May Day Basket Ideas
Although May Day isn’t celebrated here as widely as it is in Europe, I still think it’s one of the sweetest holidays. The tradition of leaving a basket of flowers and treats on your neighbors door reminds me of simpler times, when neighbors actually knew one another. And did you know, historians say, if they catch you in the act, they must give you a kiss!
I think it’s best to keep things easy and create a basket with items you have on hand. For me, that’s always fresh organic eggs. And from my garden, a handful of English roses and a few sprigs of greenery. For the treats, I tucked in coffee beans and my Ultimate Nut Lovers Granola.
Nothing was expensive or over-the-top, it’s really just in the presentation and thought. Here are some other items you might have at-the-ready to make your own baskets.
A batch of homemade cookies or muffins.
A small posy of whatever might be growing in your garden.
Or a single bloom from a tree or plant would be lovely.
Freshly picked roadside wildflowers.
A small canister of tea or coffee.
An assortment of candies or chocolates.
Homemade jams, jellies or lemon curd.
A loaf of homemade bread or scones.
May Day is celebrated next week on Wednesday, May 1st. Just enough time for us to plan ahead and make someones day special.
29 Responses to “May Day Basket Ideas”
This takes me back to first grade, about the only time anyone
suggested we mark the day… we made paper flowers in tiny
paper baskets to leave on someone’s door. I still recall how enchanted
I was with this activity. Thank you for bringing back those memories,
and inspiring a new opportunity… I know a little girl who would adore
putting together some May Day Baskets.
I have fond memories from grade school as well. Maybe we can bring the tradition back..we could sure use a little neighborly love in the US. 🙂
You inspired my post today… thank you.
Heather,
I love your ideas for May Day. Your English rose looks like a peony, its so ruffled.
Very nice.
Karen
Thanks Karen, it’s Abraham Darby…my favorite!
I love the Mayday idea too. Yours is beautiful. I once had neighbor girls that would bring me a nosegay of flowers every Mayday. They are in college now but I still remember the sweet paper tussie mussie’s that they made to hold the flowers. Sweetness. Thank you for your post.
I remember making tissue flowers too, for May Day and Mother’s Day…both sweet holidays!
This looks super pretty! 🙂
So beautiful Heather. I’ve grown up with farm fresh eggs all my life but have never had any chickens that lay such beautiful, dark brown eggs. Lovely.
Those are from our French Maran…appropriately named Frenchie. 😉
What a wonderful idea to share, Heather! It reminds me of the way my Grandmother always took flowers, vegetables from her garden, baked goods, and any other special thing she had or made to her neighbors and family! She did it just because…And her birthday was in May…Oh how I do miss her!
Your May Day baskets are beautiful. I do believe I am making some this year!!!
How beautiful! And what a thoughtful idea. We are hoping to move onto some land so we can raise our own chickens and sheep. Your house planning is giving me wonderful ideas!
I’m so happy for you! Best of luck in finding the perfect property.
I have never heard about giving gifts for May Day. What a wonderful tradition.
I just love this idea!! It’s true, we could all definitely use a little more neighbourly love. We’ve strayed so far from such simple acts of kindness. Your roses are breath-taking, I am going to see if I can grow some in our cold climate. I tried 2 years ago but it didn’t winter well, could try protecting it better this go around!
Your basket will surely make someone’s May Day very happy! May I ask where the basket is from? It’s lovely!
I bought it at an estate sale. I try to pick up baskets or small boxes when I see them at the flea or antique stores for reasonable prices. That way I always have something on hand for impromptu gift giving.
Oh, so so beautiful! What a darling idea! You basket is just stunning and filled with wonderful things a friend or neighbor would love! I’m inspired to create and deliver a few May baskets myself!
Yay, perhaps we’ll make the tradition more popular here in the states….one basket at a time!
I’d love to give or receive a basket like this! Celebrating May Day seems like a very good idea…especially now after so many sad things have happened in our country. Thank you for the inspiration!
Heather, what a lovely and thoughtful idea! Beautifully displayed as well as thoughtful,
Kathysue
What a wonderful idea. We didn’t give out Christmas gifts this past holiday. So I think this could be a sweet surprise.
This is so lovely. I did this with my girls a few times when they were little. I think your neighbors are going to be very sad to see you move.
Superb, as always, Heather. I’m so inspired by your photography, writing and such. The idea of a May Day Basket is so “old school” and I think this world needs more of that!
Fabulous! I haven’t seen a May Day basket in years…it’s time we start up the tradition again.
How beautiful and yes I think knowing our neighbors builds community….and we certainly can use more of it. I have a neighbor in mind and I think I’ll surprise a few. Thanks for the early reminder!
What a lovely thought! I’ve never heard of May Day. If I were your neighbour, I’d be thrilled to receive such a beautiful and thoughtful gift.
::heather::
What a beautiful treat for a neighbor ! -You reminded me of my old neighborhood/
We did this every May and it made me giggle running down the street
after depositing things onto the handles of our neighborhood doors.
It was a return of favor (we were guests over for swimming- so many pools around us ~but we never had a pool) 🙂 your blog is joy & beauty. Happy May Day.
This is so lovely. I was surprised last year by a beautiful handmade May Day paper cone basket at my door. Such a treat! It’s been several years since I’ve delivered them myself. I wish I’d thought about it sooner! Happy May Day!
Jeanette @ Creating a Life
As a child we always made small paper baskets and filled them with wildflowers and took them
to neighbors doors…we would ring the bell or knock and then run and hide and watch them open the door. It was so much fun. My mother had suggested this tradition to me as a child and said that she did this when she was a child. I never hear about this nowdays. How much fun it was to be a child 50 years ago…Thanks for the memories.
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