Hamper Meaning

As many hampers as there are meanings that define hamper in this picture. (CC) Hey . . . → Read More: Hamper Meaning in Different Parts of the World]]> The word “hamper” can have different meanings for different people in different languages. How confusing can it be to ‘define hamper’? British people might think of a hamper as a container to take on a picnic. Americans would call this a picnic basket. This is only the beginning of the differing definitions between Britain and the U.S. Let’s take a look at some of the different meanings of “hamper,” and how these differ between American and British English. 

Hamper Meaning

As many hampers as there are meanings that define hamper in this picture. (CC) Hey Paul

The word “hamper” can have at least two different meanings. The first meaning has to do with something being an obstacle or an impediment. It can also mean to restrain or interfere, encumber. The second meaning, however, is quite different than the first meaning of “hamper.” This first meaning of “hamper” is the same in both British and American English.

The second meaning, however, can be a bit different between Brits and Americans. According to the Oxford Dictionary online, “hamper” can (in British English) mean a container that holds food. More specifically, a hamper is a basket, with a handle, that you use to take food on a picnic. This type of hamper also has a cover or lid of some kind. Now, if you’re speaking to an American, and say you’re taking a hamper with on your outing, they might wonder why you’re taking dirty clothes on a picnic. Most Americans will assume you’re talking about a dirty clothes hamper, or a dirty clothes basket. What a difference in meaning one small word can have to two nationalities who both speak English.

Origins of the Word Hamper

The Oxford Dictionary online says “hamper” is from the Middle-English, and denoted any large case or casket (box). “Hamper” is also from the Anglo-Norman French hanaper (also Germanic), which was a case to hold a goblet. Here again, it’s easy to imagine some ways a person who spoke Anglo-Norman French might not understand the American or British use of the word hamper. They would wonder why anyone would want to use a hamper to carry food on a picnic, or why anyone would store dirty clothes in a container meant to hold a goblet. One small word can mean so many things to people of different time periods. Be careful when reading books from that past, and make sure you understand their use of the word “hamper,” knowing they are probably not talking about a dirty clothes or laundry hamper/basket.

Synonyms of “Hamper”

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary lists several synonyms of the word “hamper.” These synonyms fit in with the second definition of “hamper,” as in being a container to hold or carrying something. Here’s the list:

• Bassinet (American and British English):  a baby basket or first baby bed.

• Bathroom hamper (American and British English):  a container or basket used in the bathroom, possibly to hold cosmetics, towels or decorative items, such as pretty soaps.

• Cradle (American and British English):  baby bed that is typically on rockers or a swing.

• Clothes hamper (British English):  some container or basket to hold clean or dirty clothes.

• Clothes basket (American English):  typically a basket used to hold dirty or clean clothes.

• Decorative hamper (British English):  a container, possibly a basket, used to hold some decorative ornament, such as flowers.

• Laundry basket (American and British English): a basket used to hold dirty or clean clothes.

• Pannier (American and British English):  a large basket usually carried on an animal’s back.

• Wood hamper (British English):  a basket, of metal or woven wood/wicker, used to carry and/or store wood for a fireplace or wood burning stove.

• Wood basket (American English):  a basket, of metal or woven wood/wicker, used to carry and/or store wood for a fireplace or wood burning stove.

Each of these words can be confused between American and British English, though the meanings are more alike than not. However, confusion still reigns between the Americans and the Brits. Most of these containers can be in the form of some type of basket. You can find almost any use for a hamper or basket. Baskets and hampers are a useful part of our every day lives, no matter what side of the ocean we live on. Just be careful when speaking to a Brit or American, and specify exactly what you mean when you use the word “hamper.”

