I'm a Basket Case

Typically the idea I feature is something I've either done (turn trash into treasure); something I want to do (Bigger or Better);  or something I have sought out (Wendy and Freebie Friday).  

Today's idea came to me with a little help from my friends.  And, it's a good thing because last night was a late night.  A group of friends came over for dinner last night for a somewhat last minute barbecue.

When the burgers were done and everything was ready to go, I pulled out our Standard Oval Sandwich Baskets.  Not a time goes by, when we use those baskets, that we do not get some kind of comment about how cool they are or their usefulness.  So, today's entry will be short, simple, and practical.

We bought these black baskets from Sam's Club three or four years ago.  My job, at the time, was such that I hosted a lot of students and staff at my house and we were always in search of convenient ways to serve informal food (hamburgers, barbecue, chicken sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, etc...). We wanted minimal waste and minimal clean up.

The sandwich baskets were the perfect solution.  All we do is place a tin foil or wax paper liner in the base of the basket and place the food right on top.  Just like something you'd see in an old-time diner.  When everyone is finished... we simply throw the liners into the garbage, rinse out the baskets, and call it a day. 

 

How much?  A box of twenty-four Oval Sandwich Baskets from Sam's is about $15.00 (can't remember exact amount years later) and a box of 500 liners (that's a lot of people, unless you own a restaurant) is approximately $8.00.  Four years later... the baskets are holding up great and we're still on the original box of liners. 

With summer comes the onslaught of graduation parties (Maureen); cookouts, birthday parties (Andrea), pool parties, and other social gatherings.  Consider getting a set of baskets for yourself.  You won't regret it!

Announcements:

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• Free For All Friday (FFAF) topic:  After a number of requests and a handful of phone calls with friends in despair, this week's FFAF has been set.  It is... Staying Sane When School is Out. What strategies or suggestions do all of you have for how moms can stay sane (and occupy the time of their children) now that school is out for the summer.  They can be suggestions of things to do with your kids or tips for how moms stay rejuvenated. Remember, don't post our ideas on the subject until Friday.  Mill it over for the next couple of days.