With basket-weave-decorated desserts and simple basket centerpieces, there are numerous ways to play upon this bridal shower theme.

Cupcakes imitating baskets are an irresistible treat at a bridal shower. These cupcakes came topped with buttercream piped in basket weave patterns. Festive gold-foil liners enhance the illusion and won't let oil show through. We added paper ribbon handles (get the detailed how-to on the next slide). For garlands, string doll-sized baskets on gold twine. Secure the baskets with additional twine tied in a bow, then tuck a paperwhite floret in each.

Shimmery paper ribbon looks like satin but is stiff enough to hold its shape. For each cupcake, you will need a 14 1/4-inch-long strip of 3/8-inch-wide paper ribbon, glue dots, and double-sided tape. Before attaching the handles, chill iced cupcakes for a few minutes so the icing sets and doesn't get marred. Fold ribbon in half, and crease lightly to mark the center. Measure 2 1/2 inches down from the center on each side; fold ribbon outward at those points, and crease firmly. Bring side creases up to meet at center crease, forming bow shape; affix to center crease with glue dots. Do not crease loops of bow. To finish bow, wrap a piece of 1-inch-long ribbon over center; secure ends on underside with glue dots. To make tabs for attaching the handle to cupcake, fold ends of ribbon inward by 1 1/4 inches, and crease. Affix double-sided tape to inside of tabs; gently press to bottom of liner.

Encourage guests to bring gifts in baskets. Not only will all the baskets grouped together make a beautiful decoration, but they'll start a pretty collection the bride can use in her home.

Baskets brimming with a fruit of your choice make great centerpieces for a shower. We filled Nantucket baskets in various sizes with warm-toned fruits: pears, apricots, and two kinds of apples. Small baskets laden with blond cherries are arranged at place settings for guests to take home; tiny bows are a graceful touch.

With a few snips and folds, and a little imagination, you can turn humble paper bags into party-perfect decorations. These "vases" are merely plain brown lunch bags with their tops trimmed; inside each is a jar filled with flowers.

The milk-chocolate topping of these cookies looks like the result of masterful piping, but it's actually a cinch to make using a mold. Beneath the chocolate hides a layer of peanut butter on top of brown-sugar shortbread, all of them adding up to a treat that's creamy, crumbly, and rich throughout.

These tiny ice cream cups look like baskets and are ideal for a no-mess refreshing dessert. The cups are made on a pizzelle iron, which is available at cookware stores and looks like a flat, decorative waffle iron.

Use swatches of caning to print designs for custom basket-themed place cards.

Send shower guests home with fresh strawberries and scones to enjoy. Wrap scones in cellophane, and line a wooden berry basket with parchment paper. Tie on a note stamped with a strawberry design to match.

These basket weave candles can act as inexpensive centerpieces, shower game prizes, or party favors for guests.

The top and bottom sections of this grand cake display a classic basket-weave design, while the thick whorls (made with a petal tip) and braided wreaths (a round tip) of the middle tiers copy the artistry of baskets made by Maine's Wabanaki tribes. While this size may be too large for a shower, a smaller version with the basket weave design would be a perfect complement to a basket-themed shower.

Cheese and crackers -- a natural pair -- fill inviting wooden baskets that double as place cards. Select two or three delicious cheeses -- we chose aged cheddar and manchego and served them with assorted crackers. Since cheese is best at room temperature, the baskets can be conveniently assembled an hour or two before the shower begins. Print card-stock tags with guests' names; adhere to baskets with adhesive dots or double-sided tape.

Take the basket theme one step further with this savory dish. Diced yellow summer squash, zucchini, and leeks are tossed in butter, seasoned, and topped with Gruyere cheese. The mixture fills a flaky tart crust and is topped with more squash, woven in a lattice pattern.

Let guests tote away sweet almonds in tiny baskets. Line each with colored-paper liners, and fill with Jordan almonds. Use liners and nuts that complement your color scheme. Label baskets with the shower date or a monogram. We printed the date on colored laser paper, then made labels with a special craft punch, and affixed them with double-sided tape.

Arrange baskets down the center of a table, alternating colors and sizes of fruits and vegetables. Place a wooden garden pick stamped "Enjoy!" in each basket and watch shower guests delight in a shower transporting them to Tuscany. The breadsticks add height, and bowls of olives continue the Italian theme. At the end of the party, encourage guests to take home a basket.