1. Do you know somebody that lives in the same city / town and could do it for you? Many people, when panicking over a forgotten birthday or anniversary, forget completely that friends are always happy to help. If you have . . . → Read More: Gift Basket Same Day Delivery Tips]]> Oh no, I have forgotten that … has his / her … today! Did that ever happen to you? Forgot to send a gift in time? Gift Baskets make great gifts, but how to get them delivered in the last minute? Here some great ‘Gift Basket Same Day Delivery Tips‘ you might not have thought of before:

1. Do you know somebody that lives in the same city / town and could do it for you? Many people, when panicking over a forgotten birthday or anniversary, forget completely that friends are always happy to help. If you have a friend or family member living close to the person you want to send a gift basket today, call them, instruct them, beg them and don’t forget to pay them their expenses

2. Find a gift basket business in the same town / city. In this case, forget about Amazon etc, you need a business, that is located nearby in order to achieve a last minute delivery and to avoid upset. If searching for ‘gift basket + town / city’ doesn’t give any results, try instead ‘florist+town / city’ as many florists are also happy to create bespoken gift baskets. If you found one, grab the phone and order and make sure they understand that it is a last minute order.

3. Use an express service. If a parcel service, such as UPS or DHL is operating in your town AND in the down where the intended recipient lives AND if you catch your mistake early in the morning, you might have a chance to get a gift basket delivered the same day by using them. Your best chances are, when the same service has offices in both locations and if you bring your parcel directly to the office and don’t rely on pick-up services.

4. And last, but not least there is always DIY Take the opportunity to visit the person in question personally, instead of relying on a, some what, impersonal delivery service and give them your gift yourself.

I hope these few tips help you out when you forget next time an important birthday or anniversary, so why not bookmark them for future use?

Zabars Famous Deli . . . → Read More: Zabars Gift Baskets and a bit of Company History]]> Zabars has become since many decades a synonym for quality and fair prices, many people wish to buy their products, such as the famous Zabars Gift Baskets, even if they don’t live in the neighborhood. These gift baskets are available in all different sizes, prices and contents, including kosher gift baskets (Zabar is a Jewish shop), special Purim Gift Basket, Breakfast Baskets and many more. Thankfully it is now possible to order them online, via the company website. Before you go off to it, here a bit of background information about Zabars New York:

Zabars Famous Deli Book, available still at Amazon, just click the image

The company story begins with Louis Zabar who came, after the Russian October Revolution, from the Ukraine to the USA and settled in New York City. Here he met Lilian, who was from the same village as he, and married her in 1927. Together they started in the early 30s what would become soon the famous ‘Zabars in NYC‘ store on the Broadway in Manhattan (New York) and that would form the neighborhood and become one of its most famous landmarks. Starting as a Jewish delicatessen, Louis Zabar concentrated in the beginning on buying smoked fish and re-selling it, for what he deemed to be, a ‘fair price’ for the customer. This combination of excellent quality and affordable price laid the basis for the store’s success. Also today the Zabar search for this combination of quality and price and the resulting, tempting, offers warranty that a one time customer becomes a recurring customer.

After having developed a reputation for being ‘hard to please’, he expanded his shop offerings first with coffee, that he roasted himself, and then with other delicatessen like bagels, cheese and olives. As he died in 1950, he owned ten market stalls and his sons, that took over the business, build up on his foundation, making Zabar NYC what it is today. Stanley Zabar would run the business site and Saul Zabar concentrated on purchasing the stock for the shop and as director of commerce in general. Eli Zabar, the youngest, developed his, own, independent, shops and restaurants on the other site of the city, amongst them E.A.T. (named after him and his first wife, Abbie Zabar, E.A.T. Stands for ‘Eli and Abbie Together’), Eli’s Vinegar Factory and a bread factory that specializes in delivering freshly baked bread to over 1,000 restaurants across the town.

Back to the main Zabar NY enterprise, in 1954 Murray Klein joined the business and it was thanks to him that Zabars expanded at an exponential rate. The relationship between Klein and the family was not always easy, but nobody doubts that Zabars Manhattan wouldn’t be what it is today without Murray Klein as head of the retail operations.

Until the 70s the shop concentrated solely on delicatessen, but from then onwards, expanded also into the market of household goods (the Mezzanine department) and later opened a Cafe to facilitate potential buyers to taste the goodies on offer. The latest addition is Zabars Catering, that now allows everybody to throw a party ‘Zabar Style’.

