Time for another drink, and Ashby's, sold by Coffee Masters, came to the rescue. Their loose teas ($2.00 each) are packaged in 2.25 oz. clear tubes decked with vibrant labels. Great basket addition. I preferred the Guava Peach Tea over the Apricot Papaya Strawberry, which seemed a bit overpowering because of the multiple flavors.

If you're looking for attractive dessert mixes, Sisters' Gourmet offers cookie and fudge mixes in two types of canning jars. There's the classic jar ($4.75 each) and the European style ($5.90 each), which is more rounded on the bottom edges. Each jar is tied at the top with a narrow piece of organza ribbon. The ingredients in each jar have a sand art appearance. The Chocolate Overload Brownie was heavenly and decadent in flavor.

Plump, coated chocolates and fruits in cello bags are always a big hit with designers and customers alike. Chocolate Moon sells a wonderful selection, and I made sure to try their Prosser's Cherries (10 oz. bag for $4.97), which are cherries drenched in milk chocolate with a cherry puree coating. It lasts a long time in the mouth and is a great change from tasting artificial flavors. Others in the line are Mama's Mints (malted balls in dark chocolate) and Blue Devil Berries (blueberries dipped in milk chocolate).

Chocolate Moon also offers a Chocolate Body Care line of exfoliating sea salt scrubs. The rep said that this line enhances both the buyer�s skin and love life. Well, let your customer be the judge. Indulgence Dark Chocolate (dark in color) and Revitalizing Cocoa Butter (lemon color) are the two choices. Each is used to coat the skin and exfoliate it through massage, leaving the skin with a soft, smooth glow. $9.95 each.

BoxCo showed off six new box designs. Denim, Rattan, Lime Green (a hot new color for everything), Jewish Star, Pinstripe and Floral Elegance. Large and small boxes available as well as matching gift cards. Pinstripe is promising for men, while Floral Elegance should be considered for wedding and women's themes.

It was a long day, and I began my march toward the exit, but a line of tissue paper stopped me. But was it tissue? No, it was more versatile. Art Bloom Imports sells a synthetic paper that looks just like tissue paper, but it�s one better. This paper won't rip, and it's waterproof. It's perfect for lining baskets, boxes and bags as well as wrapping baskets, boxes and bags. Citrus, purple, lemon, and a tapestry of florals were some of the standout colors. Just $11 for a 30-roll yard, and there are some that are pre-cut. They also sell the paper in metallic colors which is heavier than the regular paper (10 yards for $11), and one that's called Snowman, which resembles paint splatters throughout the roll (6 yards is $11).

This paper is a definite winner and should be considered as an alternative decoration and wrapping source. Each roll is vivid, bright, and illuminating. Many colors available within each grouping.

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NOTE:
Information in each Show Report provides details on products displayed at trade shows. It does not constitute 1) company or product endorsements or 2) prevailing products or prices.

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