how about hydrangeas(LOVE EM!)-whatever colour-with long ivy wrapped around the 'head' and bear grass criss-crossed over top like a cage, aluminium wire with pearls rowed onto it around that, sisal (or my favourite at mo-tillandsia!) wrapped around stems and some organza ribbons hanging down from the stems with the same pearls tied to the ends for wieght....for the basket you could do pretty much the same thing.(only in a basket!
) and instead of the normal basket handle, make a handle out of the aluminum wire...just a thought!