The perhaps best known story about their quest for the best products to the fairest prices, and innovative ideas about retaining customers, is the so-called Beluga caviar war of Christmas 1983, when Murray Klein, then in charge of retail operations, underbid continuously the prices for Beluga caviar of Zabar’s main competitor Macy’s. The New Yorkers enjoyed this battle immensely as it allowed them to buy authentic Beluga caviar for as little as $119 for 14 ounces / nearly 400g. The resulting publicity, and the increased number of buyers that flocked to the store and bought other, additional things, made up for the loss of selling this luxurious product under retail price.

Murray Klein retired in 1994 and died in 2007, but Louis’ sons, Stanley and Saul are still running the shop with the next generation already involved heavily. The family is proud to say that ‘There is always a Zabar in the shop!’ From its humble beginning in the 30s, with just one, rented market stall, it has now developed in a true food empire and the store is 20,000 sq ft / nearly 2,000 m2 and is visited by over 35,000 customers every week. Plus, as already mentioned, they also have a mail order service, through which you can buy gift baskets and other goodies.

If you are in New York and want to visit this famous place, here the Zabars Store Hours (Open every single day of the year):

• Monday-Friday: 8am – 7.30pm

• Saturday: 8am – 8pm

• Sunday: 9am – 6pm

The Houseware Mezzanine and the Cafe have slightly shorter opening hours, please refer to the Zabar Website to get more information and you will see they have so much more to offer than just gift baskets

History of the Cornucopia

Cornucopia Basket Image, obtained via Wikipedia, public domain.

The cornucopia, also known as the “horn of plenty,” comes from ancient Greek mythology.  The story goes like this, the infant Zeus (the god of sky and thunder in Greek . . . → Read More: Cornucopia Baskets]]> Most people are familiar with the beautiful cornucopia basket arrangements typically as Thanksgiving Day decorations on a food laden table.  Did you know cornucopias actually have a long history—dating all the way back to ancient times?  Cornucopias have been depicted in ancient art and used for decorations for centuries.  They have a very interesting story.

History of the Cornucopia

Cornucopia Basket Image, obtained via Wikipedia, public domain.

The cornucopia, also known as the “horn of plenty,” comes from ancient Greek mythology.  The story goes like this, the infant Zeus (the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology) was nursed by a goat and a nymph, both named Amalthea.  Amalthea, the goat, fed Zeus on her milk to keep him alive.  One day Zeus accidentally broke off her horn when they were playing.  Feeling very badly about this, and Zeus returned the horn to Amalthea, telling her the horn had the power to give whoever possessed it what they wished for.  In ancient times, the cornucopia was typically depicted as a curved horn overflowing with grain, fruit and vegetables.  Ancient Greeks believed the Horn of Amalthea symbolized prosperity and over time it became known as the “Horn of Plenty.” That’s the mythological background of the cornucopia.  Quite an interesting story!

Modern Versions of the Cornucopia

In modern times, the cornucopia has become a symbol of plenty and prosperity, and is typically used as a decoration for harvest celebrations.  Thanksgiving Day is one of the best-known holidays, in the United States, which makes use of the cornucopia as a symbol of plenty.  Modern cornucopias have been “remodeled” into baskets made from wicker and other materials.  These days, cornucopias are used for more than just beautiful decorations; they can also be used as lovely gift baskets.

Cornucopia Gift Baskets

Cornucopias make fantastic gifts for many occasions.  You just have to use your creative imagination to find ways to use a cornucopia as a gift.  One idea is to present a cornucopia as a housewarming gift.  The symbol of plenty and prosperity is perfect for a new home.  You could even use this idea to present a wedding gift. Again, the symbol of plenty carries over as you wish all the best to the newly wedded couple.  Using a cornucopia for such gifts as these is not typical, but why not do something new and creative by giving a cornucopia gift basket on such occasions?  You could fill the cornucopia basket with any selection of foods such as fruits and vegetables, breads, and even smoked meats.  A cornucopia basket could also be filled with lovely linen napkins, napkin rings, and more.  Choose a theme and follow it through by purchasing items that are beautiful and useful.  Just be sure to choose a basket that will be the right size for your intended gifts.

