Hey Montanans, Remember May Day Baskets?

Growing up in small town Forsyth, Montana, May 1st was a playful holiday for kids in the neighborhood.  The doorbell rang or there was a knock at the door, but no one stood there.  Instead a little cup with a makeshift handle sat on the porch and held some candy and picked dandelions.

Peeking from around the house corner, a child watched the recipient find the little basket.

If the giver was spotted, a chase ensued.  If the recipient caught the basket giver, the recipient can give a kiss back.

This was the Springtime game of May Day baskets.  It was a fun way for a youngster to let another youngster know they are liked.

Don't tell my trivia players, but with May Day this year on Wednesday, I made some May Day baskets for the teams.  This is so easy, anyone can make them.

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Materials Needed:

Disposable paper drinking cups, preferably decorated in springtime; pipe cleaners in various colors; candy; silk flowers in smaller blossoms.

Tools Needed: hole punch, wire cutters.

Instructions:

Punch two holes in the paper cup on opposite sides, just below the lip.  Loop an end of a pipe cleaner into each hole and twist upon itself to form a handle.  Fill the cup with candy.

Silk flowers have a thick wire within the stems.  With the cutters, snip each flower and leaves to wanted length.  I like small blossoms to stay upright but larger flowers creates a fuller appearance.

Arrange the flowers and leaves in the cup with candy.  That's it, done.

You can make these as simple or as elaborate as you wish.  Use actual flowers like dandelions or ground blossoms for an authentic look.

Okay, you know what to do.  Leave the basket on the porch just outside the door, ring or knock, then run.

And if you want to be kissed, don't run so fast.