Strega Nona Entertaining: Conjuring Creative Fun

From recipes to rituals, I will kindly divine the perfect celebration for you!

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Bring Back the May Baskets!

Even if it’s not all spring sunshine where you are today, there’s no reason not to get in the lighthearted spirit of May Day and Beltane. I’ll never forget the first time I was gifted with a brightly colored, homemade May Day basket by a new neighbor in our development out in the country. All it had contained was a fun mixture of popcorn and jellybeans, but the fact that it had been crafted by hand, and dutifully delivered to each home in the neighborhood by a determined little girl warmed my heart. It got me thinking about the tradition, and how this simple act of kindness probably wasn’t practiced much anymore. I miss those more trusting times when we used to be able to trick-or-treat after dark in a rural setting and not worry, as well. If you are fortunate enough to be blessed with a nice neighbor, a cute cat, or anyone deserving of one of these old-fashioned treasures, then bring back the May baskets, I say.

MAY DAY BASKET FOR A NICE NEIGHBOR

Perhaps they’ve watched your cat for you while you were away or shoveled out your section of the driveway just because. Maybe they’re new to the neighborhood and you’d like to get to know them better. Whatever the case, nothing says, “welcome,” like a basket filled with fresh local produce. Apples and oranges always keep well, and you can fill it in with whatever is colorful and seasonal where you are. Other suggestions: Eggplant, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes.

MAY DAY BASKET FOR A LOVED PET

We all love the opportunity to spoil our furry friends. But imagine how much they would delight in digging through an open basket of treats and toys just for them. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, when they can leap in and nestle down for a nap after it’s empty.

MAY DAY BASKET FOR A GRADUATE STUDENT

Speaking as one who knows, many a graduate student would never be able to power through without the added strength of caffeine during this trying time. Fill this one to the brim with some sample tasty brews, flavored creamer, and a cheery new mug. Throw in some dark chocolate, too. Alternately, if you know a grad student who is really stressing out consider this: calming teas, a mug with soothing sea colors, and some lavender incense or candles.

MAY DAY BASKET FOR AN UNDER-THE-WEATHER FRIEND

A card shows you care, but if you want to go the extra mile, a quick visit with you bearing gifts could actually help speed up a friend’s recovery. Homemade soup and/or bread, encouraging daily mantras in the form of a book or a piece of artwork, and their favorite little stuffed animal are just what the doctor ordered.

MAY DAY BASKET FOR YOUR SWEETIE

You know your sweetie, and you know what they like. This one I’ll just leave up to your own creative and naughty minds…

Photo by Buenosia Carol from Pexels

 

 

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Colleen DuVall has written articles, plays, short films, and a novel. Most recently, her work has been featured in her new blog, Off The Beaten Path for the Shepherd Express online (http://shepherdexpress.com/blogs-1-1-1-61.html), and the Wisconsin Life radio show for WPR. She recently adopted a little grey and white cat named Tessa, after beloved 22-year-old Bootise passed on.

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