Since attractive, practical storage is something many of us need, I want to share one of my favorite home accessories that combines beauty and function. I keep at least one in every room: closets, bathrooms, shelves and even in the car. I use them for everything and have collected them for years.
What are they? Yep, you guessed it — baskets!
You may remember I mentioned using lidded baskets during my 31 Days of Autumn series — I store seasonal décor and entertaining accessories in baskets in my dining room. Even though I have an armoire and a dresser there, the baskets add extra storage while bringing texture and visual interest to the space.
Beyond seasonal items, what else do I keep in baskets?
- Baking supplies on open shelves that I prefer to keep hidden — solved with baskets.
- Pantry snacks and lunch items that tend to get lost — a basket corrals them neatly.
- Need a touch of texture on a shelf or in a room? A basket is an easy, attractive solution.
- Dusting rags stay tidy in a basket.
- Stray socks in the laundry room go in a basket until the pairs are reunited.
- Creative project supplies stay organized and within reach in a basket.
- Random pens, paper and car accessories are contained in a vehicle basket.
- Magazines sit neatly in a basket.
- Incoming mail lives in a basket until it’s sorted.
Clutter Crisis?
Not long ago we had video games and controllers scattered across the family room. We had our son sort through them and choose a few favorites; the rest were stored in his closet. The remaining games and controllers fit perfectly into one lidded basket on the shelf near the TV. Problem solved.
Baskets are attractive, fit nearly anywhere, and rank among the most versatile accessories in my home. I prefer order and minimal visual clutter, and baskets help keep things contained and tidy. You really can’t have too many baskets.
Where do I buy lidded baskets?
After I wrote about my lidded baskets, many readers asked where I find them, especially baskets that fit on shelves or cabinets.
I sometimes find baskets at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, or Pier 1, but availability, quality and sizes vary. A few months ago I needed lidded baskets and couldn’t find any in stores. Frustrated, I searched online for a reliable source of well-made baskets that are easy to order and consistently in stock.
I’m happy to say I found a dependable source for handcrafted lidded baskets: Diane at Longaberger. She offers beautiful baskets and other quality home items such as bakeware, pottery and dishes.
If you’re not familiar with Longaberger products, they’re worth looking into. The basket I’m showing here fits nicely on shelves and cabinets and comes in several finishes, including black and natural stains.
I’m excited to partner with Diane from Longaberger for a giveaway. She’s a lovely person to work with, and her quality baskets make great gifts.
A Longaberger Giveaway!
Diane is offering one lucky reader their choice of a Sort & Store Small Rectangular Storage basket with a wood lid (the same style shown here, available in various stains and black) — a beautiful, well-made basket.
*OR*
As an alternative prize, you can choose a Woven Traditions 9 x 13 Ivory Baking Dish with Cover and a Woven Traditions Travel Mug — two elegant, useful pieces I also enjoy using at home.
mmm. morning coffee to go!
no, my coffee maker is not included in the giveaway.
How to enter:
To enter, visit Longaberger’s product selection and then leave a comment here describing how you use baskets at home or how you would use a basket if you win. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents and both bloggers and non-bloggers.
For up to two additional entries, share the giveaway on Facebook or Twitter and return to leave a separate comment for each share. That’s up to three chances to win.
You can find Diane on Facebook and check her January sale directly through her shop.
The giveaway will end Friday at 9 PM PST.
WINNER: April from say what you need to say!
Good luck!