A margarita party-themed basket is a way to display the wild side of the southwest. Margaret "Margarita" Sames, a southwestern socialite, is credited with inventing the drink in 1948. Fill the basket with margarita glasses, tequila, margarita mix, limes and salt. Try hand-decorating the margarita glasses with southwestern themes like images of chili peppers or Kokopelli, a flute-playing trickster and fertility deity found in the folklore of many southwestern Native American cultures. Include other party-worthy items like several strands of festive chili pepper lights or a decorative tray to hold the chips and salsa. You also can include coasters or napkins in the basket.
Showcase southwestern delicacies by filling your basket with an assortment of sweet and spicy treats. Try a selection of local southwestern salsas or a variety of fresh peppers, and include different kinds of tortilla chips. You also can include honey made from cactus flowers, as well as a southwestern-made wine or beer. To encourage cooking, compile a small book of recipes that call for ingredients native to the southwest, such as fish tacos from southern California or chiles rellenos, fried, stuffed whole green chiles from New Mexico. Complete the menu with dessert recipes like sopaipillas, fried bits of dough served with powdered sugar and honey. To go along with the cookbook, include a southwestern-themed apron in the basket as well as oven mitts or small dishes to hold the snacks.
This basket is perfect for someone moving into a new home. Include a variety of southwest-themed items ranging from small pottery pieces to larger rugs or welcome mats; pottery work and hand-woven items are important to the history of many southwestern Native American cultures because they artistically represent traditions that have been practiced for thousands of years. Include other items like framed prints of southwestern scenes or tree ornaments that represent important southwest symbols. In general, try to focus on items that include images or patterns that are reminiscent of the southwest; these could include cacti, chili peppers, Kokopelli or geometric designs in warm colors. If there is enough space, place a small live cactus in the basket or a bunch of hanging strand or wreath of dried red chili peppers.
