are choosing a basket, choose one that has a short handle or does not have one. Side straps or openings are best for packaging. Boxes are also great vessels for fruit baskets because they can be as shallow or tall as you need and hold large quantities. More creative containers, including garden pails, shallow vases or light wooden crates, are all possible choices for your basket. Try to match the container to the theme of your basket; if you are doing a tropical fruit basket, choose a bamboo style or dark wood basket. If you are doing an American country farm-style basket, choose a wooden farm crate.
2. Pick your fruits. The main attraction of the fruit basket is, of course, the fruit. Since you are sending the fruit in the mail, you should choose fruits that will last without browning. Cut fruits are out, as is anything that does not keep inside of its own skin or peel. Avoid cut melons, pineapple pieces and soft fruits such as ripe plums. Pineapples are nice additions if left whole. Hard fruits, such as apples, mangoes and pears are good choices, as are fruits with thick peels such as bananas, oranges and grapefruits. Peaches and apricots may work, but you must make sure that they are under ripe when you pack them. Choose fruits in a variety of sizes, some small and some large to add contrast.
3. Arrange the basket, and add non-fruit items to the basket. The trickiest part in putting together a fruit basket is actually putting it together to not look like a grocery bag. Fill the bag with an attractive under layer like fake grass, paper confetti strips or a cloth. Depending on how much fruit you wish to use, you may or may not see the under layer. Fill the basket, and then begin placing your fruit. If the basket is round, place the tallest fruit in the middle, such as a pineapple, and then begin to fill in the rest around it. While you fill in the fruit, add extra non-fruit items, such as chocolate, caramel sauce, chocolate-covered fruit, nuts or fake flowers. Finish the arrangement by adding a note in between the fruits.
4. Package tightly. Wrap the entire basket in cellophane wrap, tie at the top with a string or ribbon and add a bow. Choose a box that is large enough to fit both the basket and a large amount of packaging material. Place the basket inside, and fill completely around with packaging peanuts, air cushions, or bubble wrap. Send the basket using Priority Mail (if you do, you will need to pick up a Priority Mail box from the post office; boxes are free with shipping). You want reduce transit time because the less time in transit, the fresher the fruit will be upon arrival.
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