Cornucopia Baskets as Decorations

Cornucopia baskets can be used in a variety of ways to decorate for many holidays.  Typically, the cornucopia is used as a table decoration for Thanksgiving. The basket is traditionally filled with fall harvest vegetables and fruits, including:  gourds of various types, apples, grapes, wheat, etc.  You can also include some fall flowers to lend some color and texture contrasts.  Fall floral arrangements generally contain mums, sunflowers, etc.  You can choose any range of fall colors for your cornucopia and the items used to fill it.

Have you considered using a cornucopia basket as a Christmas display or decoration?  Again, why not break with tradition and use the cornucopia in a new way?  You can fill the cornucopia basket with Christmas candy, silk poinsettias, pine cones and more.  Just use your imagination.  Again, use typical Christmas colors, or choose your favorite color for ribbon to add to your cornucopia basket.

You might even want to use the cornucopia as an Easter decoration.  Again, choose fillings appropriate to the holiday, and use the colors of your choice for ribbons and other decorative touches.  The sky’s the limit to how you might use a cornucopia basket for any holiday and special occasion.

These are only a few ideas of how to use the traditional cornucopia in new ways—as gifts and decorations for many holidays and other special occasions.  Don’t be afraid to use your imagination and try something new by using a cornucopia basket in a non-traditional way.  You’ll not only create a new tradition, but will bring delight to others with your beautiful creations.

Location and Climate

Exposure to sun, wind and rain, plus the overall climate where you live, is the first point you need to consider. You want to choose flowers or plants that do well in your local climate, and not some that have to ‘battle for . . . → Read More: Flowers for Baskets]]> Choosing the right flowers for hanging baskets is actually not difficult. There are a few points to keep in mind, such a size and climate, but apart of this, your creativity is the only frontier Before now shooting of to the next garden center or online retailer, here the few points to consider.

Location and Climate

Exposure to sun, wind and rain, plus the overall climate where you live, is the first point you need to consider. You want to choose flowers or plants that do well in your local climate, and not some that have to ‘battle for survival’. Another, often overlooked, problem is how easy the basket is to water. Do you have to climb a ladder every time you want to water your plants and flowers, or is it easily done by staying on the ground? Do you have some sort of (semi-) automatic watering system in place that could help? As a rule of thumb, the harsher the climate and the more difficult the flower basket is to reach, the hardier should the plants be that you choose.

Size and Shape

After you have determined which types of flowers and plants will drive well in your area, it is time to look at sizes and shapes available. As a rule of thumb, you want to look for, flowering, plants that don’t grow too high. Reason being is, that a hanging basket can catch wind easily and tall plants, such as sunflowers will break equally easily. Therefor you should look for plants like geranium, primula, petunia, rock rose, mini daffodils or mini tulips and the like. The next group that looks great in plant baskets are trailing plants such a lobelia (click image on the bottom right to see more info and where to buy them). Another good idea is to have a variety of plants in your basket to make is look more varied and lively. A nice idea is to plant low growing plants in the middle and trailing plants at the border of the basket. This way you get a really great display of flowering plants in different levels. Additionally you can plant a few climbing plants close to the chain, or similar, you use to hang the basket. You can then train them to climb up the chain, adding even more variety and a different look to your display.

Click image to get more product information.

Colors

It is always a good idea not to go too wild with colors, if you have already three different types of plants (small, trailing / hanging and climbing), you don’t want to have them also in all in different colors. This would give your flower basket a busy, and even untidy, look. Either stay with one color theme, combine no more than three different colors or use evergreen, non-flowering plants in your mix. I personally prefer to choose flowers for baskets that are all in one color, like blue or red-orange, but in the end, this is up to you and your personal taste.

Summary: Before choosing flowers for baskets, consider the climate and location, the amount of care they’ll need, their shapes and sizes and then decide on the colors. This way your choice will not only be easier, you will be also more successful as a basket gardener